Addressing Concerns About The Chosen and the Gospels
I understand that The Chosen TV Series has raised concerns, particularly among pastors, about its portrayal of Jesus and the gospel. Some critics have raised concerns about the show’s creative liberties. A review on TruthScript pointed out that The Chosen fills in gaps between biblical texts with speculative content, which may not align with traditional theological interpretations. Additionally, there have been discussions on platforms like Reddit questioning the show’s adherence to scriptural accuracy, citing instances where specific verses are omitted or altered.
One of my longtime friend, a pastor, refuses to watch the series, calling it a “skewed version” of Jesus and the gospel. While I respect his perspective, it’s essential to address this criticism in light of the show’s critical reception and the broader approach many of us take when studying Scripture.
The Personal Library: A Foundation for Study
First, consider the personal libraries of most pastors. These libraries are filled with dozens, sometimes hundreds of commentaries, theology books, and various interpretations of Scripture—each reflecting the author’s perspective, culture, and understanding of biblical history. Many of these works, while valuable, are not infallible. They are written by humans, and therefore subject to personal biases, cultural influences, and the limitations of language. Parishioners trust their Pastors to rely on prayer, discernment, and the Holy Spirit to navigate the differences between divinely inspired and man’s opinion.
According to the writer-director, Dallas Jenkins, The Chosen is a creative adaptation of the life of Jesus. It takes certain artistic liberties in order to bring the narrative to life. “The Chosen is not intended to replace the Bible but to supplement it, sparking conversation and deepening the viewer’s connection to the gospel,” said Jenkins. With this, I believe it’s quite inaccurate to refer to The Chosen as a “skewed version” of the gospel. The portrayal of Christ in The Chosen is still rooted in Scripture, and the show doesn’t aim to replace the Bible but to enhance it. Just like the books in our libraries, The Chosen offers a perspective—one that’s grounded in the gospels but enriched with creative insights that invite viewers to engage with Jesus’ life in a personal way.
Multiple Bible Translations: A Tool for Clarity
Many pastors regularly read from various Bible translations. From the King James Version to the NIV, ESV, NLT, and more, these translations offer subtle differences in wording and interpretation, which can shed light on different nuances of the same biblical truth. When pastors study from different translations, they gain a broader understanding of Scripture. The same approach can be taken when watching The Chosen—viewers can examine the portrayal of Jesus through the lens of the show while continuing to compare and contrast it with the word of God, from different translations, in their personal study.
Again, it’s crucial to remember that watching The Chosen doesn’t replace the Bible. Rather, it serves as a springboard for deeper reflection and personal study. Just as we consult multiple translations of the Bible to gain clarity, so too can viewers watch The Chosen, reflect on its portrayal of events, and turn back to the Scriptures to confirm the accuracy of what is presented.
The Value of Engagement, Not Replacement
The essence of The Chosen is not to rewrite the gospel, but to bring it to life in a way that allows viewers to emotionally and spiritually connect with the characters and the story. If we can embrace different translations, authors, and perspectives in our study of Scripture, then we can approach The Chosen with the same critical but open-minded lens. It can serve as an additional tool in the believer’s journey to understand Christ—not as a replacement, but as a complement to the Word of God.
This was tested in the documentary, Unfiltered: Gen-Z Reacts to The Chosen from 2022. The documentary starts at 27:17 of this live stream. The Chosen production team gathered nine strangers – many of whom don’t identify with any particular faith – and asked them to binge-watch The Chosen–Season One and give their unfiltered thoughts. The results show the impact that Season One had in sparking a deeper interest and conversation concerning Jesus and scripture.
For anyone concerned that The Chosen might distort their understanding of Jesus, I encourage them to engage in the series, but also to return to the Scriptures. By doing so, they can gain a richer, more rounded understanding of Christ, just as they would with any theological work or translation.
