Joshua Bennett
The Chosen is a multi-season television series about the life and ministry of Jesus. While the series has received praise from some Catholics, others have criticised it for taking creative liberties with the Biblical text. For instance, some have taken issue with the portrayal of Mary, the mother of Jesus, experiencing labour pains, which contradicts Catholic theology. The series has also been described as portraying a Protestant's take on the Bible, which may influence Catholic viewers' thinking. However, some Catholics have defended the series, arguing that it enhances their vision of Biblical figures by making them more human and complex. Ultimately, while The Chosen may not be entirely Biblically accurate, it has sparked dialogue among Catholics about the portrayal of Jesus and the Apostles on screen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artistic and spiritual delight | The portrayal of Jesus' humanity |
| Dramatic presentation | Creative liberties |
| Not a doctrinal exposition of the Gospels | Not faithful to Gospel stories |
| Not intended to be a Bible replacement | Not biblically accurate |
| Depicts the merciful and loving nature of Christ | Takes dramatic license |
| Depicts Jesus as less reserved and serious than a rabbi or family father | Contradicts Catholic theology |
| Depicts apostles as common people | Contradicts Scriptures |
| Attempts to make the audience relate to the apostles | Portrays Mary experiencing labor pains |
| Produced by a Protestant |
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What You'll Learn
The portrayal of Jesus
The Chosen is an American Christian historical drama television series that presents a unique portrayal of Jesus Christ. Created, directed, and co-written by Dallas Jenkins, it is the first multi-season series centred on the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. The show is set primarily in 1st-century Galilee and Judea, offering an authentic glimpse into the revolutionary life and teachings of Jesus amid Roman oppression.
The series depicts Jesus through the eyes of those who interacted with him, including his apostles, disciples, Jewish religious leaders, Roman officials, and ordinary people. Jonathan Roumie brings Jesus to life on screen, portraying him with unflinching kindness and empathy, making him instantly trustworthy and relatable. This portrayal of Jesus showcases the full range of human emotions, from laughter and lightheartedness to solemnity and prayerfulness as he faces his coming passion.
While taking certain creative liberties, the show aims to remain true to the New Testament record. It enriches the narrative by adding conjectural backstories and dialogue to deepen our understanding of key figures surrounding Jesus. This "street-level view" of those who encountered Jesus provides a fresh perspective, making the characters feel more real and relatable. The show's attention to historical and cultural details further enhances its portrayal of Jesus' life and ministry.
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The portrayal of Mary
Mary, played by Vanessa Benavente, is portrayed as the earthly mother of Jesus, the widowed wife of Joseph, and the daughter of Joachim of Nazareth. Benavente's interpretation of the character has prompted her to reflect on her own motherhood and the mothers in her life. She has expressed humility in witnessing how women relate to her character, feeling that it speaks to the humanity brought to these biblical figures.
However, some Catholic viewers have expressed concerns about the portrayal of Mary in "The Chosen," arguing that it reflects a Protestant interpretation of Scripture. They assert that Mary's portrayal undermines key Catholic beliefs, such as the virginal birth of Jesus, which is integral to Christ's divinity in Catholic doctrine. According to Catholic theology, Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after giving birth to Christ, demonstrating her freedom from original sin.
The show's portrayal of Mary's emotional journey as a mother, fearing for her son's fate, has sparked mixed reactions. While some viewers appreciate the exploration of Mary's humanity, others argue that it strays from the traditional portrayal of Mary in Catholic art and theology.
Additionally, "The Chosen" has been criticized for its "`feel-good`" presentation, prioritizing viewer relatability over an accurate and deep exploration of Christ's message. This criticism extends to the portrayal of the apostles, who are depicted as common people with flaws, potentially distracting from the complexities of Christ's sacrifice and the path to Salvation.
In conclusion, while "The Chosen" has sparked discussions about the portrayal of Mary and the apostles, it has also raised concerns among Catholics about doctrinal accuracy and the potential influence of Protestant interpretations of Scripture.
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The portrayal of the apostles
The apostles in "The Chosen" are portrayed as having a more casual rapport with Jesus, reflecting modern relationships with authority figures. This portrayal differs from traditional cultural expectations, where those in authority are typically more reserved and less likely to display emotions or joke with their subordinates. While some viewers appreciate this portrayal of Jesus' humanity, it has also been noted as a departure from the seriousness typically associated with a rabbi or family father in the first century.
The apostles themselves are diverse characters, each with their own backgrounds and personalities. For example, Matthew, played by Paras Patel, is a former tax collector in Capernaum who struggles with understanding social norms despite his brilliance with calculations. Simon Peter, portrayed by Shahar Isaac, is a former fisherman in Capernaum and a leader among the apostles. He is deep in debt at the start of the series until Jesus provides him with a miraculous catch of fish. John, the son of Zebedee and Salome, and his brother, Big James, are nicknamed the "sons of thunder" by Jesus. Andrew, played by Noah James, is another former fisherman and the brother of Simon Peter.
