Ethan Walker
The Chosen is a TV series based on the true stories of the gospels of Jesus Christ. The series has been dubbed in nearly 50 languages as of January 2024 and has been well-received by viewers worldwide. The series has a Catholic priest, Father David Guffey, and a Catholic actor, Jonathan Roumie, who plays the role of Jesus. However, some Catholics have expressed concerns about the series' portrayal of certain aspects of Catholic theology and its Protestant influences. The series has been praised for its artistic and spiritual delight and its ambitious and visionary storytelling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Portrayal of Jesus | Some Catholic viewers have criticized the portrayal of Jesus in the series, arguing that it does not align with their beliefs and that it portrays their interpretation of Scripture. |
| Portrayal of Mary | Some Catholic viewers have challenged the series' depiction of Mary experiencing labor pains, which they believe is inconsistent with Catholic theology. |
| Influence on Viewers | Some Catholic viewers believe that the Protestant influence in the series may subtly affect viewers' thinking and cause them to doubt truths about Jesus, Mary, and the Church. |
| Artistic License | The series takes artistic license in its interpretation of the Gospel, which some Catholic viewers may find disagreeable, but it is not intended as a doctrinal exposition of the Gospels. |
| Production | The series is produced by a Protestant, but it undergoes review by a panel of religious ministers from different Christian faith traditions, including a Catholic priest, to ensure accuracy. |
| Entertainment Value | Some Catholic viewers find the series entertaining and well-made, while others criticize its quality and consider it "cheap" Christian entertainment. |
| Encouragement of Reflection and Prayer | Many Catholic viewers appreciate how the series encourages reflection on the person of Christ and meditative prayer, enhancing their spiritual experience. |
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What You'll Learn
The Chosen TV series is not Catholic
The Chosen is a TV series based on the true stories of the gospels of Jesus Christ. While the series has been well-received by some Catholics, others argue that it is not Catholic and aligns more with Protestant interpretations of Scripture.
One critique of the series from a Catholic perspective is that it portrays Mary experiencing labor pains, which is considered inconsistent with Catholic theology. Additionally, the portrayal of Jesus in the series has been described as less reserved and serious than a rabbi or family father would have been in the first century. The series also depicts Jesus learning obedience and practicing sermons through trial and error, which some Catholics may find inconsistent with their understanding of Christ's divine omniscience.
Furthermore, some Catholics argue that the series goes against many things in the Catholic Faith. They believe that the Protestant influence in the series can subtly affect viewers' thinking and cause them to doubt truths about Jesus, Mary, and the Church.
The Chosen has a team of consultants from three Christian faith traditions: Messianic rabbi Jason Sobel, Catholic priest Father David Guffey, and New Testament professor Dr. Doug Huffman. These consultants review scripts and provide input on the biblical, cultural, and socio-political context. However, despite this input, some Catholics still find certain scenes and portrayals inconsistent with their theological beliefs.
While The Chosen may not align perfectly with Catholic doctrine, some Catholics still appreciate the series for its artistic and spiritual merits. They find it to be a refreshing and ambitious take on biblical storytelling, invigorating the genre of biblical television and cinema. The series has also been praised for its ability to increase viewers' desire for the presence of the Lord and his holy ones, which is considered a boon for Catholics awaiting the reunion of the just on the Last Day.
In conclusion, while The Chosen has received a positive response from some Catholics, it is not without its detractors within the Catholic community. The series has been criticized for its portrayal of certain theological concepts and its potential to influence viewers with Protestant interpretations of Scripture. Ultimately, individual Catholics must decide whether to watch the series, taking into account their own beliefs and interpretations of the Faith.
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The series has Protestant influences
The Chosen is a TV series based on the true stories of the gospels of Jesus Christ. The series has been dubbed in nearly 50 languages and is available on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and YouTube. While the show has an evangelical tendency, it features consultants from three Christian faith traditions: Messianic rabbi Jason Sobel, Catholic priest Father David Guffey, and professor of New Testament Dr. Doug Huffman. These consultants review scripts and provide facts and context on the biblical, cultural, and socio-political history of the storyline.
Despite the presence of Catholic consultants, some viewers have noted Protestant influences in the series. One reviewer mentions that the series was produced by a Protestant and that it reflects a "Scripture Alone" perspective. This perspective may influence viewers' interpretations of Scripture, potentially leading to doubt about Catholic teachings on Jesus, Mary, and the Church. However, other Catholic viewers have disagreed, stating that they have not encountered anything in the series that explicitly contradicts Catholic theology.
The series has also been praised by some Catholics for its positive portrayal of Jesus and the apostles, which can enhance viewers' devotion and encourage discursive prayer. The acting and production values have also been commended, with some considering it a refreshing change from typical Christian entertainment. Additionally, the series has been recognized for its ability to reflect modern cultural norms in the portrayal of Jesus and his apostles, making the characters more relatable to contemporary audiences.
