Should Christians watch the chosen?

Should Christians Watch The Chosen*?**

This is a divisive topic, even within my own household, where we are split on whether we should watch or recommend this kind of content. Personally, I believe Christians should avoid watching The Chosen. At first, the show captivated me—how it brought the Bible to life, telling the stories and helping me get to know the characters. But gradually, I found myself drawn into a narrative that wasn’t entirely scripturally accurate. Below is my take on why I think Christians should steer clear of The Chosen.

I don't watch much television and usually don't keep up with what's new or trending. However, The Chosen, which has been airing for a few years now, caught my attention. The show aims to portray the life and ministry of Jesus Christ as a television series. It has received countless reviews, with thousands of Christians offering their support and a 90%+ rating on major review platforms. Despite its popularity, I have concerns about the rising excitement surrounding The Chosen and would caution Christians against watching the show for the following reasons:

### 1. The Chosen Comes From A Concerning Source

One aspect that hasn’t received much attention is the influence of non-Christian religious beliefs on the show’s production. Angel Studios, the production company behind the series, was founded and is operated by two members of the Mormon faith The executive producer is a Mormon, the production company is Mormon-owned; clearly, the work is in partnership with Mormons whist on the surface this doesn't seem to be much of an issue, it can quickly become one should their own religious views be pushed. 

### 2. Creative Additions to Scripture

When it comes to television, we open the door to edits and revisions. The creator, director, co-writer, and executive producer of The Chosen, Dallas Jenkins, has admitted in interviews to adding to the story of the Bible, claiming that nothing is added that couldn’t have happened and that the essence of the original story is not taken away. In one interview, the interviewer suggests that The Chosen may now be extra-biblical due to its creative process from the team, to which executive producer Dallas Jenkins agrees.

Personally i think that this point alone should be enough, for Christians to switch off as Isn’t this blasphemous?

In Revelation 22:18-19, the Bible warns:

"For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to that person the plagues that are written in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away that person's share in the tree of life and in the holy city, as it is written in this book."

### 3 Mormonism creeping in

In Season 3, the show has Jesus say, "I am the law of Moses," a phrase that is found nowhere in Scripture but is present in the Book of Mormon. It seems the potential Mormon influence on the show is greater than the producers admit.

Furthermore, Jenkins, when responding to the levied criticism for working with Mormons said, “We love the same Jesus… I will sink or swim on that statement.” This is a problem. As Mormons do not believe in the Trinity but believe in many gods. In fact, they believe one day you can become a god in their system. “Jesus” in Mormonism is the spirt brother of Satan. Who was a created being by God, who himself was also a created being Jenkins has even suggested that he might work more Mormon references into the show.

Really?

How can this be reconciled with the truth of the Christian faith? I myself am no Bible scholar and admit that I know my Bible far less than I should. With this in mind, in the moment, and the entertainment of the show how does one differentiate between what is biblical and what is Mormon doctrine? While Dallas Jenkins may be a Christian, his view here about Mormons is not a Christian one. There is no way the Mormon “Jesus” and the Jesus of historical Christianity are the same. For someone to not have discernment here disqualifies them from having any ministry teaching people about Jesus. The above, also in my mind, makes the series dangerous. As I believe this danger falls under the warning in 2 Cor 6:14

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial[b]? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God".

### 4. Why Would Christians Engage With Content From This Source?

This raises the question: why would Christians engage in entertainment that comes from such a source? Just like drinking from a poisoned well, you might get some clean water, but is it worth the risk? I believe that The Chosen represents a risky form of entertainment, one that distorts Jesus' words and actions and even allows for heresy to be introduced. Even discerning Christians are at risk by watching a show like this, and in my view, the entertainment value is not worth the spiritual cost especially when in. Romans 1:16 Paul states

" for i am not ashamed of the gospel for the gospel is the power of god for salvation to everyone who believes "

I take this verse as Paul highlighting his unwavering belief in the gospel as the source of God's power to bring salvation to all something which I agree with the gospel is not just a message, but a powerful force from God.

### 5. Violating the Second Commandment

The show also raises concerns regarding what I believe to be the violation of the Second Commandment, found in Exodus 20:4-6: While some disagree with whether using the film for learning, teaching, and worship is breaking the 2nd Commandment, it is a point worth considering.

"You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments."

In a series like *The Chosen*, the creators are offering a portrayal of Christianity that is visual and shaped by their imagination. In my view, this is problematic. Additionally, some claim that the series helps them connect with Jesus and enhances their worship of God. However, I would argue that this directly contradicts the second commandment, which forbids the use of images in worshiping God. Ultimately, God has chosen to reveal Himself through words, not through images. While Jesus did take on human form and became visible, that was a perfect and divinely ordained manifestation. We have no right or justification to recreate this image for our own spiritual benefit.

It has also been reported by Jonathan Roumie (the actor who plays Jesus) that he receives many requests from people asking him to bless their babies or pray for them. This is a slippery slope that, as we speak, is leading people toward idolizing an actor in place of Christ. I, too, found myself in awe of the characters and their portrayal of the disciples, sometimes forgetting that their depictions were entirely fictional. I would hear people at work retell stories from the show to non-believers, pointing out characteristics of the actors as if they were true and biblically based, simply because the show packaged it in such a compelling way. this is a dangerous path to be on and one i think we should avoid.

Additionally, the show leaves out some very important stories, such as when Jesus was baptized and when He was tempted in the wilderness. all very important stories I believe all of the above highlights some of the key issues with the series. We must acknowledge that, in today's entertainment-driven culture, many Christians are more inclined to seek entertainment than to dive deeply into Scripture. It's important to recognize this tendency within our culture and the world we live in. So Whether it’s the issues above, or the controversy surrounding pride flags on set, or many other concerns not addressed here, I guess my question is:

Do you think Christians should watch The Chosen*?*