The Chosen has created a stir among so many people, believers and non believers alike. For some, it has brought good news, hope, and a new perspective on the Bible, its words, and the characters we “know so well”. For others, it has brought about some controversies and opened the door to some rather nasty, or at the very least, ignorant, comments from many in the Christian community.
I’ve heard a lot of people bash this show because of certain things the creators did or how they chose to portray certain scenes or people. I’ve heard some nasty comments, and I’ve heard some pretty ignorant remarks and petty reasons for not seeing the show.
My Intentions
In this article, I fully expect to step on some people’s toes…but I believe they are toes that need to be stepped on. I’m not writing this to spark a debate, trample all over your personal convictions, or to maliciously offend anyone, but I believe there are some things that need to be said.
I have no intentions of changing anyone’s mind about the show. I am not writing this to convince you, or anyone, to watch something they don’t want to…but I do want to address a few of the “major issues” people seem to have with show. I hope to provide some clarity about these issues and to show a perspective I think many people have missed.
I also have no intentions of spoiling anything for anyone wishing to see this show all the way through, so…
**Warning** This post is going to contain spoilers. If you haven’t seen through the end of the third season and don’t wish to know what events we see in the season…you have been warned!
Controversy #1: The Human Factor
I have heard many comments from people who were offended or thought it blasphemous that Jesus and the apostles made jokes, picked on each other, argued, and acted in ways that we don’t see in scripture.
Remember this phrase “the human factor”. I will be referring to it a lot in this article, and it is so important for us to keep in mind regarding this show, or any adaptation about the Bible or history in general.
When it comes to telling a story of some kind, I have found there are two types of books it could be: a novel, or a history book. Have you ever noticed the differences between the two? A novel, if written well, doesn’t leave out many details in relation to the characters or events it is describing. It dives deep into character traits, emotions, thoughts, etc. When reading a novel, we can pretty much accept that if it wasn’t written in the book, it didn’t happen. A history book, however, is not so detailed. While we can, at times, be given specifics about some quotes or personal details, we know that when we read a history book there was more to these people and events than has been recorded. We never question that what we read about George Washington’s life recorded in books was all that he ever did, said, or thought. We know there is more.
The Bible is NOT a novel; it does not contain every intimate detail of each character’s life, experiences, and emotions. It was not meant to be, and its purpose was not to give every detail. . .nor could all of the paper in the world contain it:
“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” –John 20:30-31
“Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” –John 21:25
Through John’s admission alone (not to mention logical reasoning) we can believe that not everything that happened was written down. Thus, we can conclude that there must have been more to the story, and the characters, than we see in the pages of our Bibles. Scripture is the Word of God, yet that does not make it the only reputable record of historical information for that time. We have other historical writings that help give us more information about the time period, the people, and the events surrounding them. These are tools.
Apart from that, we can also use our knowledge of human nature and relations to come to some logical conclusions:
1. Simon and Andrew were brothers, this we know from scripture (Matthew 4:18). Siblings bicker and siblings poke fun at each other. Boys are even more prone to do this to one another. So it stands to reason that these men would make jokes, argue and laugh at each other.
2. Tax collectors were hated by the Jews. So when Jesus called Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him, I don’t think the other disciples would have quickly welcomed him with open arms. There was probably a lot of tension. . .perhaps even for a long while. As a tax collector, it also makes sense to think that Matthew could have been very good with numbers and was possibly a little more analytical and precise. We don’t know for sure, but it is a reasonable assumption.
3. Jesus was, while being fully God, fully human. Thus, it stands to reason that He would also have some human tendencies; especially having lived on earth for 30 years, had siblings, friends and interacted with the general population. Why do we think that He would not have made jokes, laughed with His friends, or had normal human fun? God gave us a sense of humor so it stands to reason that He would have one as well, as both the Father and the Son.
When it comes to details, we can actually see many times throughout scripture where God made sure the record was extremely specific:
- The dimensions of the Ark (Genesis 6:13-16)
- The genealogies
- Some of the rather graphic deaths in Judges (Judges 3:20-23)
- The descriptions of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9-21)
If it was so important, that we have the details for some things, would He not have taken care of that in every instance where it was needed? Could He not have allowed for imagination in places where detail wasn’t so critical?
