THE CHOSEN Series—10 Critical Concerns — The Battle Cry
I’ve posted articles on “The Chosen” before. You may view them here and here. This particular repost is very well documented (see credits at bottom) and expands upon some of what has been previously identified, plus provides noteworthy additional information.
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January 23, 2022 by Lighthouse Trails Editors With the in-theater premier of Season 3 of The Chosen series, I thought it wise to post the following critique of the series through Season 2, as well as the rave review provided by Christianity Today. Here it is, and I apologize for any formatting errors. I watched […]
Bruce, this is a rare instance where I must respectfully disagree with your repost of the article by Lighthouse Trail Editors. I don’t at all disagree with their criticism of Mormonism, which I completely share. Nor do I disagree with concern about a possible influence of Mormonism on the content of The Chosen, going forward. That could be a potential concern. But they also state correctly, that so far, there is no evidence of such influence in the first two seasons, and Jenkins has repeatedly addressed this issue. All three writers are orthodox Christians, and even the Mormon owners of Angel Studios are aware that the first time any (crazy) Mormon based ideology enters the show, its all over. But I dont agree with their interpretation of 2 Corinthians 6:14. I think Paul was referring to those who deny Christ, not those whose beliefs in Christ are heretical or just mistaken. If taken too far, some Christians might apply this idea to working with Catholics or members of other Protestant denominations. But the main point of my disagreement is that none of their points about Jenkins and his many many quotes (the man does a LOT of talking) matter.
I fully support the show, and I have seen its positive influence on many people, including myself. Yes, I am occasionally initially shocked at some of the extra-biblical content, (such as the meeting between Jesus and John the Baptist) but that shock turns to delight when I realize that the writers are putting into words what scholars have long assumed must have (or could have) happened in many of the gaps in Scripture. Neither I (nor anyone I know of, much more qualified than I) have found any content in the show that goes against the spirit or meaning of the Gospels. There have been scenes that brought me to tears, and filled me with joy, and remember I was a lifelong atheist, before I came to Christ not that long ago. There is evidence that the show is reaching thousands of people on the fence between faith and denial of God, and having a serious positive impact.
To sum it up. let’s give The Chosen a chance, and see where it leads without fear, and with trust in the writers and their inspiration from the Holy Spirit. Let’s pray for them, and for the project in general. Should we be alert for any sign of drift toward falsehood and heresy? Yes, of course, given the facts behind Angel Studios. But that is always true for us as Christians. Meanwhile I am looking forward to the coming season, and many after that, since for me, every beautiful portrayal of the words, life and meaning of our Savior Jesus Christ is a great blessing to the world.
Hi Sy, I can appreciate your observations and perspective, and evidently, you are not alone. However (comma, pause for effect), I do take serious issue with some of the things that Jerkins has said and I also take issue with a number of liberties that have been introduced into the series. I indicated a couple of links to previous posts at the beginning of this post, curious as to whether you had the opportunity to actually read through them. What is presented is not the “authentic” Jesus, even though “The Chosen” states that it is. The subtleties add up and although I know there are many that applaud the series; when we start showcasing “what scholars have long assumed must have (or could have) happened in many of the gaps in Scripture”, and introducing these assumptions as “authentic”, the question should follow: “Where does it stop”? There are many red flags that give more than enough reason for concern. We’re not talking about a movie version of a novel, this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that is being altered. Not the first time and probably not the last. Thank you for commenting, Sy. God’s grace, peace and blessings on you and yours!
It is definitely good to come with a critical eye towards any Christian work of fiction, but after all even Pilgrim’s Progress is fiction. I do agree that the Chosen stretches things in some areas for dramatic reasons and I do not accept their interpretative portrayals of certain events. However, I do not go so far as to see that Dallas is portraying a Mormon Jesus, (who is the half-brother of Lucifer). I believe the goal of the Chosen series is to present the real Biblical Jesus in a way that the Gen Z crowd will be willing to listen to. Having watched all the episodes, I have found on the plus side that it sparked an interest in the Bible for the first time with our oldest grandson, who is now reading the Bible on his own for the first time (He is 20). Maybe I am missing something, and I do respect your thoughts Bruce, but I find some redeeming qualities in the series, especially considering how dark the world seems to be getting. The message that I get is that there is a real Jesus who is alive and meeting with us in every sort of venue and lifestyle today. Only He personally brings redemption, and despite our theological miscalculations and misunderstandings, He still loves us and comes looking for us.
I hear you Pete, and I am aware of the popularity of the series and the good overtones it introduces into this dark world. I am also aware how Satan uses subtleties to change the Gospel into a contrary Gospel, different from the one that has been given for all time. Those “slight” changes in details do all add up. I guess we can agree to disagree on this one, Pete. Blessings brother!
Thanks Bruce. It never hurts to take a closer look at things, even when we come away with slightly different conclusions. Have a blessed Sunday my brother.
Thanks for this article, Bruce. Excellent information therein regarding the very real dangers of the evangelical church yoking up with religious unbelievers/pseudo-Christians in the undiscerning and doctrine-defying “We all just love Jesus and that’s enough” movement.
