TV Shows And The BibleSample

The Walking Dead: Zombies and the Bible Populate One of TV’s Cult Favorites

In 2010, AMC (the cable network known for producing hit shows “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad”) took steps in a completely different direction with the introduction of “The Walking Dead,” a post-apocalyptic drama that features small bands of survivors fending off zombies and each other.

Ironically, the storyline was never supposed to be about the undead (or “walkers”). Instead, the writers were more focused on creating conflict based on human nature amongst the living. 

Another surprising element was the introduction of the Bible as a consistent piece of the narrative backdrop. Throughout the series, characters from various faith expressions quote the Bible and in other instances, Bible verses or references can be seen prominently and more subtly.

In season two, the series introduces Hershel Greene (Scott Wilson), a farmer who plays a significant role until his death in season four. In one of the most powerful moments of the series, he reads Psalm 91 to his daughters Beth (Emily Kinney) and Maggie (Lauren Cohan) before praying with them. As Hershel reads the passage, the show’s primary protagonist, Rick Grimes (Anthony Lincoln), is shown outside briefly hallucinating in the harsh sun and seeing an image of his deceased wife Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies).

Then, in the season three finale, a nefarious dictator-like character simply known as the Governor (David Morrissey) discovers an open Bible in the Woodbury prison that Hershel left for him to find. A highlighted verse is briefly shown on the screen:

“And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, until the resurrection of damnation.” (John 5:29, KJV)

In season five, the show’s producers cleverly used the Bible during scenes in which a group of survivors hide out in an Episcopalian church. In one episode, the hymn board displays Bible verse references instead of hymnal page numbers: “ROM 6 4” (Romans 6:4), “EZE37 7” (Ezekiel 37:7), “MA2752” (Matthew 27:52), “RE 9 6” (Revelation 9:6), and “LU 24 5” (Luke 24:5). 

It requires a keen eye and some investigative work, but all five verses talk about death and resurrection. One of the most apropos offerings originates from the Bible’s final book:

“And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.” (Revelation 9:6, KJV)

Fans who have grown familiar with the show’s use of the Bible found this episode particularly clever. Some even responded by creating Internet zombie memes that quoted the passages.

“This was no coincidence,” Lutheran pastor and blogger Sam Schuldheisz opined. “Whomever it was that wrote these episodes, took time to think about what these verses meant and why they should be included on set. Someone on the writing staff knew that viewers (I can’t be the only one) would take the time to look these verses up and reflect upon them. Certainly, context can’t always be known in one verse. But read the verses and their context. It’s all about dying and rising. I find it fascinating, and rather profound, that in a fictional show about death and survival, someone was thoughtful enough to find and display several key scripture passages, which, in reality, show how one can indeed survive death.”

These church-based episodes set up a compelling dynamic for fictional pastor, Father Gabriel Stokes (Seth Gilliam).

“You would assume that you would have the answers,” Gilliam told Entertainment Weekly. “And all the answers can be found in the Bible and in the scriptures about why things are happening and how they are going to turn out for either the better or worse or what have you. But there’s nothing in it to comfort him with that, and I think it’s very conflicting for him.”

The Bible’s impact also carries over into the popular prequel Fear The Walking Dead. In the fourth episode of season one, for instance, “Rev 21 4” (Revelation 21:4) is spelled out in the fencing of a military compound with random debris. Later in the episode, that same verse is written out on a piece of cardboard and also mounted to a wire fence.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4, KJV)