Wow!! I’ve been telling people the same thing! I finally watched it recently!🙏👏🏻 I love the way they did that and how other characters reacted and their expressions when they looked at him. You didn’t even have to see the face of actor “portraying” Jesus.
Ben Hur was the very first movie I ever saw. I think I 4 years old! What a powerful movie. I stayed awake for the whole thing and didn't move a muscle.
What concerns me is I have now seen at least two women on RU-vid say that when they pray they now see the face of the actor and thanked him for having such “kind eyes”.
It's unfortunate that women can be so easily swayed. That's not a "sexist" comment. Paul the apostle writes about such things. The book of Isaiah has plenty of "depiction" of Jesus in terms of who he is and what he has done. Especially in Isaiah 53. It's troubling that people would rather trust a TV image than read and trust what is plainly written in God's word. It reeks of emotionalism.
I would like to know how many came to accept Jesus as their Lord from reading the Shack, the Left Behind series, watching any Biblical movies produced by Hollywood, watching God spell or Jesus Christ Super Star on the stage. I have doubts of these vehicles being useful other than entertainment vessels.
My main issue is when people swoon over the show saying "it makes Jesus so relatable / human / sympathetic". So you're telling me that without this show, you wouldn't feel that way about Jesus? You're telling me the show is giving you something the Word isn't? Then there's one of 2 problems you have: you're either looking for a different Jesus than the one described in the gospels and epistles (ie a false one) or you're not looking for Jesus at all. You're looking for something to stir you up and if it's not the Word of God then I'm afraid the Holy Spirit isn't active in your life if you need something other to tickle your sense and emotions and brain to "want to read your bible" now suddenly or "increased your faith" I'm sorry that's not faith, that's feelings through senses.
Constantly amazed that so called Christians will question the Scripture but totally embrace the presentations of men through books, movies, plays or even distorted verbal statements.
I watched season one but that’s all. I don’t want to see those characters in my mind’s eye when I read the Bible. Also, they’ve added a lot of extra filler scenes and events for entertainment purposes that are not in the Bible. I don’t want to forget what is actually in the Bible.
On the other hand, there are some things in the show which people (including a few myself) have thought, "That's not in the Bible!" only to discover that it actually is. Of course there are additions, but there are also some ways it's more accurate than you'd expect.
I grew up watching Jesus Of Nazareth on TV. I have always thought it was a masterpiece. The Passion, while difficult to watch is Incredible. Jim Caviezel gives a powerfully moving performance. I've not seen the Chosen. I've no desire to.
Agree on all those films. I got through a few episodes of "The Chosen" to see what the fuss was about, and I thought it was boring. I also had trouble getting past all the cultural & historical incorrectness. (Wrong style of Hebrew, high Pacific-like cliffs on the Sea of Galilee, modern speech, to name a few) It looks really low-rent and the sets and landscapes look nothing like Israel (where, with their budget, they could afford to film). It looks more like a Disney idea of Israel. I prefer to think of Jesus as loving, but powerful and inspiring, not the clownish, powerless way they portray Him. He came to teach and heal and share wisdom from God, and in this show, they have Him asking the apostles what he should say? People are so intent on making Him human because they can't deal with His holiness, and it's really irritating to watch. Jesus said enough wonderful things in the Bible to fill ten movies, but all he does here is crack jokes and say stupid things that Dallas Jenkins thinks are funny.
Dallas Jenkins has admitted that Mormons are brothers and sisters in Christ. Also he includes Joseph Smiths words rather than Jesus’ words in an episode. Jonathon Roumie is a practicing Catholic who loves the Pope. Just things to consider. Also the second commandment, if that’s still important now days.
The biggest issue w the Chosen is that it has support and as is in part produced by the Mormon Cult/ LDS… The director is not LDS , but is weak on understanding the irreconcilable differences between Christianity (Biblical) vs Mormonism.. more could be said.. always a red flag when a cult is involved or cult supported
My wife had reservations when this first came out while I tried to reserve judgment but after they messed with the “I am” statements of Jesus and added one (whether they purposely took it from the Book of Mormon or not) that was it for me for sure. And the more I think of it the more dangerous I believe it is. I pray for discernment! 🙏
2 points: 1. People are more engaged with the fictional side stories than the true elements. It's historical fiction. 2. Saying "it's not a replacement for scripture" as an excuse even though everyone is using it that way is like cigarette companies denying responsibility for lung cancer because there's a warning on the box. I'm sorry, but this show is replacing scripture for many people. It's just the truth. And like cigarettes, we should avoid it completely if we want to avoid potential negative consequences.
I'm not watching because Dallas Jenkins is way too comfy with the Mormons. He's on record saying that we "love the same Jesus." I think there's too much Mormon influence on it
I watched the first season, and I went to the theater to watch the Christmas themed episode from a couple of years ago. While it wasn’t mind-blowing to me, I did appreciate the effort being put forth to make to make some non-cheesy Christian entertainment. All that being said, after I watched it I looked into it a bit and saw that Mr. Jenkins was working heavily with the LDS church on the project. I know he has said that the Mormons don’t have any bearing on what he puts out, but as a Utah native who has lived here for 98% percent of my life, I can promise you there will come a point where the LDS church will try to make their presence felt. I’ve spent 40 plus years watching them try to conflate Mormon theology with Christianity. My dad is an ex-Mormon, and half of my family are Mormons. I fear The Chosen will result in the furtherance of their goal of being viewed as “just another Christian denomination.”
