In a time where some Christian publications remind us on a daily basis that our world is going to hell in a hand basket, the rest of the world surprises us. While some fight for freedom FROM religion, others are embracing it. And who better to take advantage of this trend? TV.

This week’s schedule is full of Easter and religious-themed programing all around the dial, a rare occurrence indeed. But will people watch? If last night’s ratings of Killing Jesus are any indication, then yes.

Last night, the National Geographic Channel brought in 3.7 million viewers to watch the adaptation of Bill O’Reilly’s book, Killing Jesus. This is the channel’s biggest audience ever and much of the audience fell into the 25-54 age range. Later this week, the film will be shown on the Fox News Channel and will air globally in 171 countries.

This week, just before Passover, CBS is bringing (albeit with very little fanfare) the TV mini-series The Dovekeepers on Tuesday and Wednesday. Based on Alice Hoffman novel of the same name, the made-for-TV movie is yet another project of Mark Burnett and Roma Downey who are getting a lot more attention for the NBC limited series, A.D.: The Bible Continues which begins on Easter. This is sort of a sequel of their History Channel project, The Bible and takes place right after the crucifiction of Christ. (Side Note: Have you seen pictures of Burnett lately? He is growing his own Bible-sized beard.) Also on Easter Sunday, ABC will air its umpteenth presentation of the classic Cecile B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments.

On the UP channel, they are celebrating Easter (or Bible stories) all week long including a newer version of the Ten Commandments. They are also featuring the classic 1961 King of Kings and Mel Giblson’s The Passion of the Christ. Also on Easter, TCM will featured Easter-themed movies all day.

Here is a listing of evening presentations for this week:

Monday, March 30
– Jesus – UP – 8:00 pm
– Killing Jesus – National Geographic Channel – 11:00 pm

Tuesday, March 31
– The Dovekeepers – CBS – 8:00 pm
– The Ten Commandments – UP- 9:00 pm

Wednesday, April 1
– The Dovekeepers – CBS – 8:00 pm
– King of Kings – UP – 9:00 pm

Thursday, April 2
– The Dovekeepers – CBS – 8:00 pm
– Mary, Mother of Jesus – UP – 9:00 pm
– Apostle Peter and the Last Supper – UP – 11:00 pm

Friday, April 3
– Judas – UP – 7:00 pm
– Killing Jesus – Fox News Channel – 8:00 pm
– The Passion of the Christ – UP – 9:00 pm
– Jesus – UP – 11:00 pm

Saturday, April 4
– Noah’s Ark – UP – 5:0o pm
– The Passion of Christ – UP – 7:00 pm
– Noah’s Ark – UP – 9:00 pm
– King of Kings – UP – 11:00 pm

Sunday, April 5
– The Ten Commandments – ABC – 7 pm
– Killing Jesus – Fox News Channel – 8 pm
– A.D.: The Bible Continues – NBC – 9 pm