“The Chosen TV Show,” Used by Permission
There seems to be a debate going on in Christendom and I don’t mean Russell Moore’s scathing letter to SBC president Greear. I’m talking about The Chosen. The #1 crowdfunded television program ever. Written by Dallas Jenkins, scion of Left Behind’s Jerry Jenkins, wowed audiences, secular, and Christian in its first season. It was made all the more accessible when the Chosen app offered all eight episodes for a voluntary “pay it forward” model. The last big Jesus media splash was Bruce Marciano’s brilliant performance in the word-for-word NIV narration of The Gospel of Matthew. There was a ripple or two with a 2003 Word-for-Word Gospel of John. It’s tough playing Jesus or his disciples. As Movieguide said summing up the Gospel of John’s bad reviews (37% on Rotten Tomatoes)
The Gospel of John takes a reverent approach to its story without ever bringing it to life, proving that cribbing from the Good Book isn’t enough to guarantee a good movie.
Amen. The Chosen has had unprecedented success and now that Jenkins has a fully funded season two the celebrity Christian train is pulling into the station. God help us all. Some people have noticed a bit more artistic license from the writers this season. Jesus seems to find his hipness and Jenkins feels more confidence in telling a story about Jesus that cribs from the Gospels and tries to capture the spirit of following Christ but not sticking to the letter of the ancient text.
From the beginning, Jenkins has made clear that he thinks the Chosen is based on the Bible but it’s not cut from the same cloth as previous Gospel films. It’s not a word for word retelling like The Gospel of Matthew. It is a multi-season story about Jesus’ disciples, fit for the Netflix generation. Jenkins makes clear that the writers condense timelines and take poetic license. Further in this video he says that The Chosen is no substitute for Scripture, which I appreciate.
Any Christian creative project that gets the kind of national attention the Chosen has is going to draw scrutiny. Mormons work on the show? Yep. VidAngel the distributor, is owned by Mormons. Season two is shot on an LDS set. Jenkins recently said on a Mormon interview “Our disagreements are about what Jesus did after he came. We worship the same Jesus.” Dallas is wrong that our differences with Mormons are only about what Jesus did after he was crucified. Dallas is wrong that Mormons and Christians worship the same Jesus. In official Mormon teaching Jesus, and in fact all of us, were born on another planet, and came to earth to acquire a physical body and earn our godhood as all gods before us. I’m concerned about this. I don’t know if he’s just motivated by his job situation to reason this way or if he’s just unaware of the official LDS doctrines but it’s a concern.
It’s also not a reason for me to stop watching the show or using it. That would definitely change if Jonathan Roumie pops over to speak with the American Indians at the end of Season two or the angel Moroni shows up. As it is, I personally (MCOI has not taken a position on the Chosen yet) will judge the show on its own merits as Jenkins asks us to do. That’s fair.
Jonathan Roumie is a devout Catholic who prays the Rosary. Atheists work on the show as well. One of the advisors to the writers is spouting bad theology on Sid Roth’s show. Some of the actors haven’t been to church since Easter? These are all valid concerns. But one concern I keep hearing is that we shouldn’t watch the Chosen because Jesus and the disciples speak and talk way too modern, and the writers add to the story. The depiction of Matthew as on the spectrum from Aspergers to Autism, as some have suggested, is artistic license.
It is historically accurate that as a tax collector Matthew was regarded as a traitor. Creating a storyline which includes Matthew hiring a man to sneak him into the market in an attempt to avoid being accosted for being a traitor is something which could possibly occur. In the episode the man he hires refuses to take him any further into the market than its outer edges. The man calls Matthew a “public anus” a derogatory joke at the expense of the Latin publicanus, for Roman public official.
And you know what? It works. I know I’m not watching the Gospels but I’m watching the world of the Gospels brought to life. Who among us hasn’t tried to explain to Sunday School attenders how radical Jesus was to call a Roman collaborator like Matthew to be His disciple? Who among us, has felt like our students really get it? I don’t know if publicanus’ like Matthew had to sit behind a locked window with a Roman guard. If there is no historical precedent for that, I don’t really care. It gets the point across.
I still get Goosebumps when Roumie says, “Get used to Different.” Jesus didn’t say that. It’s colloquial. It’s modern. and it’s right. That scene conveys a very Biblical point. Jesus’ ministry was radical because of the kind of people he called. That comes through regardless of whether there was a Gaius (Kirk Woller) breathing down his neck. So, quibble about anachronism if you like. (Just be sure to start your nit-picking in the traditional way, by prefacing your corrections with the words “Um Actually . . .” )
Some of the criticism of the show has the worry that people will take the show itself as being the Gospel. Considering that the average Christian sitting in their theater seat in the warehouse-turned-worship service can’t explain Jesus’ divinity without uttering heresies that were condemned in the Council at Nicea, it’s valid. It’s not a reason to condemn the Chosen though. It’s a reason to teach the Bible. I used the Chosen series last year as the opener for a Bible study. We would read the Bible passage first. Noting what is not said and what is emphasized and then we would watch the scene and discuss the Bible passage. I was (and still am) careful to point out what in the scene is poetic license and what is true, in my theological opinion.