I'm enjoying it personally, but I will NOT push anyone else to watch it. That's Paul's instruction to those who feel free to eat meat sacrificed to idols after all -- don't give your brother an occasion to stumble and sin against their conscience. So thank you for also not judging me for watching it 🙂
The difference is if you know it is sacrificed to idols you are not to partake for we are not to share with the table of demons- it is for us all to determine whether that has been established already each of us will answer to the LORD and not to each other. Blessings
I can respect your reasons for not watching it except for the Hollywood/sponsor one. This show is completely crowd funded by people like you and me. A really big Patreon in a way. No sponsors in the usual sense. It's free for everyone to watch. He did it that way so that they wouldn't be influenced by Hollywood types. Which is refreshing. This show has made me read more, and my young girls are actually interested in reading their bibles and are more active in church due to that understanding. Not for everyone, but for certain people, I believe it can help.
The worst part about their method of “crowd funding”…….? Really big “crowds” can find and donate to it and shape it’s ideology and message and symbols with no one able to notice!
@@jimmypartain4749 Actually, no, it does not. That has been addressed and answered by the creator in a very valid way. Watch his answer to that in a video he did to address it.
AGREED...! I heard by the way that there is a part where the Jesus of The Chosen is talking to someone and asks, as if being instructive, "What does your heart say?" Now, this is A-OKAY and THUMBS-UP for the Mormons, who think the best way to decide if they are hearing the truth from God is to pray and see if they feel a burning in their bosom. (I felt that once, though it had NOTHING to do with LDS; but it DID have to do with a deceptive spirit.) It would follow, I think, that the new-age motto of "Follow your heart" is agreed upon by the Mormons. NOT SO for those who read the Holy Bible. Although there are some who have hearts that follow the Lord at least much of the time, there are many more to whom this Bible verse applies: " The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). I am very disturbed by The Chosen as I see it as a butterfly net attempting to collect an ecumenical bunch of souls at best, and that's not good.
Sometimes we Christian want to feel better because we have The Truth, instead of trying to reach those who have never seen the Truth. We want to be self contained and above the rest. Sometimes, you need to get out of your church group to experiment the Kingdom.
@@msantanabrit03 Being self-contained is not what I want, and I do try to reach people. I am not in any church group and have not been for years -- except the group of Believers worldwide who follow Christ Jesus. I am trying to find a way to go to a church, but it has not happened yet due to circumstances. I believe it was a typo that you said you need to get out of your church group to "experiment" the kingdom and that you really meant experience, but ironically you did say experiment -- and this is a key word in what I consider dangerous with this whole CHOSEN series produced by a person who 100% -- so he says -- believes LDS and Bible-believing Christians have the "SAME Jesus." This is dangerous because it is deceptive. The Father God of the Mormons (LDS) is a very different persona than the God of the Holy Bible. He is someone that, according to their false scriptures, began as a man, progressed into a god and is in charge is this planet -- and is an example of what all men (not women) can do if they play their cards right in the Mormon system: that is they end up as a god (remind you of anything? such as the serpent in the garden of Eden?) and have their own planets and their wives go with them there to bear "spirit babies." People don't seem to want to think this through. Say a totally naive person watches The Chosen, comes to Jesus and wants to find a church. They learn that the same Jesus is in the LDS church so they join the Mormons. Already they are being taken down a yellow brick road that leads to a very strange Oz. Yes, I am very touchy about these things, because I spent 30 YEARS of my life being deceived and kept away from worshiping the Jesus I WOULD have been worshiping had I not been deceived. Yes, I am particular and I wholeheartedly warn people OFF of the LDS church -- whereas "The Chosen" producers create slopes that are very slippery. I hear that the script even has Jesus suggesting that people listen to their hearts. Bible-believing Christians know this is another slippery slope -- but the Mormons do not know this, and in fact are taught to test the spirits by the feeling in their bosom. I've said enough. Jesus is my ROCK, and that's how I roll...! May you come closer and closer to Jesus. The real one. The one in the Bible and who is even referred to as "the Word."
After reading the Bible cover to cover many times, i watched all the episodes and i can say I've been blessed a lot. It enriches my understanding of the ancient backgrounds behind the Gospels. So, guys, simply because another titled pastor argues the Chosen is BAD, it doesn't necessarily be like that. I love Jesus better each day.
Watching the chosen has inspired me to read my bible more. Obviously I know it’s not a hundred percent accurate but I do feel I have a better understanding of how to relate to the people that are described in the bible.
Brother Matthew, may God continue to bless you with His grace. I heard the first two items on your list and that was enough. I agree 1,000%. When I think of Jesus's appearance, I refer to Isaiah 53: he had no form or comeliness that we should desire him. Jesus was not was not from central casting YET he was --- and is --- altogether lovely. My pastor suggested that we watch "The Chosen." But I had a serious problem with dialogue used to "fill in the blanks (?!?!)" in what Jesus said. It's similar to people's interest in the "missing" years of Jesus's chidhood. As far as I'm concerned, what's in God's word is what He believes I need to know. And that's plenty. I watched one episode of "The Chosen" and it didn't take. My already-stated misgivings were setting off alarms in my mind and heart. I'd rather just read the bible or Christian literature. Or listen to a solid, scripturally sound sermon. Godly people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. We need to lay up His word in our hearts. We must be a praying people.