Short story, Tom, is that I strongly agree. The common thread of “close enough”, probably would not be received too kindly by the Apostles, I would think. It does matter. Blessings!
I think I mentioned it before, but I doubt you and I can keep this phenomenon from happening. What we CAN do is take advantage of the interest it sparks in “Jesus” and speak up whenever He is the subject of conversation. And we need to be positive. Whatever is appealing to people about the “Chosen” Jesus, we can share how the real Jesus is so much better.
I understand what you are saying, Annie, and I do not actively voice my negative opinion about this series when I hear someone saying something positive about it, in face-to-face exchanges. One can indeed use it as a springboard to share from the heart. Unfortunately, there are a lot of Christians who would not even notice some of the subtleties within some of the liberties that have been taken and how they attack, distort or detract from the divinity of Jesus. It is sad but it is true. I use this medium, to at least warn and inform. Many others are doing likewise, but the numbers are small in comparison to those that are fully on board with this series. In the new season 3 trailer for ”The Chosen”. Jesus says to the Pharisee, “I am the Law of Moses.” You won’t find that in our Bible but you will find it in the Book of Mormon. “Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life.” – 3 Nephi 15:9 Jesus is not the Law. The Law reveals the righteous standard of the Holy God. It reveals our depravity. It points us to Christ but it is not Christ itself. Jesus came to fulfill the Law, by obeying it perfectly on our behalf. Jesus had several “I AM” statements, all of tremendous importance, but He never once said “I AM the Law of Moses”. And there are many more. What I find disheartening is the widespread lack of Biblical discernment among many Christians with regard to the importance of searching God’s Holy Word for confirmation of credibility. Psalm 138:2 comes to mind. God’s Word is inspired by God’s Holy Spirit and breathed out by God, Jenkins, not so much. Blessings!
I’m glad you’re alerting us to the subtle (or not so subtle) heresies. Not having seen more than just a couple of episodes of season one, I was not aware that they are now quoting the Book of Mormon. Definitely worth raising some red flags.
This is my experience with The Chosen: I knew in Season 1, Episode 1, that this was not good. I knew it in my spirit. I was watching with my daughter and I said, “I can’t watch this.” And I never watched it again. I didn’t want my understanding of Jesus to come from a TV show. I knew it had to come from the Bible. The Jesus portrayed in the show didn’t match the Jesus I knew from studying the Bible. I didn’t want my understanding of Jesus to be changed by a TV show. The article you posted only confirms what I discerned the first time I saw the show. Thanks for speaking out. It’s important for people to hear the truth. Blessings, Bruce!
Thank you for commenting, Cindy. There are many that feel as you do, including me but unfortunately, there are many more who think otherwise. All we can do is warn and explain why. Thank you for doing so. Blessings!
Reasoned Cases For Christ 
Bruce, this is a rare instance where I must respectfully disagree with your repost of the article by Lighthouse Trail Editors. I don’t at all disagree with their criticism of Mormonism, which I completely share. Nor do I disagree with concern about a possible influence of Mormonism on the content of The Chosen, going forward. That could be a potential concern. But they also state correctly, that so far, there is no evidence of such influence in the first two seasons, and Jenkins has repeatedly addressed this issue. All three writers are orthodox Christians, and even the Mormon owners of Angel Studios are aware that the first time any (crazy) Mormon based ideology enters the show, its all over. But I dont agree with their interpretation of 2 Corinthians 6:14. I think Paul was referring to those who deny Christ, not those whose beliefs in Christ are heretical or just mistaken. If taken too far, some Christians might apply this idea to working with Catholics or members of other Protestant denominations. But the main point of my disagreement is that none of their points about Jenkins and his many many quotes (the man does a LOT of talking) matter.
I fully support the show, and I have seen its positive influence on many people, including myself. Yes, I am occasionally initially shocked at some of the extra-biblical content, (such as the meeting between Jesus and John the Baptist) but that shock turns to delight when I realize that the writers are putting into words what scholars have long assumed must have (or could have) happened in many of the gaps in Scripture. Neither I (nor anyone I know of, much more qualified than I) have found any content in the show that goes against the spirit or meaning of the Gospels. There have been scenes that brought me to tears, and filled me with joy, and remember I was a lifelong atheist, before I came to Christ not that long ago. There is evidence that the show is reaching thousands of people on the fence between faith and denial of God, and having a serious positive impact.
To sum it up. let’s give The Chosen a chance, and see where it leads without fear, and with trust in the writers and their inspiration from the Holy Spirit. Let’s pray for them, and for the project in general. Should we be alert for any sign of drift toward falsehood and heresy? Yes, of course, given the facts behind Angel Studios. But that is always true for us as Christians. Meanwhile I am looking forward to the coming season, and many after that, since for me, every beautiful portrayal of the words, life and meaning of our Savior Jesus Christ is a great blessing to the world.