I could be wrong but I think some of the concern about the Chosen being biblically accurate is that we have the sneaky suspicion that the average 20-30 something would rather get their Bible understanding from a well-funded tv production than do the challenging work of trying to understand the Bible. But it is not Dallas Jenkins job to make Bible study fun. He’s a creative. His job is to be creative within the bounds of sound theology and his allegiance to Jesus Christ.
Dallas Jenkins is becoming a celebrity Christian whether he wants to or not. This is a trial worthy of us bathing him in prayer. God save us from Christian celebrity status. It has been the downfall of so many. Ravi Zacharias being just the most recent. Pray that Dallas is given all the spiritual strength to stand up to that sort of scrutiny and that he never, ever, starts believing his own press.
And pray he and his team can find a way to speak truth in love. I hope he comes to realize that according to Mormon doctrine, Jesus is the brother of the Satan. The human body of Jesus was the result of the union between the immortal Father and Mary “in the same way that mortal men are begotten by mortal fathers” as the late Bruce R. McConkie, member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles puts it,1Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, Bookcraft, 1966, p 547 This is NOT the Jesus of the Gospels.
So, in sum: Take the show on its own merits. Teach the Bible. Don’t substitute it. Be concerned and pray, especially for Jenkins and his family.Ω
© 2021, Midwest Christian Outreach, Inc All rights reserved. Excerpts and links may be used if full and clear credit is given with specific direction to the original content.
End Notes
| ↑1 | Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, Bookcraft, 1966, p 547 |
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I wish he would issue a full disclaimer about putting so many words in our Lord’s mouth, and to get the real deal, please read the Bible . . .
Well said. A disclaimer would help so fans do not think the Chosen is 100 percent accuracy.
It literally… is there at the beginning of Season 1, Episode 1.
The Deity of Jesus.
Please see the beginning of Season 1, Episode 1. And the many interviews he has done.
I appreciated these thoughts. We have really enjoyed The Chosen and are thankful that many who watch are digging deeper into their Bibles because of it! I also love the casting of Matthew as somewhere on the spectrum. Having and living with a son with Asperger’s (who is also watching the show), I am intrigued and deeply moved by this character and the reactions of those around him. Jesus acts like he is a completely normal guy, not the least bit annoyed by his uniqueness! Brilliant! My one take away from The Chosen is that it is not “cheesy” or showing everything all fitting in a tidy little moralistic package as nearly every other Christian-based production does. In the end. The Chosen points us back to Christ alone. We need more Christian art, in whatever form, like this.
Just curious, how do you know many are digging deeper into the Bible after watching this Chosen film and not taking it as a substitute for actually reading the Bible?
Would you be concerned that they use an LDS patented called “Heartsell” ? LDS leaders use this audible sound in Mormon general conference to get the members a feel good emotional feeling to verify what they are hearing is from God. It’s not.
Are you concerned that God used a donkey to rebuke a prophet??.. Just saying. God uses lots of things and people to do HIS bidding
It should probably be noted that God used a donkey to correct a disobedient prophet for hire. As we point out in “The Chosen Dilemma“, Dallas Jenkins has been clear that 95% of what is on the screen is invented and isn’t intended to be the Bible. We also point out that on his personal page he promoted Richard Rohr who is heretical in his teaching on God, Jesus, salvation, penal substitution, and more. Others are promoting false gospels on their social media. These are not directly in the show but the show invites the fans to engage and be recruited into false beliefs in core areas. That should be a concern.
THANK YOU, DON!!!
AGAIN, PRAY PRAY PRAY !!! LEAVE IT TO GOD TO JUDGE AND SORT IT OUT!!! Don’t be a problem, LET GOD BE THE SOLUTION
Don, I read somewhere that Dallas has a Catholic priest, a Jewish Rabbi, and a Mormon consulting for the content of the show. Do you know if the Mormon part is true?
That is a great question. There are enough issues of serious concern with the program, as we point out in The Chosen Dilemma, that it is essential not to misstate this sort of info. Mormons surround Dallas but officially the three theological consultants are Dr. Doug Huffman from BIOLA, Messianic Rabbi Jason Sobel, and Roman Catholic Bishop Robert Barron. Dallas has said that 95% of the storyline is invented but he is trying to keep it accurate to the times. It is unfortunate so many viewers think they are getting the biblical story. They are not.
