I’ve not seen many episodes of The Chosen. However, I’ve seen enough to convince me that the review (The Chosen and the Bible: 20 Questions to Ask Yourself) by Spiritual Research Network (SRN) is accurate. In this blog, I will evaluate the contradictions SRN sees between The Chosen and Scripture.
John the Baptist. Scripture holds John the Baptist in high regard. But The Chosen sometimes calls him “Creepy John” (Season 1, Episode 4, at 20:41; Season 2, Episode 1, at 1:58). This strikes me as more than literary license; it contradicts Scripture.
The Sermon on the Mount. Scripture gives no hint that the Lord Jesus consulted with anyone concerning any of His sermons. Since He was giving the message that the Father sent Him to give, it seems ridiculous that He would seek advice about His messages from His disciples. Yet The Chosen indicates He sought Matthew’s advice on introducing the Sermon (Season 2, Episode 8, at 20:21). This, too, is a bridge too far.
Jesus’ arrest at the Garden of Gethsemane. The Chosen has Him arrested before Gethsemane (Season 2, Episode 7, at 17:48). Not good.
Jesus’ calling of Matthew at his tax booth. Scripture indicates that Matthew was seated when Jesus called Him (Matt 9:9). The Chosen says he was standing (Season 1, Episode 7, at 33:01). SRN recognizes this is a small change but considers it disrespectful of the Word of God. While I see their point, I’m okay with this one. I think this much literary license could be allowed.
Jesus said, “Get Used to Different.” This is now found on “Chosen T-shirts, hoodies, tumblers, books, and even baby clothes” (The Chosen and the Bible, p. 7).1 The show has Jesus say this to Peter (Season 1, Episode 7, at 33:01). I don’t like putting words in Jesus’ mouth, especially ones that can be used to support things like DEI, LGBTQA, etc. While that surely is not their point in coining that expression, I imagine they may have realized that many people would like it, including people whose values are not those of Scripture.
Jesus asked Nicodemus, “What does your heart tell you?” These words that The Chosen attributes to Jesus (Season 1, Episode 7, at 30:14) are especially bothersome. They sound like Jesus was inviting Nicodemus to follow his feelings. Yet Scripture opposes following our feelings.
There are more examples in the booklet. I encourage you to check it out.
One final point is made in The Chosen and the Bible. This show has been wildly popular and is approaching one billion views. While nothing is wrong with making money, I think SRN is correct that popularity like that typically comes from spiritual compromise.
I know lots of people love The Chosen. An autistic Matthew did not fit my view of him from Scripture, and Nicodemus’s treatment gave me a much different picture than my understanding of him from Scripture. I don’t want to read the Gospels and be influenced by the presentations in a show.
Above all, I do not like anyone playing Jesus.i I like the way The Robe never showed the viewer Jesus’ face.ii
If you love The Chosen, you should be aware of some concerns.
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1 See here for some of the Get Used to Different merchandise.
i Scripture warns us against idolatry. Seeing the face of some man when I think of Jesus bothers me. As the Bible did not give us a description of His appearance, I don’t think we should either.
ii I never saw The Passion of the Christ even though I consider Jim Caviezel a good actor. I did not like the gore that I heard was in it and I did not like anyone portraying Jesus’ face.
