I'm Not Watching The Chosen
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ธ.ค. 2021
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So, a lot of people have been asking me about The Chosen and if I’ve watched it and what I think of it and my reply is always the same. I haven’t watched it and I don’t intend to.
Now that sounds harsh as if I’m prejudiced against it, and maybe I am, but it isn’t meant to be an outright criticism of the show. Like I said, I haven’t seen it so I can’t judge it on its own merit and I wouldn’t fault anyone for watching it, but I can say why I’m, generally as a rule, wary of dramatic depictions of Jesus Christ and why that has discouraged me from taking a look at The Chosen.
The two reasons, broadly speaking, for my apprehension have to do with Christology and the use of sacred art to inform our faith.
So, starting with Christology, if you aren’t familiar with that term, it is the study of who Jesus was and is and some of the nuances of the incarnation of God as man - like how the puzzle pieces of humanity and divinity fit together in a coherent way.
Here’s the first thing to realize: our understanding of Christology is extremely nuanced and very difficult to get right. In fact, it was so difficult that for the first few centuries of the Church, this is what theologians spent their time debating and even fighting about, and trying to resolve.
And even once those controversies were resolved and a clear theology emerged, we still had bishops, clergy, and statesmen who couldn’t even get it right when it was dogmatically defined and explained to them.
All of which is to say that it’s very difficult to get right and requires great care. And that isn’t to say that filmmakers don’t feel the weight of that pressure when they attempt to depict the person of Jesus, but it does mean that it’s extremely easy to make mistakes.
This is actually one of the things I appreciate about the movie Ben Hur(the 1959 version). Jesus's face is actually never seen by the audience, but is seen by the main character. I always thought the way did it was tastefully done.
Yes!
Exactly.
One of my favorite movies for that reason!
Eggzackaly, ... I treat The Chosen in same way, so far, treats with Jesus with (even some errors)
respect, even within Catholic understanding
Showing the human face of Jesus is still in agreement with the theology that Jesus Christ is a true man, while Jesus is true God.
The Chosen has a few mistakes in it but one thing I really appreciate is how they didn't shy away from the existence of demons. They are creatures that a lot of modern Christians seem to pretend don't exist
Yeah especially when so many protestants want to deny their existence
I like how it has actually good acting
This show is fantastic. They will add things because it's a show rather than a book.
Every book to movie translation has changes, but the changes here seem to fit with the spirit of what actually happened.
I did so for my own mental health at some point I have OCD and intrusive thoughts are hellish
The show is Awesome, and even though its creator, Dallas, honestly stated that he never meants to replace the Bible, it perffectly serves as a tool to introduce people into it, especially the youths...and yes, we tend yo forget that demons are preying on ALL of us
Good video! We don’t necessarily disagree with most of what you say-it IS very challenging to try to get Jesus right, it’s fraught with risk, and viewers should absolutely seek out other sources in their understanding of Jesus, starting of course with the Bible!
As the show creator’s wife publicly said when discussing a phrase she’d heard from a story about the power of the Bible, “I love the show, but who cares, it’s just a show…BIBLE PREACH.”
@The Chosen Exactly. But i Truely wish y'all would address the people who are sexualizing the actors. And mobbing up on the people who I would are of faith to say. Hey this isnt cool. But its okay because they get the numbers for the group. Its wicked wrong. Ive supported the show from like episode 3. And i dont plan to stop. But i hope y'all would address this. Because i dont know how ill feel with people with no love for Jesus treating him like a voodoo doll. Thats my ride or die. Jesus has always been their for me. And so i gotta speak up for him. You know?
What's not challenging is to say that the Mormon Jesus is not and never will be the same Jesus portrayed in the Bible or in this show for that matter. The show does not portray the authentic Jesus. It portrays a universalistic type of Jesus that appeals to all faiths that have a Jesus instead of the Jesus in the Bible. The fact that Angel Vid and Mormons are so heavily involved in this should tell any Christian with any amount of discernment to never EVER support this show. There is to much influence from the producer of the show and the actors. Dallas Jenkins you need to repent. Seriously man. No Protestant says the Jesus the Mormons have is the Jesus Christians have. Don't cave to the money! It's literally the root of all evil. Don't compromise your belief.
@@davidgaston3246 what hapoened to pray For thy enemy? Love thy neighbor? You sound foolish.
@@eXthe360guy the fact you think I haven't prayed for Dallas through my reply is foolish. Please don't insinuate something you can't see in my tone over a reply on TH-cam.. before you made this reply I prayed for those who are involved in the Chosen would be brought to the knowledge of the truth and not compromise the gospel message. It's gonna start with refuting Mormon beliefs though.
Was Jesus not being loving running the traders and sellers out of the temple with a whip? Was he being loving to the Scribes and Pharisees with the 7 woes to the them?