THIS SHOW IS AN ANOINTED WORK OF GOD despite any human frailties. DO NOT CRITICIZE what God has anointed!!!! PRAY FOR THE CAST, PRAY FOR THE DIRECTOR, Actors and Producers. PRAY THAT MANY, MANY people INCLUDING Mormans come to know Jesus as their PERSONAL SAVIOR. THAT’S WHAT ITS all about!!!!?
Diana, The show is NOT an anointed work of God; it is the work of fallible people, including Mormons! It plays fast and loose with the Bible, it is a fake, fictional version of someone’s ideas about Jesus. Try using a wee bit of discernment.
https://watchmansbagpipes.blogspot.com/2022/01/more-evidence-against-chosen-series.html
I’ll pray for you as well.
MORMANS CAN BE SAVED TOO. EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE
name of LORD JESUS Crrist shall be saved.
I never suggested Mormons can’t be saved; I am an ex-Mormon. But you don’t save anyone with false teachings.
Way too much debate, not enough prayer!! And that’s my final comment.
Diana,
What makes you think we aren’t having as much prayer as comments? You really don’t seem to like the truth told about how unbiblical “The Chosen” is!
Proverbs 6:19
Proverbs 6:19 does not apply to me and if that is what you meant then you are bearing false witness.
Proverbs 6:19 DOES apply to that false and blasphemous story called “The Chosen.”
VERY well said, Karen! Anytime God is using something like this the ENEMY is right there to criticize and cause division, which God. HATES. PRAY FOR THESE PEOPLE WHO DAY HATEFUL THINGS. GOD BLESS
When you divide truth from falsehood, it causes division. It is not hateful to expose false teachings. I’m not your enemy or God’s enemy, but I am an enemy to false teachings and those who support false teachings and promote false teachings.
Not a fan. Not found of the Mormon connection. The Matthew character is very strange.
I totally disagree with your suggestion to keep watching it. It has too many unbiblical elements and it is giving attention and money to people who have a false belief system which can’t help but seep into the series itself. Get people away from their screens and point them to where the truth is — the Bible. I’m really surprised that this ministry would recommend it.
Greeting Glenn, there are different sorts of reasons why I might watch something like this. It isn’t the word of God but is loosely based on the Bible. I thought their making Peter a bar-room brawler/gambler, who run other schemes and scams to raise money to pay off loans and taxes was objectionable. However, like watching Star Wars to be able to address the false worldviews being taught there, being familiar with what is going on in this popular series can be useful to move someone to reading Scripture and getting to know the biblical characters and story directly from the biblical writers. As far as the money, they are crowd funding it, I haven’t contributed any money but watched if free on YouTube (season 1). As always, I appreciate hearing from you to keep us accountable.
Hi Don,
We can use all sorts of things to teach truth, even cults’ own documents and “scriptures,” but recommending them to others is something I just can’t justify in any sense at all. And perhaps you didn’t spend money to see it, but by supporting it and recommending it you are still contributing to the audience which brings in more funds to the perpetrators of this nonsense.
Not what Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe but lol okay.
Sydney, what makes you say that? Just curious. What is it that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints not believe?
The different planet thing is not what members of that church belief. They belief that every being was “one with God in heaven” and had to come to Earth to receive the physical aspect of their bodies. The only differences are that humans existed before birth with God, and that Jesus visited more people than just those in Israel.
Of course, we cannot comment on what individual Mormons may or may not believe on any given subject. The official teachings now and in the past from their official publications are the official doctrines of the LDS church. The point of our article, “The Challenge of Communication: Defining Terms,” is that without understanding the definitions of terms we are not able to communicate. The official teaching of the LDS church is that we were all born as spirit beings on another planet to God the Father and one of his many wives. We came to earth and like God the Father have the opportunity to become gods and goddesses of our own planets as all gods before us have done, including God the Father. The “Preexistence/premortality Definition” is important in this discussion. This eight-minute animated overview of Mormon doctrine can be helpful.
Amen
I totally agree with you, Iam shocked at how many people like this show.
It is a different gospel and a different Jesus, and I also take the second commandment very seriously.
We are not to make any image of our creator.
People who do not read their bibles will believe everything they see and hear in this show.
And to have Peter call John the Baptist, creepy, that is so demeaning , John was a prophet of God, he was not creepy.
Every word the disciples said is not written. Common sense should tell you that we cannot determine every way they thought in their time and culture. Is is not above humans to mischaracterize good people. I’d eating locusts and wild honey and dressing in camel were not strange, startling, perhaps “creepy” to some, it wouldn’t have been mentioned in Scripture and accepted in the Canon. Don’t just read the words. Study the time, culture, historical background and put yourself in the story to understand what the writer is saying to the hearer.