The Importance of Understanding Cultural Phenomena for Pastors and Believers
In today’s world, it is essential for pastors, as well as all believers, to stay informed about cultural phenomena and be prepared to address the questions that arise from them. Whether it’s a movie, TV show, or social media trend, understanding these cultural touchstones can help believers engage in meaningful conversations and provide thoughtful, faith-centered perspectives. The Chosen is a perfect example of such a phenomenon. The actor portraying Jesus, Jonathan Roumie, has appeared on popular mainstream entertainment shows, helping to promote the series to a broader audience. This visibility places the show in the public eye, and as it continues to reach viewers far beyond the church. Notably, a survey reported by Movieguide found that one-third of The Chosen viewers are not Christian, suggesting the show’s broad appeal beyond religious boundaries. Pastors and believers alike must be ready to discuss its portrayal of Jesus, its artistic liberties, and the gospel message it seeks to convey. Engaging with these cultural moments not only strengthens faith but also opens doors for evangelism and deeper understanding.
More Than Entertainment
The Chosen is more than just a television series; it can very well be a catalyst for spiritual growth. Dallas Jenkins, the writer-director of the show, has received hundreds of direct messages and countless anecdotal stories from viewers who have been inspired to return to Scripture and deepen their understanding of the gospel. Remember that one-third of The Chosen viewers are not Christian? For many, the series has sparked a renewed desire for study, prompting individuals to engage with the Bible in a more personal and meaningful way. This is a testament to the show’s powerful impact—its portrayal of Jesus has not only entertained but has also ignited a genuine thirst for spiritual exploration and reflection. Additionally, The Chosen offers episode discussions through their free app, featuring conversations between an Evangelical, a Priest, and a Rabbi, providing diverse perspectives on each episode. They’ve also produced Study Guides and Devotionals for each season, encouraging viewers to delve deeper into their faith and reflect on the themes presented in the show.
What Else Do You Watch?
As Christians, we often consume Hollywood entertainment without giving much thought to its cultural bias or worldview—unless the content is blatantly anti-Christian. We frequently take our children to see Disney movies, enjoy romantic comedies as couples, and indulge in popular mainstream shows, without considering the underlying messages or the values promoted by the creators and corporations behind them. Yet, when it comes to The Chosen, some are quick to dismiss it solely because of its artistic liberties and portrayal of biblical events. This raises an important question: if The Chosen is off the table for Christian consumption, should we also reject everything from platforms like Pure Flix or Angel Studios, which aim to create faith-based content? If we accept secular entertainment despite its cultural biases, why should we treat a series like The Chosen—which seeks to inspire viewers to dive deeper into the Scriptures—any differently? It’s worth considering the broader perspective and asking ourselves whether the standards we apply to one form of media should also be applied consistently across all content we engage with.
How The Chosen Impacted My Life
I was a latecomer to The Chosen series, largely because I initially shared some of the same biases mentioned above. My brother, Richie, “annoyed” me for months, urging me to watch just one episode. Reluctantly, I finally gave in, but when I did, I found it hard to understand. Why? Because I was so used to Hollywood actors and the typical portrayal of biblical stories, it took me a while to adjust to the characters and their more humanized portrayals. However, as I continued watching, something shifted. For those who are unsure about watching, I recommend watching at least five episodes—this will get you to the Wedding at Cana, a pivotal moment in the series. This is where things started to “click” for me. I began to see the depth and authenticity of the characters, and I found myself engaging with the story in a more personal way. The devotionals and my own personal study have been invaluable. More importantly, The Chosen has had a major influence on my own journey, inspiring me to finally start My Story His Glory, a ministry centered around sharing Christian testimonies. The show has not only deepened my understanding of Scripture but also sparked a desire to share the transformative power of Christ’s work in my own life and in the lives of others.
What Do You Have To Lose?
The Chosen is more than just a TV series; it’s a tool for deepening our understanding of Jesus and drawing us closer to Him. Whether you’re new to the series or have been hesitant to dive in, the show offers a fresh and engaging perspective on the life of Christ—one that sparks curiosity, conversation, and spiritual growth. From its powerful portrayal of biblical events to its ability to inspire a deeper desire for Scripture, The Chosen has already impacted countless lives, including my own.
If you haven’t yet watched The Chosen, I encourage you to give it a chance. Start with the season one trailer, and if you feel hesitant, just watch five episodes—by the time you reach the Wedding at Cana, you’ll likely see the story come alive in a way you didn’t expect. It’s available on it’s on The Chosen App, free of charge. You can also find it on Amazon Prime.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the life of Jesus in a new, powerful way. Watch the trailer now and begin your journey with The Chosen.