Good on you for the gracious response The Chosen. Keep up your great work.
I think our Lord was portrayed in a great manner by Jim Caviezel (Passion of Christ) and the actor in Ben Hur (1959). Jim Caviezel is unbeaten!
100% agree
Amen, i cant wait for The "Resurrection" sequel
But The leading character was Judah, which was made off on purpose by writer Lewis Wallace...That's why i love Samuel Bronston's King of Kings (1961), thanks to Jeffrey Hunter 's portrayal
My favorite depiction of Christ was Max Von Sydow in the Greatest Story ever told. Such a great actor. He captured the nobility and authority that made you want to follow Christ. One scene where Jesus enters a room and is powerful in his posture - atomic energy under extreme control. There’s a video of Pius XII entering a room with same nobility. I loved gaze through the blood from crown of thorns and looking into camera with blue eyes piercing through as though his eyes being radically blue were otherworldly than Semitic then falling under the weight of the cross. First time I saw it I was not right with the Lord and I ran out of room sobbing. His English had European accent which elevated the sound of English language. Movie was just ok using famous actors who were not properly cast like John Wayne but if you have not seen it Sydow’s skill still goes through me as authentic icon of Christ. Sydow also played in the Exorcist.
After listening to this, I remembered reading about C.S. Lewis being asked why he never took a crack at writing a reversed version of The Screwtape Letters from the perspective of an Archangel writing to a guardian angel. He said he wouldn't because he knew that no matter how hard he tried to show the grace and good nature of an angel, it would fall short in comparison to the real thing. He felt it would be an injustice. I think there's something to be said about avoiding depicting Jesus in film and TV for this same reason.
I wholeheartly concur!
With that logic, Augustine would have never gone so deep in explaining the Trinity. Aquinas would have never got us so deep in understanding of the real presence. At the end of his life, Aquinas experimented a mystical experience and he said: " Everything I wrote is nothing copared to what I saw".
Those saints were in deeper relation with God than most of us; but their teachings (that are true altho nowhere near the real thing) are very important for us who are not on the same level of connection as they are.
Not wanting to portray crucial stories in mediums like film or even text is understandable. Stories in the Bible are meant to be engaged and pondered through in ways that are not "in your face" like a 2 hour action movie.
@@hervedavidh4117 Your point misses the point. The Fathers or other scholars delving into Christ is not connected in our minds to portrayals.
@@SuperIliad It cannont be excluded either!
I have not watched The Chosen. I am an elderly Catholic and am spending this Advent trying to add to my usual rosary and devotions by increasing time in mental prayer. I am using The Incarnation” by st. Athanasius as a jumping off point. I am trying to understand more of what God sees in me. And let God reveal Himself to me.
I'm a devout Catholic and I thoroughly enjoy the depiction of Jesus in his humanity but also those surrounding Him. The depiction of the wedding feast was incredible.
I agree. It makes the miracles all the more powerful when you see them depicted in this way.
The depiction of the wedding feast was also horribly in error biblically. Confounds me as to how a Catholic (Jonathan Roumie) could’ve been comfortable complying with such an obvious override of one of the most profound mysteries in scripture.
They are so respectful of Mama Mary. I love her scenes. Beautiful 🥰
@@tturner8983 How was it wrong?
I do not like how they depict our Blessed Mother. Yes she was and is a human, a creature of God, but she was also the Mother of our Lord, and blessed among women, with graces we cannot imagine, she did not have pain during childbirth, she would not tell the mother of the bride at Cana she should've complained about the wedding arch. Protestants have always made her too much like a normal person, and while she is not divine, she's the new Eve, with perfect unity with Christ, and perfect trust in the Father, without a single stain of sin, or any of the faults we sinners have, like ego, pride, complaining, sarcasm, distrust, any of it. They are respectful of her, but I don't feel the reverence, or that they understand just how holy and blessed she was/is.
I personally love the Chosen and it has helped convert my husband and many others. Always will recommend the Show.
That is incredibly great that it brought your husband and others to Christ!
What does it profit him, when he was converted by a blasphemous show?
That's great!
@@quipotestcaperecapiat1123 huh?
@@quipotestcaperecapiat1123 I am a Catholic who attends the Latin Mass and takes his faith seriously. I liked the Chosen, on balance. I didn't think it blasphemous. At the worst, it overemphasized His humanity, although without denying His divinity. The points Brian is making notwithstanding, I found it increased my piety rather than diminishing it. Remember, in the Catholic Middle Ages; there were Mystery plays.
Jonathan Roumie is a Catholic and does a lot of work with Scott Hahn and Word on Fire ministries. He takes the responsibility of portraying Jesus extremely seriously and explicitly says the purpose of the show is to lead people to the Gospel. He also does not hide his Catholicism even though the majority of the audience is evangelical. The praise Mel Gibson gets from traditional Catholics while they offer this actor almost no support is just strange.