Lori…this show is actually pretty darn good…entertaining, and a bit profound at times. Take off your Pharisee robes for a moment and view it again……a lot of great takes on the what ifs in the Bible.
Philip, you demonstrate a real lack of discernment if you think the show is good. It is full of fake stories and blasphemy, playing fast and loose with the Bible. It is not pharisaical to expose false teachings. To ignore just how bad the show is, is nothing less than burying your head in the sand.
From what I’ve read, I think that the “Mormons” only own the production company. they have nothing to do with the writing or the creation of the show. As Jenkins had said, it would be no different to use any other Hollywood production company, for instance, who are not necessarily believers. Besides, Jenkins has been building his own sets to use in Texas and won’t be filming anymore in Utah, I guess, with the Mormon production company.
If the Mormons own the production company, they are making money off of it. Why help finance a cult.
Besides, the series has lots of unbiblical nonsense as well as downright blasphemy, so why should Christians fill their minds with such trash?
Do you buy anything in stores that aren’t owned by Christians? Do you investigate what kind of Christians they are? Do you only go to restaurants that are owned by Christians, like Chick-fil-a? Do you check out your car dealers, your doctors, etc? Jenkins used their set because it was a perfect background for the movie. Would you complain if he used say, Warner Bros? That’s silly to say I won’t give any money for services to Mormons but I will give it to Hollywood.
Cults and Hollywood are different entities. Mormons actively seek to recruit new members of their cult.
Hollywood isn’t out recruiting.
However, I also spend very little money for Hollywood products. I also personally boycott as much as I can, businesses who promote, facilitate and fund the LGBTQXY agenda (e.g. Oreos).
But set aside the Mormon issue for a moment and explain how you can support anyone watching the trash of “The Chosen”? It is unbiblical nonsense and often blasphemous. You don’t even have to think about who produces it if you just refuse to support ungodly/unbiblical/blasphemous movies.
THANK YOU!! Thanks you for this. Joe and I loved Season One and recommended The Chosen to folks until I heard Dallas say he believes Mormons and Christians believe in the same Jesus. Now we preface the recommendation with Dallas’s beliefs. He has said, and I very loosely quote, “LDS have come to me saying ‘That’s it! That’s Jesus!” Which, considering their Jesus is all human, I don’t know, it doesn’t set right with me. As a writer I have no problem with artistic license. None. Until the LDS find there Jesus in it. Link is from an interview Melissa Dougherty conducted with Dallas who explains his views. She’s gracious but does try to hold him accountable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__-Yyq1FPQI&t=1147s
Remember that the Samaritan woman at the well was equally loved by Jesus and he didn’t quiz her on how her beliefs differed from the Jews. the Jews hated the Samaritans and the Samaritans did have some different, even pagan, ideas. And, remember the good thief on the cross, who recognized Jesus and Jesus, without missing a beat, forgave him. So, be kind, and yes, lead people to Christ, but keep in mind that they are just as important to him as you are. Did it ever occur to any of you that Jenkins may be using this opportunity to explain and share Jesus in hopes of drawing people closer? That maybe those Mormons working with him may see Christ? God doesn’t call us to be theologians. He asks that we love Him, even if we don’t understand everything about Him–and none of us really do. Smugness and self-righteousness only turns people off.
Sad that people won’t read the Bible and allow the Holy Spirit to teach them the meaning. Any movie that panders to the crowd is a waste of time. Jesus was not a panderer. While utterly kind and compassionate, He did not mince His words. His followers were told: I am the way and the truth and the life. No man cones to the Father but by me.
No frills. God has t’s and c’s. Why wouldn’t He? He is the Supreme God, the Creator of the Universe and everything in it.
It is sad. There has been a drift away from regular reading and serious study of the word of God as well as sound biblical teaching from the pulpit for about 50 years now. However, like so many films, series and books, etc. which uses spiritual images and storylines, I can use what they are watching to move them to what Scripture actually says and teaches.
In season one, they followed the scriptures very closely and took license on things that didn’t matter. Season 2 ep 5 is kind of a deal breaker for me.
The demoniac named legion story is a very powerful one and the context is important. They completely changed it. And Mary clung so hard to Jesus once delivered, would have NEVER looked back. She washed His feet with her hair and tears. She was the first one to run to the empty tomb. Once delivered a Christian cannot be demonized. The Spirit of God indwells you and cannot cohabitate with demons.
So it’s completely out of character. So is Jesus rehearsing His sermon. He is called “The Word”. By Him and through Him are all things.
He taught scribes in the temple as a young child.
He was God and didn’t have to pick His words. He just spoke truth.
