Satan’s Guide to the Bible is burning up the internet, and not just because of its hellish host. Since its December 2023 debut on YouTube, this animated doc has racked up over 1.3 million views, sparked 25,000+ comments, and ignited debates from Reddit threads to academic conferences. Directed by Zeke Piestrup and animated by industry professional Tim Johnson (Antz, Over the Hedge), the film is a sharp, darkly funny critique of biblical history that dares to ask if the world’s most famous holy book should still be guiding our moral compass. Spoiler: Satan thinks not.
In the film, Satan steps in as a cheeky Sunday school substitute teacher, unraveling complex theological concepts and long-buried scholarship usually reserved for seminary students. Featuring expert insights from biblical scholars like Bart Ehrman and Susan Niditch, the film challenges traditional Christian narratives with biting humor and meticulous research. It’s no wonder it’s been subtitled in eight languages and inspired response videos, think pieces, and even a rebuttal book.
Director Piestrup reflects on the film’s viral success: “We aimed for entertaining and educational, and it’s rewarding to see it spark such deep conversations. People aren’t just watching—they’re questioning their beliefs.”
A Cult Hit Meets the Ivory Tower
The film’s next stop? The Society of Biblical Literature’s (SBL) annual meeting in San Diego. This isn’t your local Sunday school potluck—it’s a gathering of 10,000 scholars and theologians dissecting scripture with academic precision. Two exclusive screenings and a panel discussion will dive deeper into the film’s provocative themes, featuring scholars who appeared in the project. While Piestrup jokes about the hefty $265-day pass, he’s passionate about sharing Satan’s Guide to the Bible with those “hyped on understanding scholarly arguments around ancient texts.”
The film doesn’t just poke fun at biblical scholarship—it critiques how much of it stays trapped in academia. “What scholars uncover often clashes with the traditional Christian narrative,” Piestrup explains. “Many pastors know sharing these insights could cost them their jobs.”
The Devil’s in the Details
Creating the film was a two-year labor of love, sweat, and deleted frames. Piestrup originally experimented with felt-based animation before upgrading to Photoshop, which allowed Johnson to craft expressive, modular character designs. Satan’s journey from creepy felt to a slick “accidentally sexy” version was just the beginning. From tweaking tiny details like torso movements for a lifelike effect to animating a dozen characters in wide classroom shots, every frame was hand-crafted, with Piestrup learning much of the process on the fly.
“Tim didn’t just design the characters; he built them like Swiss Army knives,” Piestrup shares. “Every layer—eyebrows, mouth shapes, eyelids—was a tool I could tweak. It was painstaking but worth it.”
A Provocative Short That Punches Above Its Weight
While major studios churn out mindless blockbusters, Satan’s Guide to the Bible is proof that independent films can still provoke, entertain, and educate. Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or just someone who loves a good animated roast, this viral sensation isn’t just worth a watch—it’s a must-discuss.
You can stream it now on the SATANSGUIDE YouTube channel, or if you’re feeling academic (and flush), catch it at the SBL meeting in San Diego.
This devilish short might not save your soul, but it’ll definitely set your mind ablaze.