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Hi Sy, I can appreciate your observations and perspective, and evidently, you are not alone. However (comma, pause for effect), I do take serious issue with some of the things that Jerkins has said and I also take issue with a number of liberties that have been introduced into the series. I indicated a couple of links to previous posts at the beginning of this post, curious as to whether you had the opportunity to actually read through them. What is presented is not the “authentic” Jesus, even though “The Chosen” states that it is. The subtleties add up and although I know there are many that applaud the series; when we start showcasing “what scholars have long assumed must have (or could have) happened in many of the gaps in Scripture”, and introducing these assumptions as “authentic”, the question should follow: “Where does it stop”? There are many red flags that give more than enough reason for concern. We’re not talking about a movie version of a novel, this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that is being altered. Not the first time and probably not the last. Thank you for commenting, Sy. God’s grace, peace and blessings on you and yours!
LikeLike
It is definitely good to come with a critical eye towards any Christian work of fiction, but after all even Pilgrim’s Progress is fiction. I do agree that the Chosen stretches things in some areas for dramatic reasons and I do not accept their interpretative portrayals of certain events. However, I do not go so far as to see that Dallas is portraying a Mormon Jesus, (who is the half-brother of Lucifer). I believe the goal of the Chosen series is to present the real Biblical Jesus in a way that the Gen Z crowd will be willing to listen to. Having watched all the episodes, I have found on the plus side that it sparked an interest in the Bible for the first time with our oldest grandson, who is now reading the Bible on his own for the first time (He is 20). Maybe I am missing something, and I do respect your thoughts Bruce, but I find some redeeming qualities in the series, especially considering how dark the world seems to be getting. The message that I get is that there is a real Jesus who is alive and meeting with us in every sort of venue and lifestyle today. Only He personally brings redemption, and despite our theological miscalculations and misunderstandings, He still loves us and comes looking for us.
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I hear you Pete, and I am aware of the popularity of the series and the good overtones it introduces into this dark world. I am also aware how Satan uses subtleties to change the Gospel into a contrary Gospel, different from the one that has been given for all time. Those “slight” changes in details do all add up. I guess we can agree to disagree on this one, Pete. Blessings brother!
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Thanks Bruce. It never hurts to take a closer look at things, even when we come away with slightly different conclusions. Have a blessed Sunday my brother.
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You too, Pete and thank you for taking the time to comment! Sincerely appreciated.
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Thanks for this article, Bruce. Excellent information therein regarding the very real dangers of the evangelical church yoking up with religious unbelievers/pseudo-Christians in the undiscerning and doctrine-defying “We all just love Jesus and that’s enough” movement.
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Short story, Tom, is that I strongly agree. The common thread of “close enough”, probably would not be received too kindly by the Apostles, I would think. It does matter. Blessings!
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I think I mentioned it before, but I doubt you and I can keep this phenomenon from happening. What we CAN do is take advantage of the interest it sparks in “Jesus” and speak up whenever He is the subject of conversation. And we need to be positive. Whatever is appealing to people about the “Chosen” Jesus, we can share how the real Jesus is so much better.
LikeLike
I understand what you are saying, Annie, and I do not actively voice my negative opinion about this series when I hear someone saying something positive about it, in face-to-face exchanges. One can indeed use it as a springboard to share from the heart. Unfortunately, there are a lot of Christians who would not even notice some of the subtleties within some of the liberties that have been taken and how they attack, distort or detract from the divinity of Jesus. It is sad but it is true. I use this medium, to at least warn and inform. Many others are doing likewise, but the numbers are small in comparison to those that are fully on board with this series. In the new season 3 trailer for ”The Chosen”. Jesus says to the Pharisee, “I am the Law of Moses.” You won’t find that in our Bible but you will find it in the Book of Mormon. “Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life.” – 3 Nephi 15:9 Jesus is not the Law. The Law reveals the righteous standard of the Holy God. It reveals our depravity. It points us to Christ but it is not Christ itself. Jesus came to fulfill the Law, by obeying it perfectly on our behalf. Jesus had several “I AM” statements, all of tremendous importance, but He never once said “I AM the Law of Moses”. And there are many more. What I find disheartening is the widespread lack of Biblical discernment among many Christians with regard to the importance of searching God’s Holy Word for confirmation of credibility. Psalm 138:2 comes to mind. God’s Word is inspired by God’s Holy Spirit and breathed out by God, Jenkins, not so much. Blessings!
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I’m glad you’re alerting us to the subtle (or not so subtle) heresies. Not having seen more than just a couple of episodes of season one, I was not aware that they are now quoting the Book of Mormon. Definitely worth raising some red flags.
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Glad you reblogged Dan’s post
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Thanks, Jim. Me too!
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YW
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This is my experience with The Chosen: I knew in Season 1, Episode 1, that this was not good. I knew it in my spirit. I was watching with my daughter and I said, “I can’t watch this.” And I never watched it again. I didn’t want my understanding of Jesus to come from a TV show. I knew it had to come from the Bible. The Jesus portrayed in the show didn’t match the Jesus I knew from studying the Bible. I didn’t want my understanding of Jesus to be changed by a TV show. The article you posted only confirms what I discerned the first time I saw the show. Thanks for speaking out. It’s important for people to hear the truth. Blessings, Bruce!
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Thank you for commenting, Cindy. There are many that feel as you do, including me but unfortunately, there are many more who think otherwise. All we can do is warn and explain why. Thank you for doing so. Blessings!
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