That by itself I can almost give an artistic pass on but the changing of stories and creating new ones kind of seals it for me. If something is 99% true it is still false. Telling the story of Jesus is a huge responsibility not to be taken lightly.
I agree with you. Something has changed. I follow them on social media. They have an hashtag Jedi Jesus. I really abhor thinhs like that.
I am very troubled by “professing” Christians who are supportive of the tv series “The Chosen”. I have a dear friend who clearly believes this series is a good teaching tool, despite its obvious contradictions to scripture. I have not watched and do not intend to. However, I have a critique based on a conversation I had with my friend. She was gleefully telling me all about “Mary Magdalene”, where she apparently hides behind an altar ego by the name of Lilith. I researched this and could find nothing, nada, zilch on where this bit of fiction came from. She also told me that she is portrayed as the same Mary who anointed Jesus with the perfume and that she was a prostitute. I researched this as well, this is a lie from the RCC, who decided this Mary’s sin was prostitution. There has never been any scriptural evidence of this at all. Also, the Mary who anointed Jesus feet, was Mary of Bethany–sister of Lazaras and Martha, at least that is what my research and reading of the scripture tells me. So I am guessing Mr. Jenkins got this bit of fiction from his RCC “expert”. I read another reviewer who quotes Mr. Jenkins “that this series is 95% fiction”. Do the math and that makes it 5% truth. The one other thing my friend mentioned was how Jesus has to “prepare” for his sermon on the mount, so he can get it “just right”. Would Jesus, who is God in the flesh, need to prepare in this way? He was able to respond very quickly to those manipulative pharisees who were always trying to trap him into saying the wrong thing, it was the pharisees who always went away from those confrontations as losers of the battle of words. Jesus came prepared to do the work of His Father. I am having a lot of trouble with all the people involved who are not Christian, A devout Roman Catholic who prays his rosary, a Roman Catholic priest who believes you have to go through Mary to get to Jesus, a Morman who falsely believes Jesus is the brother of Lucifer, a Jewish Rabbi who denies the messiah altogether?? This series does not seem like a teaching tool to me at all, it seems more like it is from Satan, designed to confuse what the word of God actually says. My advice, stick to the bible, the real 100% truth provided by God through inspiration of the Holy Spirit because it tells the truth about the Real Jesus!
Thank you for your comments, Linda. Dr. Jonathan Miles piece was as much a critique of the church as commentary on the series. He also was clear that MCOI does not take a position on this series at this point. A key consideration you raise is something which was pointed out in “Harsh Criticism of ‘The Chosen’ Draws Emotional Response from Dallas Jenkins,”
It clearly isn’t the Bible and as Dallas Jenkins points out, isn’t a substitute for the Bible. It is a series loosely based on characters in Scripture. Personally, I was troubled with the series painting up Peter as someone of questionable character, a tax scofflaw who engaged in bar room brawls to supplement his income and acted as a sort of double agent between the Roman government and his Jewish brethren.
As a mission to cults and non-Christian religions we engage with all sorts of people who hold all manner of beliefs and being aware of what they believe, are reading and viewing often gives us starting points to get to what Scripture actually teaches. Too many churches do not teach their people in the essentials of the faith. As Jonathan comments,
Indeed, it is a reason to teach the Bible, especially to those who mistakenly think Jesus had to puzzle though what He might say in His sermon as though the One who is fully human and fully the omniscient God was unsure about what He would need to say.
We as born again believers need to be in unity. Stop the nitpicking, criticizing and PRAY, PRAY PRAY!!!!! WE NEED TO STAND AGAINST THE REAL ENEMY WHICH IS SATAN
As a Catholic I would appreciate it if you please understand what exactly we believe. We do not say that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. This was something that, I guess, people speculated about since she had demons and some held it was true. We don’t teach that she was the Mary who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears either. And we definitely don’t believe that you must go thru Mary to reach Jesus. Most Protestants don’t really understand what we believe and choose to put their own spin on it and create more misunderstanding.
As I read Linda’s comments I noted that she raised concerns about what individuals associated with the show believe or do as well as ways the show misrepresents biblical characters and narratives. As we point out in “The Chosen Dilemma” Dallas Jenkins states that 95% of the content of the show is invented. A central issue of contention between the Roman Catholic Church, and those of us in the evangelical camp is the question of salvation. Is salvation by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone or it is through Rome Alone? Our article, “Thus Saith Rome” takes a brief look at that.
I grew up with Catholics and yes they do believe Mary was a prostitute (but then so did Lutherans so…). My question was always if you do not need to go though Mary to get to Jesus then why pray to her or any of the saints?
Thanks for replying. I think the idea that Mary was a prostitute circulated for a while because she had so many demons. Some just made that assumption about her. But, I haven’t heard that in recent years and I am 75 yrs. old. Also, knew that Mary that washed Jesus’ feet was not Magdalene.
