Considerations

Apparently, from what I have been seeing as of late, sometimes, when professing Christians, ask one another to take into consideration, what one Christian may personally consider as an important issue, from a Biblical perspective, and the conclusions on this particular issue differ between one another, animosity can quickly occur.

And, what I’ve also noticed is that there is a tendency, again by some, to not only disregard the specifics of what is being asked to be taken into consideration, but also, what follows is a characterization of the person who is voicing the differing perspective, articulated in a negative light.

Characterizations such as too liberal, too conservative, too critical, too judgemental, and/or nit picky, among other descriptive adjectives, are far too often attached to the person, who is opposing or supporting the particular perspective, Please note that this is not one sided, it can and does happen, both ways, by those who raise concern about issues and also those that may chose to overlook the voiced issues.

Sometimes, the tone that is presented is such that one person looks down on another, for even mentioning anything that might suggest, reconsideration might be a valid option. The issue being raised, is almost responded to as if the issue should not even be questioned. That focus, when displayed by us, is focused on us, not the other person.

Most of us recognize that the written word format is not always the easiest manner in which to communicate with one another. One word, taken or given in the wrong intent, can far too easily, ruffle feathers.

I’ve mentioned in a previous post that may be viewed here, that pertains to “Secondary Issues”, that I see a considerable amount of logic being voiced that basically over rides opposing considerations being raised, by indicating that the end being achieved, basically justifies the means. In other words, the greater good being achieved, justifies the imperfections of the means used, to achieve the end. You can correct me if I am wrong but I don’t think that is a God given directive.

I personally am of the mind set that the words “authentic” and “fictional” should not pertain to the same subject matter, especially when the subject matter is Jesus, the Son of God. The words we use to convey our thoughts are vitally important and they can easily facilitate a false impression.

Secondary Issues such as viewing or not viewing “The Chosen” is obviously a personal decision. Some may object to the mischaracterization of Jesus in “The Chosen” and some may accept His characterization for what it is, primarily a work of fiction. I believe that those extra-Biblical portions comprise 95% of what’s been in the show thus far, according to Jenkins, back in 2021.

Some of us raise issues that we see, out of sincere concern for misrepresentation of Jesus and keeping the “authentic Jesus” portrayed in “The Chosen”, in agreement with God’s Holy Word. Type in “The Chosen and the Authentic Jesus” in any search machine such as google etc and see what you come up with. Last time I checked, I can’t find Jesus saying that He was the Law of Moses anywhere. That isn’t backfill, that is just clear adding.

I’m not going to identify or argue about the numerous liberties that have been taken in writing the scripts. I understand “The Chosen” for what it is, and if it works for you, that’s obviously your choice. But for those of us who take exception to those liberties and the use of the words “authentic” and “true stories” (albeit with frequent backfill) and choose to voice our concerns and warn others who may not be aware of the mis-quotes or added portions, that’s really not off the wall.

Fiction is fiction and authentic is authentic, or at least it should be. And according to my personal way of thinking, they are not one and the same. I know Dallas has clarified all these points, in short videos, after the fact, because of the expressed concern of others, but those short videos are not normally what is viewed and remembered. The series and the advertising for the series is what is remembered.

Do the current achievements of this series outweigh the shortfalls? Maybe they do and will, time will tell. But those issues that we raise are considerable in number and indeed worthy of being aware of.

Disagreements among Christians is not something new. The early Christian Church had their fair share. What is relatively new is the increase in dismissal of one another and the mischaracterization of those who choose to voice their concerns. We all need to learn to listen to one another more, actually consider as to whether the issues being expressed are worthy of reconsideration. And if we disagree, so be it, but do it in a manner that honours Jesus, and one another.

Worthy is the Lamb! Blessings!