To answer some questions that were begged, the producer of The Chosen is a Mormon. In the last week (5/2/23 today) it came out that this season will have the viewers encouraged to have sympathy for Judas Iscariot. Per the scripted scenes, Judas was in league with Jesus and a devoted disciple the whole time, which would be contrary to the Biblical account, particularly when Jesus identified Judas as having a devil. Third, having the Jesus character utter unbefore known things is like adding words to the utterances of Scripture. We play a dangerous game when we do that. Like it said in the video, we might imagine what men might say, but to put words into the mouth of the Son of God, I think is a bad idea. Mormon producers might take that opportunity to falsely use the media.
Some people at church loved it and the church has even shown it as kind of a backdrop for social fellowship nights. People say they love the little humorous bits that Jesus is depicted as taking part in. People have said the sit-com kind of humorous stuff makes Jesus more real and "down-to-eath". One guy said it must've been like that because it couldnt be all seriousness all of the time during those three years. Personally, I don't think God's word needs or deserves this kind of "help" to make Jesus "more real".
Interesting. I watched Season One, unaware that there are more seasons. I don't recall being compelled to watch it by anyone. I loved it. I came away from it more hungry for the word and have been back into daily Bible study since. Some scenes move slower as the rich characters are being developed. About the time I would grow distracted, "Jesus" would come into scene and everyone around him would be changed, awe struck, made new, or left completely confounded much as you said it would be during an encounter with Jesus. The scenes with Nicodemus were very well done. Much of the movie, Christ goes off alone to fast and pray while the disciples' characters take shape. So, I don't remember so much disturbing added wording. I saw it as more about how each of his followers were impacted, changed by knowing Christ and being touched by Christ. This is how they show us Jesus, I think. I love all the powerful stories they depicted, true to scripture, best I could tell. The ones from my Sunday School lessons way back. I enjoy all the old Bible movies. The Chosen was well done in my opinion. I had no expectations. I will watch the other Seasons and will keep an opened mind. Thanks!
except its not Jesus, no one can ever portray the real Jesus, its a graven image i watched it out of pure curiosity, and the issues and inaccuracies and outright heresy and contradictions to the Bible just kept getting worse as the seasons progressed
Yeah I don't remember which season had Jesus doing the beatitudes but I am fairly certain that Jesus as God, who spoke with authority, who pre-existed before the world began and helped create the universe (John 1) would 1. be nervous about giving his first public speech and 2. need help from Matthew to put it together.
Agree, Jesus certainly would not need Matthew’s help, but what a clever way to show how Jesus might have helped Matthew begin to comprehend the depths of His ministry of redemption. Again, this is a movie.
The things the film does is subtle. For instance, Jesus is talking with John the Baptist about the sins of King Herod. Jesus just brushes him off and says that is not why he came. That is basically the Progressive Christian message that sin stuff does not matter. In another scene, Jesus is shown practicing for the Sermon on the Mount. His disciple helps him craft the message to sell it to the audience. First Jesus taught the Word of God. He does not need to practice or craft the message to sell it to the audience. In another scene, John meets with Mary because he is writing his Gospel. She reminds him of something that happened and he says, Oh I forgot about that. That undercuts that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. The Holy Spirit spoke to them. They did not have to be reminded by someone. I could go on.
Much respect. I watch your channel often, and I will continue watching. I understand some of your points on this, but not all. Really looking forward to the Johnathan Edwards study Bible.
Dallas Jenkins said that Mormons are our brothers in Christ. Also, the actor who plays Jesus uses his platform to teach the rosery and to pray to saints. Not the Jesus of the bible in this movie. The movie studio is Mormon owned.
Apostle Paul says in Phillipians 1: 18 " What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice."
Paul is talking about the attitude of the person - not the theological truth of their preaching about Christ. There is a difference - read from verse 14.(Phil1)
I watched the 1st few episodes when it originally came out. It didn’t sit well with us for a number of reasons including adding to scriptural accounts. Your confessional position is how I now lean when discussing with others in our church.
This old Grammy absolutely agrees with you about not watching the chosen. I watched several clips because my daughter enjoys it, and started to try and watch an episode but just couldn't. That made up dialog is unbiblical turned me Off! But I think I've set the bar too high after watching the Matthew series with Bruce Marchiano years ago. Wow, totally scripture and not one other word added. That series touched me deeply. But of course it shows Jesus, which I didn't know was against Presbyterian rules. I think I kinda agree with you on that. (Former baptist).
A sensible and articulate case for not viewing; thanks Matt. The Bible is above contemporary literature and film. The best way to visit the events captured in the Bible is to read it. Any flavour introduced to these events by a commercially driven third party, can potentially lead to misrepresentation of them and therefore the message.
Great video, Dr. Everhard! You could have even added an eighth: It’s taking the place of Scripture (either people don’t want to read their Bibles, or it’s become greater than their Bibles to them). I love your channel! Keep up the hard work!
I really enjoyed this video. What demographic are you seeing the result of people not wanting to read scripture after watching? Most of my friends who have watched it and I've talked with say that it has made them want to read scripture much more and ask better questions of the context of scripture.