How, then, should we respond when The Chosen, or anyone for that matter, tells the story of Christ with details that are not in scripture? I believe we need to respond in two ways.
First, remember what this is. This is a possibility. Dallas Jenkins and the cast and crew of The Chosen have never claimed that this is an accurate portrayal of everything and everyone in the Bible. In fact, if you watch the very first episode, there is a disclaimer at the beginning that states this very clearly. No one believes this is how it happened. They are showing reasonable possibilities based on what is stated in scripture and what could perhaps have been, based on the factors I mentioned above. And, actually, Dallas has stated over and over again that this show is NOT to take the place of scripture, but to drive people to go back to God’s Word.
Second, remember who the Master Author is. He is our Creator. He is imaginative. He is artistic. HE created all things and He gave us imaginations, gifts, talents, and abilities to do creative things just as He did (within reason, of course). He created laughter, joy, comedy (just look at animals, or even humans). If He gave His creation these things, why would we think that He, Himself, would not have them, especially while He was here on earth?
It is not irreverent or dishonoring to portray Jesus in this way. In fact, I would even argue that, considering the character and creativity of God, it is dishonoring to believe that it is.
Controversy #2: John the Baptist’s Conversation with Jesus
In one episode of season two we meet John the Baptist as he comes to talk with Jesus and states his intentions to go to Herod and confront him on his sin of taking his brother’s wife. Jesus and John the Baptist have a conversation and a little bit of an argument over this subject.
Many people thought it was horrible that John the Baptist would be disrespectful and argue with Jesus and that JESUS was making light of Herod’s sin.
Was this true? Here are my thoughts when I watched this scene:
In regards to John the Baptist being respectful, we need to remember the historical context here and recall to mind the human factor. Jesus and John were cousins. They were very close in age and probably spent some time together growing up. Family members argue, and this does not mean they are being disrespectful. . .yet, even if this were true, we need to remember that John was not a perfect human being. Just because the Bible does not state clearly that John made mistakes does not mean that he didn’t. Yes, he knew that his cousin was the Messiah, but that knowledge (in our human minds) does not erase the fact that He is standing here in human form and, in this case, is a close family member. Even Mary, knowing full well who He was, pulled the “mom card” and, it could even be argued, forgot His true calling and mission at times. The natural familial and human instincts take over.
So it is completely plausible, and not at all blasphemous, to assume that a conversation like this could have occurred between Jesus and His cousin.
As to Jesus ignoring Herod’s sin. . .Jesus never diminished Herod’s sin (I encourage you to go back and watch the episode again is you missed that part). I saw this conversation more about Jesus getting John to think about what he was doing, not to say he was wrong for wanting to confront Herod, but to make sure he was following GOD’S direction and not just his own desires. This was an example of Jesus using His teaching skills to the benefit of the person with whom He is talking (I will address that in a little more detail a little further down).
We can tell from the scriptures that John was probably a bit of a hot-head and was extremely passionate. That is not a bad thing, but it must always be channeled in the direction God is directing or it could blow up in your face and cause problems that are better avoided. There are many actions and paths that are not necessarily wrong, or that have a lot of truth and good intentions in them, but that does not mean they should be done by everyone at every turn. We could address the sin of someone every time they do something wrong, but would that be the best way to do it? We could stand up for every little thing that we see is wrong, but for the best results we need to pick our battles. We could be bold and proclaim truth and the Gospel from every street corner of the world and in every doorway, but that could do more harm than good. I have to remind myself of this, too, sometimes when I get fired up over something that is wrong. My response is not a bad one, but it is not always the best option. We need to listen to God above even our truthful and valiant intentions.
I believe this scene is about Jesus focusing on the heart of the matter, something He does on every page of Scripture, in every story He tells, and in every interaction He has with others.
Controversy #3: Mary’s Fall
In this episode of season two, Mary leaves Jesus’ camp after encountering Roman soldiers out on the road and then seeing Jesus heal a demoniac. She flees to a nearby city and returns to the bar and gambling of her past life before Jesus freed her.
I saw many complain about the direction the writers took Mary.
