Michael Brooks
The Chosen is a popular TV series about the life of Christ. It has received a great deal of praise from noteworthy Catholics. However, some Catholics have been critical of the show, arguing that it contains Protestant influences that may be incompatible with Catholic theology. The show has been praised for its portrayal of Jesus and its ability to spark viewers' desires to do good. It has also been criticised for its creative choices and potential misrepresentation of Catholic theology.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Portrayal of Jesus | Some viewers are uncomfortable with the portrayal of Jesus in the show, with some calling it "relatable, bro-Jesus" and "a false Christ". |
| Portrayal of Mary | Some Catholics have criticised the show for portraying Mary as experiencing labour pains, which they say is incompatible with Catholic theology. |
| Creative choices | Some viewers disagree with the creative choices made by the show, especially regarding the portrayal of Jesus. |
| Religious influence | The show has been criticised for its Protestant and Mormon influences, with some Catholics worried that it promotes Protestant notions. |
| Accuracy | Some viewers feel that the show is not faithful to the Gospel stories and adds fictional elements. |
| Emotional impact | The show has been designed to be emotional and has had a strong emotional impact on its Catholic fans. |
| Production | The show is crowdfunded by devout Christians and has a relatively low budget. |
| Quality | Some viewers feel that the show is of higher quality than other Christian entertainment. |
| Recommendation | Some Catholic viewers recommend the show, while others are more critical. |
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What You'll Learn
The Chosen has received praise and criticism from Catholics
The Chosen has received mixed reactions from Catholics, with some praising the show and others criticising it.
Praise from Catholics
The Chosen has received praise from several noteworthy Catholics. Fr. Hugh Barbour, O. Praem, a member of a solidly orthodox religious community, has written about how the positive reactions of his fellow Norbertine priests led him to watch and support the series. The faithful Catholic organisation The Augustine Institute acquired the rights to broadcast the first season and developed a series called "Catholic Commentary on The Chosen". Bishop Barron has also interviewed Jonathan Roumie, a Catholic who plays the role of Jesus in the series.
Some Catholics have praised the acting and production quality of the show, with one priest noting that it is "not second-rate, 'cheesy' Christian film". Another Catholic priest has described the show as "wonderful", stating that it moved him to tears. He also noted that the portrayal of Jesus in the show is one that we can easily accept.
Criticism from Catholics
However, some Catholics have criticised the show for its portrayal of Jesus and its potential conflict with Catholic theology. One Catholic theologian noted that while they generally have a positive view of the series, there are certain aspects that could be considered artistic license that they do not agree with. They also emphasised that the show is a dramatic presentation and not a doctrinal exposition of the Gospels.
Other Catholics have raised concerns about heresy, blasphemy, and misleading anachronisms in the show. They argue that while the show may be emotionally engaging, it does not excuse these issues. Some have also criticised the show for promoting a "happy, hippie 'Jesus'" that undermines the serious and mysterious nature of Christ traditionally depicted in the Catholic Church.
Overall, The Chosen has received a range of reactions from Catholics, with some praising its ability to engage and inspire viewers, while others have criticised its portrayal of Jesus and potential conflicts with Catholic theology.
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Some Catholic viewers have recommended the show
While some Catholic viewers have expressed criticism of the show "The Chosen", others have recommended it. One Catholic priest has praised the show, comparing it to Pasolini's "The Gospel According to Matthew" and Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ". The priest writes that "The Chosen" meets the two tests of good religious art: it is orthodox, and it is done with skill and fine dialogue. The priest also notes that the rapport between Jesus and his apostles in the show is influenced by the modern, easy relations that people have with authority figures in American and European cultures.
Other Catholic viewers have also recommended the show. One Catholic viewer writes that "The Chosen" is a delightful series and a grace, echoing St. Augustine's teaching that efficacious grace moves us by means of delight. Another Catholic viewer writes that the show is not a penance but an artistic and spiritual delight, praising its ambitious and visionary storytelling. This viewer also notes that the show is made by devout Christians and is crowdfunded by them, and has the potential to reach a wider audience beyond those who are already drawn to good television and storytelling.
Some Catholic viewers have found the show to be a blessing, feeling truly blessed by the Holy Spirit after watching it. They also appreciate the show's portrayal of Jesus by the devout Catholic actor Jonathan Roumie, seeing it as a way to encounter Christ in a new way. The show has led some Catholic viewers to reflect on the person of Christ and what it means to be a disciple in new ways, and it has sparked their desires to do good. These viewers acknowledge that no Bible-based media will be 100% accurate, but they believe that "The Chosen" does a good job of representing the love and compassion that Christians are called to have for one another.
Some Catholic viewers have recommended "The Chosen" as a solid choice for television viewing, finding it to be incredibly entertaining and well-made in comparison to other Christian entertainment. They also appreciate the show's portrayal of Jesus and its potential to lead viewers to reflect on Christ and what it means to be a disciple. These viewers acknowledge that the show includes fictional elements and actor portrayals, but they believe it does not explicitly run counter to Catholic theology. They see the show as a starting point for discussion and evangelization, and they can guide their loved ones through any "bad" parts or misunderstandings.
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The show's creator, Dallas Jenkins, is a Protestant
The creator, writer, director, and producer of The Chosen, Dallas Jenkins, is a Protestant Christian. Jenkins has been open about his Protestant Christian background and how his faith influences his personal life and career, especially in The Chosen. He identifies as an evangelical Christian and has stated that he believes in the inerrancy of Scripture and the supremacy of God's Word. He also believes in the Holy Trinity and that Jesus is the Son of God.