We ask Mary and the saints in heaven to pray for us just as we ask the rest of the body of Christ on earth to pray for us. We are all united in one body. Of course we go directly to God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, but we ask the saints to also offer their prayers to God for us. They may have gone before us but I don’t think they have amnesia. We are all waiting for resurrection of our glorified bodies and those of us on earth need prayers.
Arlene,
Nowhere in Scripture do we find any mention of dead people in heaven praying for people on earth. Neither Mary nor the “saints” have any special powers to intercede for us. We have only ONE intercessor, and that is Jesus. Praying to Mary and the saints is worthless.
Thanks for your interpretation. Rev. 5:8 and other verses in Rev speak about the prayers of the saints. And there are references to those in heaven in the bible. One is, “there is more joy in heaven…over one sinner who repents..” Our friends on earth pray for us–are they any more “special” or powerful than those who are in heaven? Why do you not think that we are all one body? Why do you think that those who have gone before us have forgotten about us and don’t pray to God for us? Aren’t we all part of Christ’s body? Explain to me why you think we are not connected.
“
Arlene,
Revelation is a special example of way in the future. But thanks for towing the Catholic line.
Here’s the thing. On earth we pray to JESUS as our intercessor, we don’t pray to others to pray to Jesus, which is what you are doing when you pray to Jesus and the Saints — you are PRAYING to THEM and asking them to pray to Jesus? OR are you just praying to them as intercessors? We do not pray to anyone but Jesus/God. Which is why you won’t find any example of people on earth praying to dead people in heaven.
When I say we “pray” to saints I mean we ask or implore them to offer their prayers for us. As we ask or implore our fellow Christians here to offer their prayers for us. We don’t “pray” in adoration of saints, who are alive and not dead, btw. Their bodies are dead. To be absent from the body is to be with the Lord. I wish you could explain to me why you think that when a person dies, e.g., Peter, that they would not continue praying for the church on earth. Why do you believe there is no connection between the members of the body?
The Catholic Church does not definitively teach that the three Marys were the same. Scholars since the early church have differed on the question. In my opinion, although Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus’ feet (presumably in Bethany) it does not make her the same as the unnamed penitent woman who anointed Jesus’ feet in the home of Simon the Pharisee near Galilee. As for Mary of Magdala she may or may not have been the penitent woman in John’s Gospel. No one knows for sure. Moreover the Church does not formally define the sin of the penitent woman. So please don’t say the “RCC lied” as your pastors teach you without reading for themselves what the Catechism of the RCC teaches. Anyone is free to read the official Catechism of the Church before making unfounded statements. Opinions regarding non doctrinal parts of scripture are allowed. To accuse the RCC of “lying” via passing on rumors is detraction. It shows a prejudice, not a knowledgeable effort to understand.
I see The Chosen as a possible vehicle for bringing the lukewarm or uncatechized into familiarity with Jesus as a real person, not a myth or fairytale, as our culture has taught. Once you know Jesus and his claim to be son of God you must make a choice (“follow me”). This show has great value in presenting that choice as a reality. It is likely that this media event may lead more people to consider scripture or to pick up the Bible, or even to come to love Jesus.
The show itself is, yes, loosely based on scripture, and yes, there are concerns. What led me to this posting was someone telling me that the show and it’s backers and creators were Mormon. As a pastor, I found that very troubling and would be a deal breaker for me considering Mormon theology.
After extensive study on the subject, including this posting, I’ve concluded that the show itself must be judged based on whether:
– that there’s any blasphemous content … as of yet, I’ve found none.
– that there’s been undue interference by the producers, writers, directors or other staff to influence content … as of yet, I’ve found none. Having worked the the radio and television industry in my prior life before ministry, I can spot bovine excrement of this nature.
– if the content agrees or departs from scripture. Thus far, although license is taken in surrounding plots, scriptural themes are kept.
– whether this can be used as a tool for evangelism. It can. Many unchurched people have a vision of Christ that He’s untouchable and unapproachable. This is totally contrary to scripture, and the show portrays a very approachable Jesus. This is important when evangelizing and trying to plant the seeds of someone confessing their sins and believing in Jesus as their savior.
My job as shepherd a pneumonia evangelist and pastor is made easier by tools such as this, so long as it comports with scripture. If at any time, I see it departing from it, or becoming blasphemous, I will pull my support for it. As for now, I do support it and will use it as a tool in my evangelism toolkit, with the usual caveats included in this post.
So you don’t think that showing Jesus rehearsing his Sermon on the Mount speech is blasphemous? That’s just one thing. The Son of God, very God, is shown rehearsing his speech and accepting a blue sash as a symbol of royalty for his speech!!!
