4 common objections answered
If you read my last blog post about “The Chosen” or have concerns about the gospel-based TV show like…
- it’s influenced by Mormons
- it supports the Pride Movement
- adding to scripture is wrong
- distaste for some aspects of the show
then keep reading.
Many objections and misinformation about the TV series have flooded social media. It’s totally cool if you’re just not a fan of the show, but when our Christian brothers and sisters face rumors, I think it’s worth learning the truth. Dallas Jenkins, the show’s creator, addresses many concerns and falsehoods on The Chosen website, but I’ll just summarize his response to the four listed above.
Does Mormonism influence the show?
Dallas says no. But two things may have started the rumors:
1. Due to early budget constraints, Dallas initially used a stunning set built by the Mormons, which saved the show money.
2. It was also claimed that a quote, “I am the law of Moses,” attributed to Jesus in the show, originates from the Book of Mormon. It’s true that a similar quote exists, but Charles Spurgeon also said something similar. The show’s writers intended to portray Jesus as being above the law. Christ is the ultimate authority. The writers took this concept from the gospels, not the Book of Mormon.
Does the show promote the LGBTQ movement?
Again, Dallas says no. The rumors started because of a rainbow flag on a camera belonging to one of the crew members or another hired worker on set who wore a rainbow T-shirt.
Dallas says he and his co-writers believe what the bible teaches about God’s intention for our identity as male/female and that God calls anything other than marital intimacy between one man and one woman a sin. Dallas says he will not allow any LGBTQ or other movement to influence the content of the show.
He explains in order to produce a quality show, he must work with people of different beliefs, and he compares this to quality Bibles that are printed, bound, and shipped by people and companies with different beliefs.
Isn’t it wrong to add to scripture?
Deuteronomy 4:2 cautions against altering God’s commands, while the New Testament says the same for God’s prophecies in Revelation (Rev. 22:18-19). Dallas says scripture needs no improvement. This is a show and does not replace scripture.
We all use our imaginations, filling in the blanks to comprehend biblical events. Pastors also fill in historical and cultural facts that help us understand the context of scripture.
Distaste for some aspects of the show
I don’t always agree with Dallas or the show either. However, my husband and I disagree sometimes, too. As Christians, we are called to share the gospel despite our humanness, so I pray for this project as the gospel has never reached the world in this way before.
The Chosen – Statement of Faith
If you have other concerns about the writers’ statement of faith or their intentions for the show, consider watching this video: Can you trust The Chosen
It’s not my intention to talk anyone into watching The Chosen. I still love you if you’re not into this sort of TV series. I just appreciate the facts when our Christian family faces false rumors, and I want to share what I’ve learned.