Ethan Walker
The Chosen is a TV series that explores the life of Christ and the Apostles. The show has received a range of reactions from Catholic audiences and leaders. While some Catholics have praised the show for its portrayal of Jesus, others have criticized it for diverging from Catholic theology and promoting Protestant ideas. The show has been described as schlocky, modernist, and fatally flawed by some Catholic writers, while others have found it to be a meaningful and entertaining portrayal of Jesus that enhances their understanding of Biblical figures. The show has also sparked discussions about the role of media in religious education and the potential influence of fictionalized portrayals of religious figures on viewers' beliefs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Portrayal of Jesus | Some viewers find the portrayal of Jesus in "The Chosen" to be compelling and intimate, while others believe it to be inaccurate and incompatible with Catholic theology. |
| Influence on Viewers | The series has been accused of influencing viewers' thinking and promoting Protestant ways of thinking. |
| Artistic License | The series takes artistic liberties with the Gospel story, which some viewers appreciate, while others find it misleading. |
| Emotional Impact | The series has evoked strong emotions in viewers, including priests, with some reporting being moved to tears. |
| Production and Consultation | The series is produced by a Protestant, Dallas Jenkins, and has a team of writers from various Christian denominations, including a Catholic priest and a Messianic Rabbi. |
| Portrayal of Mary | The portrayal of Mary experiencing labor pains has been challenged by some Catholic theologians. |
| Critical Reception | "The Chosen" has received mixed reviews from Catholic writers and thinkers, with some praising it and others criticizing its portrayal of Jesus and potential theological inaccuracies. |
| Use in Catholic Institutions | There are reports of the series being used in Catholic schools and parishes for catechesis, which has sparked debate. |
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What You'll Learn
The Chosen is recommended by some Catholics
While some Catholics have criticised the show "The Chosen" for its Protestant influences, others have recommended it. The show has received praise from noteworthy Catholics, including Fr. Hugh Barbour, who belongs to an orthodox religious community. Fr. Barbour wrote about how the positive reactions of his fellow Norbertine priests led him to watch the series, which he has enthusiastically supported. The Catholic organisation The Augustine Institute acquired the rights to broadcast the first season and developed a series of Catholic commentaries on the show.
Bishop Barron has interviewed Jonathan Roumie, a Catholic who plays the role of Jesus in the series. Roumie's portrayal of Christ has been described as "beautiful", and his Catholic faith is believed to have informed his acting choices, especially in scenes between Jesus and Mary. Roumie's portrayal of Jesus has been described as "a Jesus we can accept easily" and "a Jesus we have never quite seen before, one who is fully God and, just as important, fully man".
Some Catholics have praised the show for its professional and serious artistic skill and its portrayal of the love and compassion that people are called to have for one another. One Catholic priest wrote that he was persuaded to watch the show after hearing his confreres speak about how wonderful it was and how it moved them to tears. He wrote that he had the same impressions as the others and looked forward to new episodes.
Some Catholics have also noted that the show is not intended to be a secular appreciation of Jesus but rather seeks to portray him in a new way, neither diminishing his divinity nor emphasising it at the cost of his humanity. The show has a team of writers who are clearly and deeply in love with showing a Jesus that is in accord with the whole of Scripture, and it also welcomes advisors from different religious backgrounds to ensure it does not veer into controversial or sectarian territory.
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The show's creator is a Protestant
The Chosen is a popular TV series that has received a great deal of praise from noteworthy Catholics. The show has a devout Catholic, Jonathan Roumie, playing the role of Jesus. Roumie's portrayal of Christ's intimacy with his mother has been appreciated by many Catholic fans of the show. The show also features a Catholic priest as an advisor to ensure the show doesn't veer into theologically anachronistic territory.
However, the show's creator, Dallas Jenkins, is a Protestant, which has caused concern among some Catholics. They fear that Catholic viewers may unwittingly imbibe Protestant notions that are incompatible with Catholic faith. The show has been described as having a "'Protestant program" with influences that turned off some Catholic viewers.
Despite these concerns, The Chosen has sparked positive reactions from Catholic priests and laypeople, with some organizing Zoom groups to watch and discuss the show together. The show has been praised for its professional and serious artistic skill and its portrayal of a more human and complex Jesus.
While there may be differences in theological interpretations, The Chosen has sparked reflection and new ways of thinking about Christ and discipleship. It is essential for viewers to engage in critical thinking and be informed about the Gospel to avoid erroneous conclusions based on dramatized representations.
In conclusion, while the show's creator being a Protestant may cause concern for some Catholics, The Chosen has been well-received by many Catholics and has sparked meaningful discussions and reflections on Christian faith and theology.
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The show has been criticised for its portrayal of Mary
The Chosen has sparked controversy for its portrayal of Mary Magdalene in Season 2, Episode 5. In the episode, Mary is triggered by two events: an encounter with a Roman soldier similar to her rapist and an encounter with a demon that resembles her spiritual rapist. As a result, Mary falls back on her old coping mechanism of drinking alcohol. While some viewers found this portrayal of Mary's pain and struggles to be relatable and moving, others criticised it as unrealistic and abrupt.
The criticism of the show's portrayal of Mary centres on a few key points. Firstly, some viewers argue that the show depicts an unrealistic and abrupt shift in Mary's behaviour. They claim that her transformation, from struggling with trauma and addiction to finding redemption and healing, is too clear-cut and uncomplicated. This criticism highlights the complexity of trauma and addiction and the challenging journey of recovery.