Jesus is both fully human and fully divine. Perhaps the human part of him wanted to rehearse. How is that blasphemous? Also, while he was wearing the blue sash, that was for peace. Purple is the colour for royalty.
AMEN AND AMEN
1 – Mormonism is a cult. 2 – Satan is behind all cults. 3 – Satan wants to be God and very cunningly uses whatever he can to de-value Jesus Christ, and that is what this series is about. 4 – Watch it if you want, but you are putting your soul in peril.
There was an interview on one of the Chosen background shows in which Jenkins was interviewed by a Very articulate and intelligent Mormon reporter. It was an excellent interview and from memory the reporter stated that there were significant doctrinal differences which most Mormons were not aware of (especially those who call themselves “Christian”. But Jenkins and the reporter agreed that for the good of all involved it would be more fruitful to focus upon what Christians and Mormons had in common. We very definitely do not worship the same Jesus. Since they don’t consider Jesus on the same level as the Father, who they do worship, it is doubtful that Mormons worship Jesus who ney consider less than the Father.
Their view of God is a false God but they do worship the version of Jesus the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has invented. In their teaching, the Father was once a man who became a god. As the fifth president of the Mormon church said, “As man is, good once was. As god is, man may become.” Jesus (and all of us) were born on another planet and came to earth to obtain a physical body in order to work our way to godhood like all gods before us. Jesus is our “elder brother” who, like all gods before him also became God. The church is called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as such, they do worship that Jesus. It is, however, a false Jesus and a false gospel.
Don,
I understand mainstream Christians misunderstandings about our Religious beliefs, but I’m curious what the alternative is. To me, Satan being Christ’s brother isn’t contentious at all, just as Satan being my brother doesn’t change who Satan is to me – the devil.
Who is Satan to you? Where did he come from? Who gave him his power/authority? Why is he allowed to tempt/control us?
Greetings Justin,
That is a great question. You are correct most mainstream Christians misunderstand the official beliefs and teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In part that is because the LDS use the same language as evangelicals but with very different definitions. The other problem is many evangelicals do not understand their own faith.
It is not surprising that the idea of Satan being Christ’s brother or your brother isn’t “contentious” because you have embraced LDS teaching. Biblically, Satan/Lucifer/the Father of Lies wasn’t “born” but was created. The Son of God who incarnated into human form wasn’t created but has eternally existed as God and is the creator of all that was created (John 1:1-3). By trying to place the Son of God, Satan and yourself on an equal plane you have effectively attempted to lower the omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, infinite God to a finite being that came into existence at a point and time. Through doing the right sorts of works this being (and you) was able to come to earth to receive a physical body and advance to being a god like all gods before him and all those who also become gods and goddesses after him. The idea is directly refuted by God in such places as Isaiah:
Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. (Isaiah 43:10)
Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen. Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses!
Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.” (Isaiah 44:6-8)
The idea you have come to believe is not even taught in the book of Mormon but was a later invention by Joseph Smith. In fact, Moroni 8:18, “God is not a partial God, neither a changeable being; but he is unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity” reads remarkably close to Psalm 90:2, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” We do not reject it because we don’t understand it but because it is a false teaching which is refuted by God Himself.
Don,
2nd question. What is the problem with being born on a different planet? I’m not sure what that’s referenced to specifically (a quote from someone). I’ve never heard of it as a “planet” but I do know we weren’t born here as spirits. We lived as spirits before the earth was created, and we will live as spirits until resurrection when we die.
Do Christians believe God only created one planet (earth)? That there couldn’t possibly be any other place where his children might be right now as well? I’m ginuinely curious for your response. Thanks!
Greetings again Justin,
The official LDS teaching is that we were born on another planet near Kolob as spirit beings to Elohim and one of his many wives to eventually populate the planet earth. God had also been born on yet another planet, worked his way to godhood, fashioned his planet near Kolob and began producing offspring. All who ascend to godhood on earth will also become gods and goddesses of their own planets and repeat the process. As Lorenzo Snow, the fifth president of the LDS said, “As man is god once was. As God is, man may become.” None of this is supported by the Bible or Book of Mormon but was the invention of Joseph Smith Jr. According to the Bible we didn’t exist prior to our conception in our mother’s womb at which time our body and spirit came into being.
Christians believe God created the entire cosmos, all planets, stars, etc. He spoke and it existed. So, we do not have a problem believing other planets exist but find no evidence of our preexistence or being born on one planet and moving to this planet to continue our process of becoming gods like all gods before us.
Don, most evangelicals would say none of that is theological accurate nor defensible, even from a textual critical standpoint whereas the Bible can be.
I love my Mormon friends, some of the best people I’ve ever met, despite the fact that I believe there are serious theological differences beyween Christianity and Mormonism.