Thaddeus, a former stonemason in Bethsaida, Little James, a former member of the Jerusalem Temple choir, and Thomas, a former caterer from the Plains of Sharon, are also among the twelve apostles. Judas, portrayed by Luke Dimyan, is one of the twelve apostles and is known for his betrayal of Jesus, although "The Chosen" presents a more nuanced and empathetic portrayal of his story.
Overall, while "The Chosen" takes creative liberties with the biblical narrative, its portrayal of the apostles as relatable and flawed individuals has evoked a range of responses from Catholic viewers, with some appreciating the charming portrayal and others criticizing it as a simplification of the biblical texts.
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Dramatic license and creative choices
While some viewers have criticised The Chosen for its lack of fidelity to the Bible, others have praised the show for its imaginative and creative storytelling. One commentator notes that the show's portrayal of the apostles as "common people" with flaws and personal issues is problematic, arguing that it feels more like the producers are "dumbing down" the biblical texts for a modern audience.
However, others have defended the show's creative choices, arguing that it is precisely these imaginative elements that make the show stand out among other Christian media. For example, the show's portrayal of Jesus as someone who "cracked jokes, danced, and had fun" has been praised for showing the humanity of Christ and making Him more relatable to modern audiences.
Another commentator notes that the show's portrayal of the rapport between Jesus and his apostles is influenced by the familiar and easy relationships that modern people have with authority figures in Western cultures. This is in contrast to traditional cultures, where those in authority do not typically laugh, joke, or smile easily, except with their equals.
The show's creator, Dallas Jenkins, has also weighed in on this debate, encouraging viewers to " [l]ean in and enjoy" the show, rather than approaching it with a critical mindset. Jenkins acknowledges that not every episode is about a specific Bible story and that some are simply character-building episodes.
The show's producers have also stated that they run their scripts by a panel of religious consultants, including a Catholic priest, a Messianic Jewish rabbi, and an Evangelical scholar, to ensure Biblical, historical, and cultural accuracy as much as possible.
Ultimately, while The Chosen takes artistic license with the Bible story, it is clear that the show is made by and for devout Christians, and it has been praised by many noteworthy Catholics for its ability to draw audiences closer to God.
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Protestant influence and consultation
While some Catholics have criticised the show 'The Chosen' for its lack of faithfulness to the Gospel stories, others have praised its ability to draw audiences closer to God. The show has been described as a “Protestant program” that goes against many things in the Catholic faith. The portrayal of Mary in the show has been a point of contention for some Catholics. The show's producer is a Protestant, and it has been noted that their interpretation of Scripture is projected onto the viewers.
However, it is important to note that the show is not intended to be a replacement for the Bible, and viewers are encouraged to discuss any concerns about doctrinal accuracy with their priests or spiritual guides. The show has also been praised for its positive portrayal of Jesus' humanity and its ability to make Biblical figures more relatable and complex.
The show's creator, Dallas Jenkins, has acknowledged that the show is not meant to be a doctrinal exposition of the Gospels but rather a dramatic presentation that takes artistic license. The show's scripts are reviewed by Bible consultants, including a Catholic priest, a Messianic Jewish rabbi, and an Evangelical scholar, to ensure Biblical, historical, and cultural accuracy as much as possible.
Despite some concerns about the show's interpretation of Scripture, many Catholics have appreciated its ability to enhance their vision of Biblical figures and encourage meditative prayer. The show has received praise from noteworthy Catholics, including Fr. Hugh Barbour, and the Catholic organization The Augustine Institute acquired the rights to broadcast the first season.
In conclusion, while 'The Chosen' may not be entirely biblically accurate from a Catholic perspective, it has been well-received by some Catholics for its positive portrayal of Jesus and its ability to draw audiences closer to God. The show's influence on Protestant interpretations of Scripture and its consultation with Catholic priests and theologians have been noted, contributing to a mixed reception among Catholic audiences.
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Frequently asked questions
No, 'The Chosen' takes creative liberties with the biblical text. However, the show-makers run their scripts by Bible consultants, including a Catholic priest, to ensure biblical, historical, and cultural accuracy as much as possible.
No, 'The Chosen' is a Protestant program. However, it has received praise from noteworthy Catholics, and some Catholic organizations have acquired rights to broadcast the show.
Some examples of inaccuracies include the portrayal of Mary experiencing labour pains, and a subplot about Thomas the Apostle seeking marriage with a devout female disciple.
'The Chosen' goes against many things in the Catholic faith. For example, the portrayal of the virginal birth of Jesus differs from the Catholic interpretation.
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