“How dare they show Mary Magdelene backsliding and turning back to her old way of life after Jesus redeemed her! That means they believe Jesus’ redemption didn’t stick!”
That is nonsense! Do we honestly think that once we have been redeemed we will not struggle or sin? Even Paul talked about the struggle with sin after redemption.
“For what I am doing I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice, but what I hate, that I do.” –Romans 7:15
Every one of us will continue to struggle with sin and relying on our own strength to get through tough situations. We WILL fail, but that does not mean that Christ’s redemption wasn’t enough. It means we are sinners. . .in need of a Savior. If we would not struggle with sin after conversion, we would have no need for the Bible.
We are told virtually nothing about Mary Magdalene in scripture apart from Jesus casting out seven demons from her. The Chosen shows us what is in the realm of possibilities for Mary’s life, based on the little scripture gives and some historical context. So even if nothing else the Chosen said about Mary’s backstory is true, living with SEVEN demons is traumatic enough. I think many of us struggle with triggers and temptations over far less.
Controversy #4: Preparing for the Sermon the the Mount
There were a couple of issues people have had with this portrayal. One was Jesus “rehearsing” what He would say in the Sermon on the Mount, the other was Jesus talking it over with Matthew and Matthew suggesting to Jesus how He should say things.
For those upset about Jesus rehearsing the sermon, I have a question to ask: was He rehearsing WHAT He would say, or HOW He would say it? I’ve heard many people respond to this scene with the comment, “Jesus was God, He didn’t need to practice what to say!”
Jesus was fully God, but as I mentioned above, He was also fully human. Do you think there were things that Jesus, while He was on earth, didn’t know? Or things that He had to practice and learn? Growing up, it’s reasonable to assume that He had to learn how to speak, how to read, how to be a carpenter. . .I don’t think He just knew how to do them one day simply because He was fully God.
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” –Luke 2:52
Do we also think that in His humanity He knew everything all the time? Jesus, Himself, said this was not so:
“But of that day and hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” –Mark 13:32
It’s reasonable to believe, then, that there MIGHT have been some practicing HOW to speak to a multitude from all different ages and all different walks of life.
And that leads me to the issue of Jesus using Matthew as a sounding board. Let’s start with a question: was this for Jesus’ benefit, or for Matthew’s? Everyone who has a problem with this scene seems to be coming at it from the perspective of Jesus not needing something; but they have completely forgotten about the other person. What did Matthew need?
A good teacher knows what his student needs and knows how to get through to them. Sometimes that is in the form of a lecture, sometimes a hands-on lesson, or sometimes it is in the form of questions and conversation. When a teacher asks us a question, do we automatically assume they don’t know the answer or need help? No, we understand that they are trying to get us to think and process differently to come to the conclusion needed. Jesus is a Master Teacher. He knows each of us on an even deeper scale. So He would know what it was that Matthew needed and how to help him see that.
When I watched that scene I saw Jesus doing something specifically for the needs of His disciple, based on Mathew’s character. It wasn’t that Jesus needed his help or didn’t know what He was doing. . .it was for Matthew’s benefit. So Matthew could grow.
Controversy #5: The Book of Mormon Quote?
The season 3 trailer sparked an explosion among Christians. . .all with six little words.
Pharisee: “Jesus if you do not renounce your words we will have no choice but to follow the law of Moses.”
Jesus: “I am the law of Moses.”
I saw so many then start claiming that the Chosen was being influenced by false religions because Dallas Jenkins works with Mormons and this is a quote from the Book of Mormon!
Is this actually a quote from the Book of Mormon, or is this a common sense response to the statement? And in fact, it is actually the truth. Scripture is very clear about Jesus being the fulfillment of the law. . .He actually wrote the law.
Instead of rushing out and making claims that aren’t true, or at the very least are trying to read someone’s intentions without considering the facts or the content, perhaps we should be looking at what this statement, and this entire scene, would signify to a Jewish community. When Jesus came to a people who were so focused on their religion, their traditions, and following the law, He rocked their world by breaking down what they thought they knew and asserted that HE was the true authority and the complete fulfillment of the law.
So, in fact, Him saying “I am the law of Moses” should not be a controversy. Those who made this accusation did so before even watching the episode. It came out of a few seconds in a two minute trailer! I Highly advise everyone to watch, not only this episode, but every episode before blowing every sentence out of the water. Context is everything.