Nonetheless, I see no LDS doctrine in The Chosen yet. I find the arristic license with the thousands of hours of life the series is trying to look at outside what the Bible says is fine as long as it doesn’t promote any heretical doctrines. And as I said, I haven’t seen it.
So far, love the series.
I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterdays. I have never heard of a few of your examples – negative comments that I have never heard of in our Church. We may have differences of opinion or think differently than others on certain points.That is pretty common in the world of Christian communities. But I feel that as long as we love and honor the Savior of the world
Usually Kathy evangelicals struggle with the question, “WHICH Jesus do you Love?” I have no doubt you love Jesus, but my question to folks to make sure we’re on the same page is just what I mentioned above, “which Jesus do you love?”
However, Jesus’ true nature, and the nature of the Holy Spirit and the Trinity is not open for debate as a Christian.
In fact, you can’t be a Christian w/o adhering to all the tenants of the faith. All religions have them. You can be something else, but not that.
I just watched a review of season 2, episode and and found to be blasphemous and about as bad as it can get. Did you know that Jenkins supposed had an “experience” with God and that God told him that “The Chosen” would be the “definitive portrayal of [His] people” and that He wouldn’t let Dallas “screw it up”? This from a guy who claims the LDS Jesus is the same as the Christian Jesus and yet you think it is an okay series to recommend as long as discernment is used?!?!? I’m really surprised at MCO’s lackadaisical approach to this horrid series backed by the LDS and think it still has “merits.”
Thanks for the comments Glenn. Joy and I haven’t watched anything beyond season one. Season one had issues, literary liberties let’s say, but no overt heresy. It does concern me that in a largely biblically illiterate church and culture many will get their theology from works like this. I have also heard of issues like rehearsing the Sermon on the Mount. May as well have him consulting the Enneagram to to figure out what His number is
Me. Chatfield, your bitterness and contention as an ex- Mormon are making the Mormons look better and better every time you post. Are there anyone you don’t take issue with? Pharisaical is right.
I agree with you. I watched most of the first season after buying the blu-ray and I didn’t really care for it overall, because of the liberties taken with the scriptural accounts. Then I heard of the involvement of the LDS and Jenkins’ comments that he feels they are “Christians”. Only the Lord can determine the faith of individuals, but the belief system of the Mormons makes it almost impossible for then to come to truth Faith. I am so sorry I bought the blu-ray as possibly I could be supporting the Mormon church indirectly as the production company is owned by LDS, as well as the executive producer. I’m deciding to have nothing to do with season 2. My Dad said that Jenkins is a pawn in the Mormons’ hands. I agree with this because he’s playing into their attempts to present themselves as misunderstood Christians. Anyone who thinks Mormons are true Believers should read Micah Wilder’s book “Passport to Heaven”. I’m not sure Christians should be so tolerant of this production and we need to use more discernment.
“but the belief system of the Mormons makes it almost impossible for then to come to truth Faith”
Actually, it isn’t that impossible. They just have to get the truth an learn of how convoluted their teachings are. I used to be a Mormon.
I wish that believers would have the eyes to see the fingers pointing back at themselves when they cast aspersions at others. In many of these posts, the writers cast judgment on the imagination of those behind The Chosen, because it is not in alignment with how their own imagination pictures the events. And, to be clear, I have never heard anyone from The Chosen urge people to put aside their Bibles and use the videos in their place. The world does not need any more straw man arguments. Finally, some of you must have quite the beef with the Apostle Paul who quoted poetry from pagan sources. How dare he when brother David had so many psalms he could have quoted!
Hi. I am interested in your comment about Paul. What were the pagan poems he quoted. I agree with you and some of friends in bible class have talked down about Paul.
Thank you for this article I found by searching online to explore’The Chosen’ connection to LDS. The questions I have were answered very well.
As to other concerns raised by you and many commentators, I think it is very worthwhile to not be too quick to form judgements. We can watch and pray for discernment for ourselves and others. I find many of the scenes moving and plausible even if not strictly biblical. Jesus was human and apparently extremely approachable by the ‘unwanted’. We can rejoice in the scenes that show Jesus truly filled with joy with the healings and truly compassionate to the despised. That is worth all of us seeing. If it opens up a non believing person to looking into Jesus, we can, and should, trust God to know how to take it from there.
Thank you for your comment. Although I don’t agree with your interpretation in every aspect, I appreciate the fact that you did research and aren’t speaking off the top of your head. We believe in Christ’s words at the Last Supper when He broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take and eat for this is my Body…Take and drink for this is my Blood…DO this in remembrance of me. You choose to do this symbolically. We choose to do it exactly as He said it. This format is not conducive to have long debates or discussions about differences. I realize that. I thank you for your time and insights.