Actually the creators of the show have been very clear that the Chosen isn't scripture and tell their audience to read their bible. Judging by the response it sounds like the series is inspiring people to read their scripture more not less.
Of the people who enjoy the show and rate it positively, which is numerous, the majority of reviewers say they have started to read their Bibles more. This idea the show is driving people away from the scriptures is not founded in any truth....maybe it seems like that would happen, but that's not what the reviews show.
I can tell you that I have opened my Bible more after watching this show. Yes, not everything is Bible quote but the Bible is The Bible--nothing can replace it.
Amen & Amen! Invented dialogues are adding to the Word, not to mention the making of actors into idols. Very dangerous! Movies can subtly shape our beliefs without us even realizing it. God wants us to read, study, meditate upon, cherish, and share His Word.
Your my brother in Jesus in earth. Soon heaven. I'll just say I'm weak in the Bible but known God all my life but truly been in God for 28 years. On the chosen right or wrong if it brings just one person to the Bible then they have done God's works. God will take it from there. Watch it don't watch it. But knocking it isn't a profit to God's glory. Amen and God be with you.
I agree with you on not watching The Chosen. How do you feel about the Jesus storybook Bible for children, and nativity scenes during Christmas? I’ve been conflicted on them recently.
I agree with you on every point. I've only seen clips of some shows from people critiquing the show. It's horrible. Our former church really promotes watching the chosen. So much so that they watch and talk about the show in the youth gatherings, not the Scriptures. I mentor a 12 year old girl from this particular church. She has told me she likes the Jesus in the chosen better than Jesus in the Bible "he's more exciting." Also, she would rather watch the chosen than read her Bible. This is what the show is producing. If you watch interviews with the mormon creators of the chosen, their marketing demographic is 25-45 year old women. Dallas Jenkins said 95% of what is in the show is not in the Bible. Lack of discernment in the "Christian" community is being revealed. Thanks for your video Brother.✝️📖🙏🤍
I saw a FB posting from a Lutheran Pastor. They are watching it at their church, but he is going over the issues that it presents with those watching. This shows the many problems and teaches discernment.
Christ in the incarnation is not the exact image of God and therefore it is not idolatry that is the whole point. Otherwise, seeing him at all, would have been a sin.
We don’t need a fictional TV show to strengthen our faith. We need God’s word, the local church, means of grace, sacraments, etc. When Mormons & Catholics think the show is great 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩
@@sarahd5341 so do you mean to tell me that we should avoid anything that the mormans and Catholics like? I mean, both of those false religions hold to the same basic tenants laid out in the gospels, so I dotn think there is any reason for them to reject the Chosen show. It's not like Jesus went around in his ministry saying - the book of morman is false, Joseph Smith is a heretic, Mary does not help your prayers, no papacy, etc....I'm not saying that LDS and RCC are accepted as true Christianity, but simply that we cannot judge the value and truth of something just because another "religion" likes it. I mean in all honesty, they both like and read the written gospels as well, but that doesn't mean we reject it. You see the issue with your logic?
@@marekfoolforchrist I think the point of strengthening faith is that it then draws them to the word of God which is powerful to bring true conversion to their hearts. It's not as if the chosen is doing the saving or changing but like Paul said...one man sows seed, another waters, but God brings increase. I think sometimes we look at the shower as less than the one who waters, because it's the one who waters that is theologically saturated (waters)...but we forget that both are needed yet it's still God who brings the increase.
@@sarahd5341 I don't agree with some things into the show. But we should not judge when fellow christians try to share the Word, no matter the way they choose to do so. Man sees the appearance but God sees the heart, if the Chosen it's good we will recognize it from the fruits. We have to have our foundation on the Word but be careful to not embody the pharisee of our century, even Jesus told to his disciples to let it go when his disceples saw in the gospels some people Who were preaching His name "differently". The Chosen it's a way to preach the gospel and we should be careful to not judge because we could have been judging God's work and callings of some of our Brothers and Sisters. Ps: I'm sorry for my english, I'm italian!
Agree. I am in a small group of sincere Christians that really likes the Chosen series. What I have noticed lately, when they excitedly talked about the Chosen, they seem to think they are seeing real biblical characters almost caught on film in its semi-documeanry style (camera shake and all). . I head things like "I "never did understand.or know -- fill in the statement." .Almost as if it is further extra bibilcia revelation that they have received beyond the Bible.. That can't wait until the next show. Kinda of unsettling. Also, the Shack book and move seems to evoke the same response in lots of my brethren.
I’ve found even recently that people fawn over Dallas like he is God and the Jesus character like he is Jesus. There is something really wrong with this.
Excellent presentation, thank you. I became so disappointed and disgusted by Hollyweird and tv shows that I got rid of my tv several years ago, there's enough solid Biblical content on youtube that I always have a massive 'watch later' playlist of Bible studies, sermons, commentaries and family videos.