I also have a question that has been bothering me: Why are so many Christians well versed in what the Book of Mormon says that they immediately think of that instead of scripture?
Controversy #6: A Matter of PRIDE???
Hang on to your hats, folks! This one’s going to be a doozy and the fire is stoked and burning here!
I saw SO MANY who were quick to throw stones at this one. The clip had BARELY been posted and I had not even had time to watch it before my social media feed was exploding with Christians responding to a “blink and you’ll miss it” moment behind the scenes clip where the cameraman had a tiny pride flag on his equipment. The video had not even been up for a few days before I started seeing videos from others reacting to this “outrage” and “blatant show of support of evil”. It was almost as if people, who have apparently never cared for the show, were watching for everything The Chosen put up so they could look for something wrong on which to call them out.
I want to address a few of the common “solutions” and opinions I heard pointed out in just two days:
1. “He should be fired or quit!”
I was actually surprised that people suggested this. Our labor laws specifically prohibit not hiring or firing people based on their race, gender, sexuality, or religion. If The Chosen were to do this, they would be in mega hot water and have the potential to be sued by the crew member for illegal termination.
2. “Dallas Jenkins needs to monitor his cast and crew more and not let them wear or have anything that the show doesn’t support.”
I have two issues with with this: First, the cameraman (and most of the cast and crew, according to Dallas Jenkins) is an independent contractor. As an independent contractor, you are not subject to the same rules and regulations as a regular employee. I, too, am an independent contractor. You CANNOT make demands of them for what they can and cannot wear or have on their own personal belongings. This is like telling the workers who come to work on your house that they have to wear your favorite football team’s jersey any time they are over at your house.
Second, as Christians, we seem to get upset when we are told at our workplace that we cannot wear anything related to our beliefs or decorate our office or desks the way we like. We don’t like it when we have to be SUPER careful what we say on social media or in public because it could hurt our job. Why are we trying to force that on others. . .especially when it does not seem to be affecting this man’s work, or that he is forcing his beliefs on those around him?
Monitoring and micro-managing does not establish trust or an amicable relationship. In fact, I have noticed this cast and crew acting more like a family and being respectful and honoring of others (despite differing beliefs and opinions) than I have in any other group.
3. “Dallas and the cast members were very rude and need to apologize!”
We need to understand that the views of employees do not reflect the views of the business, and vise versa, and we do not need everyone to have that disclaimer every time they open their mouth. . .or their social media account.
Could they have been a little clearer about who they were speaking for or what they meant? Probably. Should the fans and viewers have understood that their personal social media accounts were their own personal opinions and not necessarily the opinions of The Chosen? Absolutely! We don’t need to have everything spelled out for us, and we don’t need to jump on the first explosive thought out of our heads.
Dallas and the cast were very busy working at this time and they had just watched their friends and a community and project they love very much be attacked by the very people who should have known better. I think we all would have been a little irritated and have shorter (perhaps more curt) replies, too.
4. “They could have at least cut the flag out of the video!”
Would you have rather them cut it out or hide it instead of being completely open and honest? Perhaps that would spark another controversy should it ever be known.
5. “It’s not loving to condone their sin!”
I will be the first to agree with this statement. However, I would also ask a question with this one: ARE they condoning the sin of the pride movement? I have never seen anything to support that.
Some have said that them allowing the pride flag on the set or letting it be shown in a behind the scenes video is condoning and promoting. Is it condoning or supporting their sin to allow someone wearing a pride shirt into your home, either for a job, a meal or a conversation? Dallas Jenkins and all those of the cast and crew who are believers have not ever said they support the actions of the LGBTQ community. . .they support their friend in his job.
When it comes to loving someone as Jesus would love them, we have to remember (because I see we often forget) that each person requires something different. While there are some elements that always go with it (such as patience, humility, respect, and kindness, as stated in 1 Corinthians 13), you cannot use a one-size-fits-all approach in showing love. Jesus treated everyone equally, but He did not treat them all the same. He knew how to best approach each individual and show love to them. Some He approached with gentleness and patience, some he was a little harder on. Some He rebuked. . .some He did not.
