This is a great review - and timely!! I agree on all points. I have family members very excited about this series, and I see pastors playing clips in a worship service - UGH!! Just sad! After much thought and research - simply put, I don’t feel the need to watch the show because I want all of my understanding of God to come from reading/studying the scriptures and relying on the Holy Spirit and His purpose of illuminating scripture. For me, watching a depiction of the Bible through movies or TV shows can subtly allow error and confusion to creep in – and that’s just a risk worth avoiding. A series like The Chosen contains a director’s and actor’s interpretation that’s simply not biblical – a character’s reaction, body language, words, expressions, dialogue, sounds, music, etc. are not found in scripture – but the power of multi-media, creative arts, and our need to constantly want “something more” run the risk of associating them with scripture – and becoming truth – which is very dangerous and sinful. God gave us all we need in the pages of the Bible, and He formulates the proper understanding and interpretation of every piece of scripture in my mind for my benefit over the course of life. In other words, God doesn’t need help through the invention of movies or TV series to accomplish His purposes (do we see evidence of God commanding theatrical renditions – short of having technology and electricity – as a form of helping His people understand Him better?? Then why do we think we need it now??). We can’t afford to let our minds (or those we disciple) picture the show’s character of Jesus when we pray or study scriptures…or picture any of the show’s depiction of Bible characters when we work thru God’s word to learn about Him and how to live. Additionally, it’s always a red flag for me when I see things like (from the website) “Come and see what they saw…the free show tens of millions of people won’t stop talking about…binge watch…the global phenomenon.” Feels like hype wrapped into a marketing appeal – is this what we’ve reduced God to? We certainly don’t hear those same things said about the Bible - validation to me to be careful! I will NOT be counted among those who talk more about The Chosen, or The Shack, or any other invention more than the actual Bible.
SO…what’s the big deal? I assume that the show’s director, cast, and consultants have good intentions and are mostly motivated to create an experience that will help people understand God and the Bible better. I simply don’t agree that God needs help through the use of a TV show for his people (me) to know Him better…this is an invention of man that’s unnecessary and potentially dangerous. We need to quit being enamored with the latest, innovative, and “fresh” approaches to a closer relationship with God. This is a personal decision based on study and much contemplation – and my perspective offered to the elect.
I never watch secular made movies about JESUS. And for the most part not those claiming to be Christian. Jesus Christ is deeply personal to a true believer. I have never seen Him with my eyes but I know Him in my spirit well.
Thank you so much for this. The whole idea of the show is troubling. Can you imagine taking, say, Star Wars (not a fan, but it's something everyone knows), and filming your own scenes, then splicing them in to original footage (that you've also edited or distorted in some way), and then selling it to the public...."See it as it's never been seen before!" The creators of the original would ask you to cease and desist, and perhaps sue. What makes one think that they can take the inspired and holy Word of God, and do the same thing? Thank you for mentioning "Creepy John"--appalling. John was the friend of the Bridegroom, the forerunner to Christ...His cousin. Jesus HImself spoke of John's greatness. To demean him this way in cheap English vernacular (which permeates the show) is disgusting. I've had to watch beyond the first season of this series, and it does not get better. If we want more of the Lord, let's say along with David in Psalm 119, "Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your Law."
This is a great review - and timely!! I agree on all points. I have family members very excited about this series, and I see pastors playing clips in a worship service - UGH!! Just sad! After much thought and research - simply put, I don’t feel the need to watch the show because I want all of my understanding of God to come from reading/studying the scriptures and relying on the Holy Spirit and His purpose of illuminating scripture. For me, watching a depiction of the Bible through movies or TV shows can subtly allow error and confusion to creep in – and that’s just a risk worth avoiding. A series like The Chosen contains a director’s and actor’s interpretation that’s simply not biblical – a character’s reaction, body language, words, expressions, dialogue, sounds, music, etc. are not found in scripture – but the power of multi-media, creative arts, and our need to constantly want “something more” run the risk of associating them with scripture – and becoming truth – which is very dangerous and sinful. God gave us all we need in the pages of the Bible, and He formulates the proper understanding and interpretation of every piece of scripture in my mind for my benefit over the course of life. In other words, God doesn’t need help through the invention of movies or TV series to accomplish His purposes (do we see evidence of God commanding theatrical renditions – short of having technology and electricity – as a form of helping His people understand Him better?? Then why do we think we need it now??). We can’t afford to let our minds (or those we disciple) picture the show’s character of Jesus when we pray or study scriptures…or picture any of the show’s depiction of Bible characters when we work thru God’s word to learn about Him and how to live. Additionally, it’s always a red flag for me when I see things like (from the website) “Come and see what they saw…the free show tens of millions of people won’t stop talking about…binge watch…the global phenomenon.” Feels like hype wrapped into a marketing appeal – is this what we’ve reduced God to? We certainly don’t hear those same things said about the Bible - validation to me to be careful! I will NOT be counted among those who talk more about The Chosen, or The Shack, or any other invention more than the actual Bible.
SO…what’s the big deal? I assume that the show’s director, cast, and consultants have good intentions and are mostly motivated to create an experience that will help people understand God and the Bible better. I simply don’t agree that God needs help through the use of a TV show for his people (me) to know Him better…this is an invention of man that’s unnecessary and potentially dangerous. We need to quit being enamored with the latest, innovative, and “fresh” approaches to a closer relationship with God. This is a personal decision based on study and much contemplation – and my perspective offered to the elect.
I never watch secular made movies about JESUS. And for the most part not those claiming to be Christian. Jesus Christ is deeply personal to a true believer. I have never seen Him with my eyes but I know Him in my spirit well.
Thank you so much for this. The whole idea of the show is troubling. Can you imagine taking, say, Star Wars (not a fan, but it's something everyone knows), and filming your own scenes, then splicing them in to original footage (that you've also edited or distorted in some way), and then selling it to the public...."See it as it's never been seen before!" The creators of the original would ask you to cease and desist, and perhaps sue. What makes one think that they can take the inspired and holy Word of God, and do the same thing? Thank you for mentioning "Creepy John"--appalling. John was the friend of the Bridegroom, the forerunner to Christ...His cousin. Jesus HImself spoke of John's greatness. To demean him this way in cheap English vernacular (which permeates the show) is disgusting. I've had to watch beyond the first season of this series, and it does not get better. If we want more of the Lord, let's say along with David in Psalm 119, "Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your Law."