Here is my problem with a lot of Christian brothers and sisters, you’ll go to the movies and watch marvel with their false gods, you’ll watch horror movies and inappropriate movies and shows. But you won’t watch the chosen…ok
Dear Matthew, I am a true Catholic, meaning I abide by the rules and faith everyday not just on Sundays. I came across your video and I thought it would be interesting to listen to what you had to said about the Chosen given the recent controversy of the flag shown. As a Catholic I have a slightly different view/belief about your first point that was obvious as I am a Catholic, I am referring to the fact of showing the image of Christ. I am not here to debate that fact, I feel we both could respect each other points of views, as that views have a lot to do with what happened back in the 1500s. But the reason I am writing you, it is because I loved the what you had to say in the rest of your video. I am very sad to see that many people, including Catholics and Christians (Protestants) will acquire their knowledge of our Lord or their ethics and principles from the media. That is very sad to see precisely of all the points you mentioned. I am sure that the people that follow you as their pastor are very happy to have someone like you to tell it as it is. We have the Bible. There is no need to put words into Jesus. He said what we needed to hear. I will probably not subscribe to your channel because I am very happy to be a Catholic and my relationship with God is deep. But I need to tell you that it was my pleasure to hear you talk, because I could hear and see how devoted you are to Jesus, and how devoted you are to guide those who God will choose to find their way to God through you. Much Blessings. May God guide your soul and your heart always. Amen.
I attended a Catholic funeral once and the rosary 📿 becoming scary bc of so many REPETITIONS! By the way, Catholics aren’t Christians, bc their way of Salvation is so complicated in comparison with the Biblical Christianity! Ephesians 2:8,9 Catholics are not reading the Bible (only for the NT) and following books to read prayers from…
Hi I am tired of rude Protestants who judge Catholics. If you are born again then you know it. I have issues as a Protestant with some Catholic beliefs such as Mary, the saints and the Pope. But when I attended a Catholic service it was so similar to the Church of England I couldn't believe it. As a child I was moved to prayer by a Catholic depiction of Jesus on the cross. I knew it wasn't really Jesus but it moved my heart. And I love the prayer books as the Biblical prayers guide me to pray from my heart.
Thanks Pastor Matt. Your reasons not to watch are more compelling than my reasons to watch.
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As long as you understand it's entertainment, and don't try to extract your theology from it you'll be fine. There are worst things to watch, such as the news.
Agree Pastor Matthew. Has really a great point about endorsing celebrities. Amy Grant was a great example. As always praying for all those that are diluted with images and adding to the scriptures praying that they would come to know the living Christ.
The Chosen may be fantastic - I don't know. But because I know how powerfully my mind is influenced by visual media, I don't want to watch it. I don't want to "overwrite" what the Bible is putting into my mind about who Jesus really is. In the same way, I don't read fiction books that have Christ as an explicit character. I do watch other Christian movies, and even some old Hollywood movies that are set at the time of Christ. I highly recommend a movie called Barabbas. It has only the tiniest cameo of Christ at the beginning, right before He is crucified. The movie focuses on what it might have been like to be Barabbas, a criminal whose life was unexpectedly redeemed in unique circumstances. In a way, Barabbas was the first man saved by Christ's death on the cross.
That was a great commentary brother I completely agree I am kind of new to the faith, but there were a bunch of people going to see the chosen from my church and I got a big Holy Spirit nudge that said no no no no no Thank you for the confirmation of a lot of points that I was thinking about I randomly found you and I watch you a lot. I think you’re very solid. Carry on and be blessed
Reading A. W. Tozer's essay "The Menace of the Religious Movie" made me rethink this topic. It is well worth reading ( it was written in the 1950s when cinematic biblical epics were all the rage).
You are truly missing out. They did a fantastic job with The Chosen. I remember thinking "that's not in the Bible" with the first episode when Jesus cast demons out of Mary Magdalene, only to find out that He did :( I don't understand the whole pictures of Jesus being an idol. The Chosen is an excellent teaching tool for myself, my wife, and for my kids. It makes so many of the scenes in the Bible amazingly strong. The story of Nicodemus is amazing. The portrayal of Nathanael under the fig tree is so powerful. Visually seeing the sons of thunder was humbling and I believe very accurate. The Samaritan woman at the well is incredibly moving. When they take liberty is adds to the show application of Jesus's teachings. They added an episode about Jesus teaching children before his ministry started and it is incredible inspiration for my children. They are capable of having greater faith in God than adults and then the apostles did. When Jesus said they needed to have faith like these children. There are so many tidbits that I've learned that are in this show, it is incredible the amount of research they've done. I truly believe that God wanted this created and that it glorifies God. I don't think you understand anything about the history of how this show was created. This is NOT a Hollywood show. This is a self financed show by US, by Christians. We created this out of nothing. The stakeholders IS the Christian church. AngelVid morphed into a viewer funded Christian production company. We sponsor the films and shows, like The Chosen, and they are created outside of Hollywood. It is fantastically amazing. You should look into it. Go to angel com
I understand and respect your opinion. I will say that point three is not quite accurate. The Chosen has been produced outside of Hollywood and does not have a single sponsor. The first season was crowdfunded by 16,000 believers who wanted to see Jesus portrayed by a strong Christian writer/director without the influence of Hollywood. We are now in the third season, yet The Chosen has no one outside of the original show runners who have any influence on the content. The show still survives on the generous gifts and donations of its audience. The show runner is evangelical, but he does have three different consultants to help him and his two writers so they do not write anything that is improbable, culturally inaccurate or doctrinally unsound. I think the greatest strength of the show is that it has sent people back to the Bible to see what it really said. Many people have claimed that it was instrumental in their decision to follow Jesus. And for once there is a show that removes Jesus from our Western interpretations and returns Him to His first century Jewish culture. That may be the most unexpected yet welcome contribution. Sure, there have been some scenarios that I didn’t think were good decisions and there are a few times I disagreed with their depiction. However, they are careful to let their audience know that The Chosen isn’t the Bible. It isn’t trying to be. It is simply trying to show the people who followed Jesus as real people with real problems who were radically changed by meeting Him. It is basically the Gospels through the eyes of those who met Jesus. This isn’t the real Jesus, but God has used it to drive me closer to the real Jesus. It isn’t for everyone. But for me, I believe God has used the show in a big way.