Secondly, some viewers take issue with the show's depiction of Mary falling back into her old sins and coping mechanisms after encountering Jesus. They argue that this portrayal goes against the idea that Jesus brings immediate and perfect peace and freedom from sin. However, others defend this aspect, pointing out that all Christians struggle with sin and that Mary's journey is relatable and authentic.
Additionally, some critics argue that the show's portrayal of Mary Magdalene is feministic and does not align with the expectations of a woman during that time period. They also claim that the show elevates Mary to a position above Christ, which is more in line with Catholic theology. These criticisms reflect a broader debate about the interpretation of biblical characters and the influence of modern values and perspectives in the show's characterisation.
Overall, while The Chosen has received praise for its portrayal of Mary's struggles and humanity, it has also faced criticism from viewers who find the depiction abrupt, unrealistic, or contradictory to their religious beliefs. These conflicting perspectives highlight the challenges of adapting biblical stories for a modern audience while staying true to the source material and respecting the diverse interpretations held by viewers.
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The show is praised for its professional and serious artistic skill
The Chosen is a TV series that explores the life of Jesus Christ and his apostles. It has received a positive response from some Catholics, who have praised the show for its professional and serious artistic skill. The show has been described as "wonderful", with viewers reporting that they were moved to tears by certain episodes.
The show's portrayal of Jesus Christ has been a key point of discussion among Catholic viewers. Jonathan Roumie, a devout Catholic himself, plays the role of Jesus thoughtfully and beautifully, according to some Catholic viewers. Roumie's portrayal of Christ is described as "a Jesus we can accept easily", and one that is both fully God and fully man. This interpretation of Jesus as a more human, relatable figure has been praised for enhancing viewers' visions of Biblical figures by making them more complex and accessible.
The show's artistic merit is also evident in its ability to spark viewers' desires to do good and reflect on the meaning of being a disciple. The show's creators consulted with a diverse group of religious advisors, including Protestant theologians, a Catholic priest, and a Messianic Rabbi, to ensure theological accuracy. This ecumenical approach aims to avoid controversial or sectarian tangents, though some Catholic viewers have noted certain points of conflict between the series and Catholic theology.
The show's artistic choices and embellishments to backstories are also praised for making the show stand out among other Christian media. The stellar performances, music, and dialogue further enhance the viewing experience. Overall, while some Catholics may have differing opinions about the show's theological accuracy, its artistic skill and serious portrayal of Jesus and his disciples have been widely praised.
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The show is ecumenical, welcoming advisors from different faiths
The Chosen is a TV series that explores the life of Jesus Christ and his apostles. The show has received a positive response from some Catholics, who have praised its portrayal of Jesus and its potential to spark a desire to do good. The show's lead, Jonathan Roumie, is a devout Catholic, and his faith is believed to have influenced his portrayal of Christ. The show also features a Catholic priest as an advisor, ensuring that the content remains theologically accurate and non-controversial.
The show has been recommended by Catholic priests, who have been moved to tears by its emotional and spiritual impact. They have also praised the show for its professional and serious artistic skill. The show has been described as a solid choice for Catholics, and it is even used in some Catholic schools and parishes for catechesis.
However, some Catholics have expressed concern over the show's portrayal of certain aspects of Catholic theology and its potential to influence viewers' thinking. They worry that the show, created by a Protestant, may inadvertently spread Protestant notions incompatible with Catholic faith. For instance, Fr. Brian Graebe has challenged the series' portrayal of Mary experiencing labor pains.
Despite these concerns, the show seeks to be ecumenical, welcoming advisors from different faiths, including Protestant theologians and a Messianic Rabbi, to ensure it does not veer into controversial or sectarian territory. The show's writers are deeply committed to portraying a Jesus that is in accord with the whole of Scripture, both human and divine, while also making him artistically attractive.
Overall, while The Chosen has received mixed reactions from Catholics, with some praising its emotional impact and others critiquing its theological accuracy, it is clear that the show has made an effort to be inclusive and welcoming of different faiths by inviting advisors from various religious backgrounds.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no clear consensus on whether Catholics should watch The Chosen. While some Catholic priests and theologians have praised the show, others have criticised it for its portrayal of Jesus and its potential to spread Protestant notions that may be incompatible with Catholic theology.
Some Catholics are concerned that The Chosen, which is created by a Protestant, may spread Protestant ideas that conflict with Catholic doctrine. There are also concerns about the portrayal of Jesus in the show, which some believe is inconsistent with traditional depictions and may influence viewers' understanding of Jesus.
Some Catholics have found that The Chosen enhances their understanding of Biblical figures by making them more human and complex. The show has been praised for its artistic merit and for sparking desires to do good in its viewers.
The Chosen has been praised for its theological accuracy by some Catholics, who note that it includes advisors from various Christian denominations, including a Catholic priest, to ensure theological consistency. However, others have pointed out specific instances where they believe the show diverges from Catholic theology.
Catholics who choose to watch The Chosen can do so discerningly by engaging in critical thinking and being aware of potential discrepancies between the show and Catholic doctrine. One suggestion is to refer to Catholic commentaries on the show, such as the "Catholic Commentary on The Chosen" by the Augustine Institute, to gain a better understanding of the show's theological implications.