We need to ALWAYS speak and live the truth, but there are different ways to do that in different circumstances and with different people. And that comes through knowing and having a relationship with people where you can, and asking God how He needs you to show love to each individual person. THAT is how you love as Jesus loved.
How can we say (not knowing this man or the situation) that allowing him to have his personal property with him on set, and not publicly condemning him, is not opening that door for him to listen to the words being spoken on set and actually making him want to ask the Christians around him more about this Jesus? Would you be willing to listen?
6. “This is supposed to be a Christian company! This show is NOT Godly!”
We like to think that anything producing a show based on the Bible is all Christian, but we have to remember that is not always so. Yes, the director and many of the cast and crew are Christians, but there are also many involved with the show who are not. This is not a church, official Christian company or a ministry. All working on the project are not required to have the same beliefs or statement of faith, so we need to stop treating them like they do.
Those people are not writing the content, and we do not see the influence of the pride movement, sin , or false religion making an appearance in the show, so why are we so against unbelievers working on this set? Why do we insist that the people who need Jesus the most NOT spend time in a place where they can be around that all the time and around people who can influence them?
We need to learn to separate the art from the artist. Judge the content, and focus on the message not the messenger, for people will always let us down in one way or another.
Conclusion
The Chosen shows the story we know well from a new perspective. One not ever explored before. Perhaps a new perspective is what is needed for all of us.
Look in the mirror
We need to take a look at the movies and TV we watch and use the same measure we are using to weigh these Christian movies and shows we like to pick apart. If we are picking apart the Chosen and nixing it because they take artistic license with some of the characters and stories, then we need to nix all the movies and shows that are about true events and people but don’t match exactly. That includes every children’s movie and show that tells Bible stories.
If we are picking apart and nixing because everything depicted is not word for word what the Bible says or because we think it doesn’t line up exactly with our beliefs, then we need to nix every Disney movie (yes, even the wholesome old ones), every Marvel movie, Star Wars, every Christian movie, etc., because we are NEVER going to find anyone or anything that we agree with 100%.
If we have a problem because the creator works with people of other denominations, or even atheists, we need to nix everything done by someone of another denomination. . .in ALL areas of our lives, and that should probably include not being friends or hanging out with those who don’t believe the way we do.
Don’t fall for the sneak attack
It’s an age old tactic. Turn your enemies against each other and they won’t be able to fight against you. It is an easy divide and conquer move. Satan loves to pull Christians apart and get them to turn on each other, something he has gotten really good at. . .especially in the last few years, as we have been really easy to turn and rip each other apart when we come across other Christians who don’t agree with us.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want him to win. DON’T fall for it!
Face the REAL threat
If you don’t want to watch the Chosen, then don’t; but don’t go around bashing it for being evil and unbiblical, or bash other people or make them feel like bad Christians for watching it. We don’t need to accuse the show and its creators of leading people astray and turning them away from God and the Bible when we have ZERO evidence of that (but quite the opposite, actually). Instead, we need to turn our focus back on the enemy and his real purpose. We need to stop fighting among ourselves and fight together against things that are TRULY turning people away from God and Scripture. These things are plaguing our streets and coming for our children while we are squabbling among ourselves about a difference of opinion.
Christians and conservatives have been complaining about the entertainment industry and how we don’t have any good and wholesome movies and shows out there for the entire family to enjoy. Now that we do, we pick it apart and find fault with every little thing we see that doesn’t fit our own ideas or perception. This does not mean that we need to blindly follow something because it has a Bible stamp on it. . .but go back and read the scriptural account! Does the issue you see go against scripture (either its teachings or the heart of God)? Or does it just go against the way YOU think about it?
The way I have seen Christians respond to this show has greatly saddened me. This is NOT how we should act! Yes, this is different; yes, this show and its creators are doing things in a different way than is normal. . .and in a way that many of us would not do, but you know what? Get used to different! Jesus, Himself, was so different from what everyone expected and He stirred up the waters and shook up society by the revolutionary ideas He spread. Why do we get so offended and hurtful when someone does what we all wish would happen: Do something different than what we see!
Christians, we are on the same team. . .it’s time we started acting like it!
Preserving Foundations 
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