The show has touched me and many others so wonderfully. Rather i should say that the Holy Spirit touched me wonderfully as i watched the chosen . He uses whomever and whatever He desires .
As someone who grew up with a non biblical (fictional) Jesus and a watered down/half gospel, alarm bells rang off in my mind very soon after this came out.
Pastor Matt, I respect your reasons/opinions on the Chosen. Personally, I have no problem separating the character Jesus on the show & the Jesus in my heart & in the Word. Dad taught me very early on, 'TV is not real and don't confuse the character they play with the actor' (10 yo me was so upset when Edith died on All in the Family- my 1st death experience). If you view it for what it is, it's a great production. I've cried several times, being moved by the Holy Spirit, watching the show. If you get closer to our Lord & Saviour - I'm all for it.
Here’s the difference - Jesus is the Lord and so any portrayal would be necessarily worshipful. And from the reformed perspective, the Lord has commanded not to make a representation of Him by way of image - Deuteronomy 5:8. A question one might ask you - how can you be sure you are being moved by the Holy Spirit, and not just by your own emotions? And further, how can you be sure you are getting closer to the Lord and not to some false representation to an idea of a god formed in your own mind?
@@jtv_70 I am disappointed that I have been blocked.. however I will comment for whoever may wish to read. Please don't misunderstand me - I'm not bringing this person's experience into judgement/condemnation. I'm simply asking the question "how do we know our experience is that which is truly of grace, and not of the flesh?". The reason I think this question is important is because our hearts are deceitful and desperately sick - Jeremiah 17:9. I know from painful experience that feeling alone cannot be the compass by which we determine the moving of the Holy Spirit in our lives. I believe the answer is that our experiences must be judged by the word of God, and therefore we must examine ourselves in light of Scripture with humble prayer.
I don't think there will ever be a depiction of Jesus in a movie that Christians will collectively agree on , however the Chosen has done a very amazing job in depicting Jesus and the impact of the show has been phenomenal. Nevertheless we who have read the Bible can argue about the parts that were added or removed because we have the "higher ground" nevertheless I've seen how the show has impacted people who have never read the Bible to begin to read it, the writers have constantly emphasised the fact that the show is not a replacement of the bible. The chosen has been a powerful tool in reconnecting Christians back to the word of God and understanding both the humanity and Supernatural nature of Jesus. We need to stop expecting the writers of the show to have all the answers.
I'm sorry brother, but you missed the mark with this video. Please do a little more research before tackling this topic in the future. You said a few things that don't apply to the Chosen. 1. It is officially tied to a non-profit organization (and not Hollywood at all - it's produced mostly in Texas). 2. There has never been any corporate sponsorship involved. All funds have been raised through crowd-sourcing from the fans and go to the production of new episodes as well as translation into other languages. The only corporate entity involved is the studio. 3. The director is an evangelical with complete editorial control. Granted, he's not a pastor/elder but he is humble and making a best effort to capture as accurate a depiction as possible while making it easily consumed. 4. The director utilizes a panel of pastoral experts to catch errors or problems prior to filming. They even filmed round-tables with these men for each episode where they expound upon Biblical issues raised by the episode and discuss accuracy. The panel includes an evangelical seminarian, a messianic rabbi, and a catholic priest. (Yes, it's ecumenical but that's not unreasonable considering the audience) Now, I understand your position on images of Christ. I also understand your issue with additional commentary being given to Jesus in the episodes. But you shouldn't knock them for things that they are not guilty of (sponsorship/influence, etc). The director has been very up front about this not being intended to replace or even supplement scripture. He encourages everyone to go straight to the bible. His hope is that the episodes drive people to search the scriptures. Regardless of your view that evangelism is best suited for traditional methods (which is a view I generally share with you), the Chosen should be viewed as another avenue to introduce people to the concept of Christian faith. What the Chosen has done better than probably anything previously is it has shown the humanity of Christ and the apostles in an easy format. Given the resonance it's getting, I think you should watch it. Then, you can at least be better informed of the contents when you rebuff it to a congregant or random strangers on the internet. I was hesitant to watch this show for many of the same reasons that everyone else gives. But, it was recommended by a person that I trust (with the caveat that it doesn't replace scripture). It's an incredible show. I love to open up the scriptures to see how close they managed to get it. In this past week's episode, I doubted one of the scenes and thought it was added for background but there it was in scripture, almost identical to the text (yes, with some inserted dialogue). I hope this was helpful and that you'll consider what I've said.