While The Chosen has received a generally positive response from some Catholic viewers, others have expressed concerns about specific theological depictions. For example, Fr. Brian Graebe has critiqued the series' portrayal of Mary experiencing labor pains, which is not consistent with Catholic theology. Other Catholic viewers have noted that the series should not be considered a doctrinal exposition of the Gospels but rather a dramatic presentation that can spark meditative prayer and reflection.
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The portrayal of Jesus in the series
The Chosen is an American Christian historical drama television series about the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, primarily set in Judaea and Galilee in the first century. The series depicts Jesus's life through the eyes of the people who interacted with him, including the apostles, disciples, Jewish religious leaders, Roman government and military officials, and ordinary people.
The series has been praised for its engaging storytelling, relatable characters, and fresh take on biblical narratives. The show's meticulous attention to detail and high production values are also highly appreciated. The miracles performed by Jesus are deeply moving and have brought viewers to tears. The series has also been commended for not feeling preachy, like most Christian media, and for letting the audience figure out the profound message themselves without "thumping them over the head with 'Christian talk'".
The Chosen has been described as the best on-screen depiction of the life of Christ, surpassing other productions such as The Passion of the Christ, Ben-Hur, and Narnia. It has been noted that the series provides a unique perspective on the life of Jesus while maintaining a rigorous effort to remain true to the New Testament record.
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The series' depiction of Mary
The TV series "The Chosen" depicts three different women named Mary: Mary Magdalene, Mary, the wife of Joseph and the mother of Jesus, and Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha.
Mary Magdalene is a central character in the series, and her portrayal has been the subject of some debate among religious viewers. In the Bible, Mary Magdalene is described as a redeemed woman from Magdala who was possessed by demons and later healed by Jesus. She is also known as one of the women who helped Jesus's ministry. In "The Chosen," Mary Magdalene is introduced in Season 1, Episode 1, under the name Lilith, which is associated with demons in Jewish tradition. The series implies that she is a prostitute, a characterisation that is not supported by the Bible but has been a common interpretation in Western artistic tradition. Some viewers have expressed concern that the series' portrayal of Mary Magdalene may influence viewers' thinking about religious figures and doctrines.
The series also features Mary, the wife of Joseph and the mother of Jesus, although her role and characterisation are less clear.
Finally, the series includes Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, although her role in the narrative is not explicitly mentioned.
Overall, "The Chosen" has received a range of responses from Catholic viewers, with some appreciating its portrayal of religious characters and themes, while others have expressed concern about its potential influence on religious thinking, particularly regarding Protestant interpretations of Scripture.
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The series' impact on viewers' thinking
The TV series "The Chosen" has had a varied impact on its viewers, with some praising the show for its positive influence and others criticising its potential harm.
Some Catholic viewers have expressed concern that the series, which is produced by a Protestant, may subtly influence viewers' thinking and cause them to doubt Catholic teachings. They argue that the Protestant perspective portrayed in the show can affect one's beliefs about Jesus, Mary, and the Church. However, other Catholics have found the series helpful for their spiritual lives. One Catholic priest wrote that the series increases viewers' desire for the presence of the Lord and can enhance their prayer life.
The series has also sparked discussions about the portrayal of Jesus and the apostles. Some viewers appreciate the show's depiction of the humanity of Jesus and the impact of his presence on his followers. It highlights the role of women in his ministry and portrays Jesus as showing a range of emotions, including laughter and wry comments, which may differ from traditional cultural expectations of authority figures. However, some viewers criticise the series for taking creative liberties with the biblical narrative, such as portraying Matthew as autistic and Jesus as a long-haired, hippy, effeminate man who goes to bars. These portrayals are seen as contradicting the biblical description and potentially giving viewers a warped view of the historical narrative.
"The Chosen" has also faced criticism from some Christians for its inclusion of the pride flag, which they see as affirming homosexual activity, contradicting Scripture, and damaging the credibility of the show's message. However, others defend the show's inclusivity and its potential to positively impact culture by spreading the message of Jesus globally.
The series has attracted a diverse audience, with a third of its viewers being non-religious. It has received positive reviews for its acting, direction, and storytelling beyond typical Bible stories. The show's creators aim to reach a broad audience and make the series accessible through free viewing options and translations into multiple languages.
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Frequently asked questions
The Chosen is not a Catholic TV series. Although it is based on the true stories of the gospels of Jesus Christ, it has been described as having Protestant influences.
Yes, the series features consultants from three Christian faith traditions, including a Catholic priest and national director of Family Theater Productions, Father David Guffey.
There are mixed opinions among Catholics regarding the series. Some Catholics have criticised the series for its portrayal of Mary experiencing labour pains and for misrepresenting Catholic theology. Others have praised the series for its positive impact on prayer and reflection.
Yes, Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus in the series, is a devout Catholic.
Some Catholics are concerned that the series could affect their way of thinking and cause them to doubt truths about Jesus, Mary, and the Church. It is recommended that viewers approach the series with critical thinking.
