The Controversy of The Chosen: Is It Leading Us Closer to Jesus or Away?
- Ken Kalis
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
The first time I saw Jesus* on the big screen was in 1952 in Cecil B. DeMille's 1927 epic, King of Kings.
An asterisk* following a name means the person is in my book SPIRITUAL LIVES.
I thought it was moving and made me love Him all the more.
Of course, I watched it in my church at Easter surrounded by born-again Christians who loved Him and me.
In recent years, the television series The Chosen has quickly become a favorite among Christian audiences.
Its portrayal of Jesus is largely congruent with the 1927 King of Kings, but it is a Mormon production.
Many praise it as a fresh retelling of beloved biblical stories, while others express concerns about its accuracy and theological grounding.
This blog post explores the mixed reactions surrounding The Chosen and whether it effectively draws viewers closer to Jesus or leads them away.
Read more about Jesus at my blog: https://www.kenkalis.com/
The Impact of Visual Storytelling
Visual storytelling has a profound impact on how we perceive and understand spiritual messages. For many, the first encounter with a film about Jesus was in commercial movies about Him, like several versions of King of Kings. Often praised by Evangelicals and sometimes shown in churches
However, with modern adaptations like The Chosen, the viewing context is vastly different. Most people watch it on small screens in varied environments, which may dilute the sense of community. A study from the Pew Research Center indicated that over 70% of adults in the U.S. watched religious programming online in the last year, showing a shift in how faith-based messages reach viewers today. This change raises questions about how visual portrayals impact individual spiritual journeys.
The way the story is presented matters. King of Kings and the other big-screen productions treat this as an epic in a short 3-hour timeframe. This shows reverence and respect for the Son of God, whose brief life here was for one purpose: to die for our sins. An Epic of the highest order.
The Chosen's small-screen presentations in one-hour episodes, spanning over 6 years (or more?), make it seem like a never-ending soap opera, unthroning the Son of God, presenting a very "historical" Jesus, and losing the divine power of His life amid the banalities of everyday life.
Concerns About Biblical Accuracy in The Chosen
One primary concern is The Chosen's approach to biblical accuracy. While the creators claim to adhere closely to scripture, they also admit to using artistic license to fill gaps left by the biblical texts. For example, they develop specific character backstories for figures who are only briefly mentioned in the Gospels. This creative choice can blur the line between fact and fiction, leading some viewers to accept these embellished narratives as truth.
A Maryland pastor emphasized that certain elements may reflect Mormon theology which does not hold that Jesus is God. This raises an important question: Does the series deepen our understanding of Jesus, or is it distorting His story? For those of us who value scriptural fidelity, this is a pressing issue.
The Role of Artistic License
Artistic license can benefit storytelling, as it enables creators to explore the emotional and relational aspects of biblical narratives. The character development seen in The Chosen can make religious stories more relatable. For instance, viewers might connect more deeply with characters like Mary Magdalene, who is portrayed as a prostitute without Biblical warrant. Such embellishments detract from the core teachings of Jesus' life.
On the other hand, finding a balance between creativity and adherence to scripture is not easy. While some audiences appreciate this approach, others seek more straightforward representations to clearly and faithfully grasp Jesus' messages and their importance as the word of God..
The Influence of Community
The community aspect of faith plays a significant role when The Chosen is viewed in church settings. It can spark valuable discussions among congregants, allowing for diverse insights. However, using a series in place of traditional Bible study is a mistake. Are we favoring entertainment over the eternal truth of scripture?
The pastor’s feedback on showing the series during Wednesday night services captures this tension. He pointed out that while it engages younger audiences, it might dilute the commitment to direct biblical engagement. Is The Chosen a genuine tool for evangelism, or does it distract from the Word of God? More dangerously, is it a tool for false religion taking precious souls to the broad way that leads to destruction?
The Broader Cultural Context
In today’s media-driven society, the depiction of Jesus in popular culture has widespread implications. Shows like The Chosen illustrate a growing desire for more accessible representations of spirituality. They invite us to examine the theological basis for these portrayals.
As viewers, we must ask ourselves: Are we drawing closer to Jesus the Son of God through these narratives, or are we unknowingly adopting a watered-down Jesus Christ Superstar version of faith? The power of storytelling can significantly influence our understanding of scripture, making it essential to approach such adaptations with care.
The Personal Decision to Engage
In the end, deciding whether to watch The Chosen is a deeply personal choice. For some, the series offers a valuable perspective on Jesus' life; for others, it raises more questions than it answers. The crucial point is to remain rooted in scripture and seek wisdom from trusted spiritual leaders.
Kate Orson, a writer who chose to abstain from the series, found that her decision surprised some of her Christian friends. This illustrates the diverse opinions within the faith community. Media engagement should enrich our personal study and reflection, working alongside our spiritual growth.
Navigating the Media-Faith Relationship
The controversy surrounding The Chosen encourages us to think critically about our interaction with media in relation to our faith. While the series resonates with many, it is crucial to approach it with integrity and a love of truth.. Are we allowing it to draw us nearer to Jesus, or do we risk diverting from Biblical truths?
As we navigate today's media-saturated world, let us prioritize understanding Scripture and deepen our walk with Christ. Whether through traditional Bible study or contemporary adaptations, the ultimate goal is the same: to know Jesus intimately and live authentically in faith.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. - Jesus in Revelation 3:20
Ultimately, the choice lies in our hands. May we choose wisely, ensuring that our media consumption fosters a closer relationship with Jesus and aligns with the truth found in His Word.
The intent of this blog and of the Gospel itself is to draw lost people to Jesus.
Jesus Himself told His disciples:
Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.Â
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.- ---Jesus in Mark 16:16
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HE WAS NAILED TO THE CROSS FOR ME
What a wonderful, wonderful Savior,
Who would die on the cross for me!
Freely shedding His precious lifeblood,
That the sinner might be made free.
Refrain
He was nailed to the cross for me,
He was nailed to the cross for me;
On the cross crucified for me He died;
He was nailed to the cross for me.
Thus He left His heavenly glory,
To accomplish His Father’s plan;
He was born of the virgin Mary,
Took upon Him the form of man.
Refrain
He was wounded for our transgressions,
And He carried our sorrows, too;
He’s the Healer of ev’ry sickness,
This He came to the world to do.
Refrain
So He gave His life for others
In redeeming this world from sin,
And He’s gone to prepare a mansion,
That at last we may enter in.
Refrain
Frederick A. Graves, 1906
And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. John 19:17-18