I understand the trepidation to watching the series. I'm incredibly discerning about depictions of the Bible and when I was recommended it I researched it before actually watching it. I found that the Chosen's possible approximation of what Jesus and the disciples went through was thought-provoking. It looks more accurate than anything I've seen before with the grit of the sets and how all the 12 disciples get to feel like fleshed out people. I grew up with a sterilized idea of how the events in Jesus's life were (like illustrated Bibles for all ages and artwork my theology class had for visuals, classical artwork, and the occasional show/documentary). Having something like the Chosen that puts visuals and contextualizes the entirety of the turmoil of the time Jesus lived in has been very eye-opening for me as someone who wants to know more about what the events would have looked like and what the circumstances in Jesus' time were. I like how it's interpretation of the disciples as people with how the Chosen has each of them embody different types of people who have different faith journeys. I love that it makes you feel like you could easily feel like they'd be friends to you if you were there. I don't take the interpretation of the Chosen as more factual than the Bible or as biblical-canon. If anything I see it as a work similar to Dante's Inferno or Milton's Paradise Lost. A writer taking scripture and trying to explore it a bit to well up the emotions and provoke ideas from the events.
Peter as a tax cheat, Matthew on the Autism scale, is just wildly made up and not respectful. The disciples call John the Baptist "creepy John". Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest man ever born. The depictions do not uplift these people and that is a problem.
Sadly it seems there's parts that doesn't even follow what the Bible says especially when it says " no man laid hands on him for his time hasn't come" and in the show he gets arrested or detained. How many people fall in love with the shows Jesus but not the Biblical Jesus.
To believers, it's not meant to be a Bible study, and although not everything is straight from the Bible per se, so far nothing contradicts the Bible. I also think the church needed some type of modern media tool like the Chosen to bring the gospel to a new audience of non-Christians that would rather watch something on TV than read the Bible or go to Church if they don't already. Planting seeds is the name of the game in my opinion. And the show is actually GOOD! Funny, emotional, historically set, and relatable.
The producers are mormon, and they have 3 different Bible consultants, but Dallas says he's evangelical and has the final word. The image of a funny jesus is what works for many so many enjoy it.
I don't read my Bible in public spaces to get noticed. In fact, I wish sometimes that I could read unnoticed. But sometimes it can get other people to talk and ask me questions about my faith, and that allows me to witness to them. Movies aren't needed, just the Bible. 😊
Nobody, especially Christians, should be paying for Netflix anymore! They were and still are showing that child p*** called, "CUTIES." After the scene I watched, which involved a little girl pulling down her pants and putting her phone down there to take a photo, I can't fathom how Christians are still paying for such a thing. (No skin was actually shown. But it was clear what she was doing. How any PARENT can allow their child to film such a scene is beyond me.)
Thanks for your video, Pastor Matt! You know I disagree with your first point, but the others were insightful I thought. I have never been interested except so many people rave about it. I watched some other review videos where the reviewers did watch the first two seasons and dig into some interviews with the director, musicians, etc., and there were many concerning aspects. I have always been against putting words in Jesus' mouth that are not found in Scripture just out of an abundance of caution, but I had never even thought about your point that Jesus often said surprising things which would make it very foolish to try to guess what he might have said. Thanks again!
Pastor Everard (I believe rightly) puts forward the reasoning that man’s depictions of the Lord are sinful because of His commandment, no matter how they may make people feel. In my opinion, this highlights a huge problem with Christianity today - people want to worship God in whichever way makes them feel best. But rather, we should seek to worship God in the way He calls us to worship Him, according to His word.
I’m glad that movies are made about Jesus if they are scripturally accurate but I don’t like to have the movie or the actors in my mind when I study the scriptures Or especially when I pray I never want anything that is worldly to take away from the Holiness of GOD or the magnificence of GOD
*"The Bible" 10 part mini-series is THE BEST. Covers the entire bible. Adam/Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, etc....all the way to the Gospels and all the NT after His resurrection. Incredible filming. Produced by TV producer Mark Burnett. (Producer of Survivor, Amazing RAce, etc..etc..)*
I really, really enjoyed that show, and the second season, “A.D. the Bible Continues” as well. What I did however was read the Bible during each episode and have discussions about context, as well as instances where artistic liberty was taken and not in the Bible, or in the historical record at all. I still love it though!
@@DefenderoftheCross In what way? Can you give specifics? I think it stuck more closely to the gospels and OT as well? Where as The Chosen takes some liberty in telling some stories that aren't really biblical. (We watched the first several episodes and it really dragged with non-biblical stuff. ) So again, can you tell us specifics as to how the series: The Bible "is so much worse"? Thanks.
Amen Pastor Matt ! I have not watched this series. Your arguments are sound. I would rather use my time reading the word. We will not grow in our faith without spending substantial time, studying and meditating on the word of God! And yes, it is dangerous to try to build your faith and theology on this video production!
I have watched some other series which were verbatim from the Bible. Those would definitely be better, however they still would violate the principle of images.
Brother hello from Ukraine. I agree with you I didn't know why I didn't like to watch at all movies about Jesus, and 1 reason usually Jesus in the movie is sinful actor who can for example play in any other really bad movies. Second part what you said that Jesus speak really different way and we can know what things he will say it's really big true. So I didn't also watch this tv-series also. Some people told me to watch it but I don't have also good feeling to watch it, so I am glad that you maid this video, this explanation make me understand why I don't have any normal feeling to watch it :) Also thank you so much brother for your opinion about different topics, I am so happy that you made so much awesome and good videos about so many topics :). I watched abuot Jhone Frame and I really like it :)
My wayward brother in law has taken an interest in The Chosen and keeps telling me to watch it. Im just going to invite him to church, but he's used to Evangelicalish services, we are now Reformed Presbyterians. We'll see how it goes!