Jenkins has clarified that The Chosen is intended to appeal to a wide audience, not just one denomination. He has said that the show is "for anyone who is curious about Jesus, whether you're Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, or even not religious at all." Despite his intention to create a show with broad appeal, some Catholics have expressed concern that Jenkins, as a Protestant, is projecting his interpretation of Scripture onto viewers. They argue that Protestants believe there is no correct interpretation of the Bible and that The Chosen reflects a Protestant perspective on characters and events in the Bible.
Jenkins has responded to criticism and addressed rumors surrounding his religious views. In a YouTube video, he stated that he considers himself a conservative evangelical and that his primary goal in life is to point people towards Jesus. He also emphasized that his series does not receive funding from any religious organizations and that he alone is responsible for the content.
While some Catholics have criticized The Chosen for its Protestant influence, others have recommended the show. They argue that it is a solid choice compared to other Christian television programs and that it has led them to reflect on the person of Christ and what it means to be a disciple in new ways. The show has also been praised for its rich character development and emotionally compelling storytelling, capturing the hearts of millions worldwide.
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The portrayal of Jesus in The Chosen has been criticised
The portrayal of Jesus in "The Chosen" has been criticised for various reasons, mainly revolving around its accuracy and potential impact on viewers' understanding of Jesus and the Bible.
One criticism is that the portrayal of Jesus in the series deviates from traditional depictions and biblical accounts. In one controversial scene, Jesus attempts to dissuade John the Baptist from confronting Herod about his adultery with his brother's wife. This interpretation has been deemed blasphemous and a complete assault on the characters of both Jesus and John the Baptist. The portrayal of John the Baptist as "Creepy John" and his characterisation as a millennial seeking fame on TikTok have also been criticised as disrespectful and sacrilegious.
The series' interpretation of Jesus' relationship with authority has also been questioned. The portrayal of Jesus showing a range of emotions, including laughter and wry comments, differs from traditional cultural expectations of reserved and serious behaviour from figures of authority. This has led to discussions about whether the portrayal accurately reflects the solemnity and divinity of Jesus.
Additionally, some viewers have expressed concern that the portrayal of Jesus in "The Chosen" could influence their own understanding and imaginative response to the biblical Jesus. They argue that audio-visual media can evoke strong emotions and influence viewers' interpretations of Jesus, potentially overshadowing their ability to meditate on the written word and form their own ideas based on Scripture alone. This concern is particularly relevant for viewers with little knowledge of the biblical Jesus or those whose impressions of him may have been previously distorted by human traditions.
The series has also been criticised for its handling of biblical characters and themes. Some viewers argue that it portrays many biblical characters as drunks and twists portions of Scripture for entertainment, making light of Christ and undermining core Christian teachings. For example, the omission of the word "repentance" from a quote and the portrayal of disciples interviewing people with notepads, writing down hearsay that becomes their supposed Biblical books, have been criticised as destroying the inspiration of Scripture.
Despite these criticisms, some viewers, including a Catholic priest, have praised the series for its portrayal of Jesus, acknowledging that no Bible-based media will be 100% accurate. They appreciate how the series has sparked their desire to do good and led them to reflect on the person of Christ and the meaning of discipleship in new ways.
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The Chosen is not entirely accurate to the Gospel stories
The Chosen is a TV show that presents the life of Christ and has garnered attention for being the first TV show of its kind. It is crowd-funded and has brought in more donations than any other media project. The show's creator, Dallas Jenkins, has a degree in Biblical Studies and has put together a panel of expert consultants to ensure biblical and historical accuracy in the script.
However, it is important to note that The Chosen is not entirely accurate to the Gospel stories. While it captures the general feel and themes of the biblical sources, it also takes liberties with historical, cultural, and narrative details to meet the expectations and demands of modern audiences. One example of this is the portrayal of Jesus' relationship with his apostles. In the show, Jesus is less reserved and serious than a rabbi or family father of that time would have been, and he jokes and laughs with his subordinates, which would have been unusual in traditional cultures.
Another potential inaccuracy is in the portrayal of the virginal birth of Jesus and its implications for Mary and Christ's divinity. Protestants, who uphold the "Scripture Alone" perspective, may interpret Scripture differently from Catholics and project their interpretations onto viewers. For example, they may deny the privileges granted to Mary, which could be problematic from a Catholic perspective.
Additionally, some viewers have expressed concern about alleged biblical inaccuracies in the show, and it is acknowledged that no Bible-based media will ever be 100% accurate. However, it is important for viewers to remember that The Chosen is not claiming to be God's Word or on par with the Bible. It is a dramatization of biblical events, providing an opportunity to share the gospel and promote spiritual growth.
In conclusion, while The Chosen seeks to provide a faithful retelling of the life of Christ, it takes creative liberties and includes interpretations that may not align with all theological beliefs. As such, it is essential for viewers to approach the show with critical thinking and compare it with Scripture to avoid confusion or the creation of a "fake Jesus" in their minds.
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Frequently asked questions
There are differing opinions on this. Some Catholics believe that the show is not Catholic enough and that the Protestant influences are projected onto the viewers. Others believe that the show is a delightful series and a good portrayal of Jesus.
Some Catholics are concerned that the show is created by Protestants and Mormons and that it may portray their interpretation of Scripture. They believe that the show may contain Protestant notions that are incompatible with the Catholic faith.
Catholics who enjoy the show believe that it is a good portrayal of Jesus and that it brings people closer to Christ. They believe that the show is a good starting point for discussions about the Catholic faith and evangelization.