100% agree. Though not a Presbyterian I still take issue with the portraying of Jesus as well as the extra biblical dialogue.. all other points are excellent as well. Definitely the most gracious arguments against the show I have seen yet!
More pushback! Lol why is it that we shouldn't use other forms of evangelism other than preaching/teaching/witnessing in person. Just because a form is not laid out in scripture doesn't mean it's ineffective. Especially since I don't believe people are getting saved BECAUSE of this show, but the seeds are being sown which is directing people to the written word of God and back to a church where they can encounter the gospel and actually be saved by God who is the one who does that saving anyway. It think my point is what Paul said...one man sows, another waters, but its God who brings increase. That is, one who sows seed is often looked at with contempt next to the one who saturates (waters) the seed with deep theology...yet we forget that both are needed and God is the one who brings increase, not the shower or the one who waters
The fact that the apostles all referred to John the Baptist as "creepy John" and Jesus, being God and would have known this, allowed it, turned me off. Edit: I forgot that they portrayed the Creator of the universe as being unable to write a sermon without Matthews help.
The chosen portrays the mormon Jesus who is not God but only a prophet but the Christian JESUS is a GOD, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. 🤷♂️ I think the chosen is blasphemous!
I wouldn't use a commentary that says that Jesus said things that He never said. I wouldn't watch a "TV" series that says that Jesus said things that He never said. I wouldn't read a book that says that Jesus said things that He never said. Exo 20:7
Jesus’ speech was not unpredictable. It is literally full of Old Testament readings, i.e. prophesies, psalms, and teaching. Jesus even said to Nicodemus, John 3:10. Now, I agree with you about the ‘filler’. But what you said was errant. What Jesus taught was not invented in the New Testament. It has been taught since Genesis by God, literally by The Word.
I love your content Pastor Matt but I have to disagree with several of your arguments. You've made assumptions about The Chosen that are simply not true. Dallas Jenkins is the creator, producer and co-writer. He is evangelical. The Chosen is not affiliated in any way with Hollywood. There are no corporate sponsors. The show is crowd funded. Dallas maintains total control over content. He uses a Catholic priest, a Jewish rabbi and a Protestant pastor as consultants for content and historical context. These 'roundtable' discussions are available to be viewed. Dallas is very transparent. He has stated many, many times that The Chosen is not meant to replace the Bible and in fact encourages viewers over and over to read their Bible. He does use some creative license with back stories about some of the characters and states that the question he always asks is "Is this plausible?" I feel like the content has been true to Scripture. He has used a first century Jewish set owned by the Mormon church for some of the filming and Utah based Angel studios as distribution partner. This does not mean that the show in any way has Mormon theology in it. While I agree with you about the best ways to evangelize, I do believe this show is reaching some people that would otherwise be unreachable. The goal is to have it translated into every language and be available worldwide. Imagine the story of the Gospel reaching a billion people! That is the goal of The Chosen.
That whole thing about adding backstories to the characters I disagree with. The issue with doing that is that we add in filler to the Scriptures that either aren't explained in the Scriptures or something the Scripture doesn't go into TOO much detail in. Because we have the CONTEXT of the Scriptures, we just don't have a lot of the CONTENT
If it brings people to the gospel who might not have found it in other ways...if it saves even ONE wayward soul I am sorry I have to support the idea. Spread the good news is our responsibility through the great commission. I would not presume to be an expert on what vehicles our Heavenly Father would endorse to accomplish this. So in this broader light I can not be against The Chosen.
I am Lutheran. We have stain glass windows. They are used to teach the Bible. We do not "Worship" them. They are not idols. There are better reasons to not watch The Chosen.
Pastor the Chosen series is totally offensive to any discerning Christian. God will allow the foolish to follow these false prophets for a time. But judgement is ahead. May the Church rise up and defend the truth while abstaining from the tools of the devil aimed at the lazy and weak.
I've never had interest in shows like this. I would forever be double checking to see if they got everything correct. I can take a movie now and then because it's a couple of hours and it would be easier to fact check. But I don't have the mental energy (or desire) to watch dozens of episodes and constantly be fact checking. I also found The Passion of the Christ. I should give it another watch this coming Easter. I do remember wondering about Mel Gibson's spiritual state. I remember thinking, now that he's made this movie, Satan will try to destroy him. And that's exactly what seems to have happened. My heart still goes out to him. I don't know if he was ever genuinely saved, but I hope he turns or turns back to Christ.
They're starting filming on the Passion sequel called The Resurrection. Jim Caveziel is returning to portray Jesus. That has been the only "Bible" movie I felt okay with. I don't feel okay about the Chosen.
You'd be checking constantly, because none of the culture or history is correct. The wardrobe, the scenery, the landscape, the style of written Hebrew, the dialogue, the fact that everyone puts on ARAB accents - it's all wrong. They put a hair salon in Capernaum, for crying out loud.
Show me one staunch devout Roman Catholic person who’s genuinely saved and who publicly says “I love the Lord Jesus Christ who saved me from my sins when I deserved Hell (Hades)!”