Good point!
@@JanMarcoCamacho-cc9nx "Traditional Catholics" LOL Don't say I'm with Paul or with Peter or traditional, we are all with Jesus
Because this actor claimed, multiple times, to be the grace of God? That's heresy any way you slice it.
He didn't claim to be a product of grace, nor to be saved by it. He claimed to be it.
I’m an ex Catholic but I still find Gibson and Jim Caviezel’s portrayal far more authentic and powerful. Sure Roumie does a good job at portraying Jesus but I have more of a problem with Dallas Jenkins and the writers than I do the actors with The Chosen.
I mean I'm a traddie and I am very critical of Mel and how he scandalized the crap out of us.
As a devout cradle Catholic I feel that I’m pretty grounded in my faith. I have been watching the Chosen series since it began and I can honestly say that I am enjoying it immensely, however there were certain parts that I did not agree with that did not follow Catholic dogma such as the birth of our Lord during the Nativity scene, as a matter of fact Jonathan Roumie, who plays the part of Jesus and also who is a devout Catholic said that he was a bit uncomfortable with that scene being left in. It’s funny Brian that you bring up the episode when our Lord was planning out his Sermon on the Mount and he was struggling to figure out how he was going to present it with Matthew sitting there taking down notes and Jesus asking Matthew if that sounded right, that really bothered me and I couldn’t understand why because I too was looking at the fact that Jesus is fully God and fully Man but I couldn’t put my finger on what was disturbing me until you just brought it up and brought it home for me by making it much clearer in the theological sense.
I think anybody who is strong in their Catholic faith who knows what the truth is and cannot be swayed by artistic license in films can comfortably and safely watch movies about the life of Christ and get whatever good they can get out of it still knowing what to believe and what not to believe when a conflicting situation comes up in the episodes that don’t correspond with our Catholic tradition and dogma. Just my thoughts. If nothing else, this should make all Catholics reach for the Catechism of the Catholic Church and their Bibles with a compendium to further educate themselves about their Catholic faith.
I am glad that you brought up the movie the Passion of the Christ, it was that film that moved me to enter into the religious life, though I was one of the stubborn ones that entered later in life it literally changed my entire world!
May God the Holy Spirit guide and enlighten us all to the Truth.
Merry Christmas and God bless!
I had the same misgivings as you. Unfortunately there are far too many complacent Catholics who won't even recognize the discrepancies, far less reach for a Catechism
I also felt that Jesus probably didn't have to ever ask anyone their opinion on anything especially God's word....
I have no issue with the idea of Mary having birth pains.. This isn't a dogmatic teaching, just a theory.
I personally think she is beautifully portrayed I'm the show, especially in a scene where she brings Magdalen to Jesus for what came off very much like a confession to me (and the fact that the blessed mother was the one to bring her to Him made it even beautiful for me).
@@OrthoLou 100% agree!
@@OrthoLou Lou, it is Mary's lack of birth pains that is inherently tied to the Immaculate Conception (a Dogma of the Catholic Church). Because she was conceived without original sin, and preserved from all sin, she did not suffer from the curse of Eve as found in Genesis 3:16, which was a consequence of Eve's sin suffered by Eve and all women after her. Mary, by that singular grace of being immaculately conceived, was an exception from that curse. That is why the Nativity scene in the tv show is so commonly objected and rejected by the faithful.
To me, any biblical film has to overcome what I call the Christmas Pageant problem: this nagging feeling like you're just watching high paid actors running around in bathrobes with towels on their heads.
Unless Mel Gibson does a religious film as Gibson does amazing cinematography and his research on Catholic Saints is impressive.
I think the Chosen gets past that successfully.
The Chosen is crowdfunded, it is a low-budget production, so the actors aren't high-paid. Besides, the visual impact, the care for details and historical accuracy is also remarkable, it is up to the standards of the biggest high-budget productions. You might as well take a look and decide for yourself, it won't disappoint you.
Except that they use "Holy" voices, (like Shakespearean actors use stagey voices) it's a barrier to dissolving the 4th wall, to immersion.
When actors don't Ham it up the emotional resonance is amazing, when they do it's like they're wearing polyester wigs and blue eye shadow and wristwatches ...
@@veronica_._._._ the final scene on the first episode where Jesus is calling Mary, is that what you mean by "holy" voices?
I think it's done very well.
When Jesus tells Nicodemus to follow his heart ("what does your heart say" was the line I think), this is when I checked out. Jesus says the human heart is wicked, so why would they ever include such a contradictory line???
Nothing humans do will ever be perfect, however , this series is badly needed now and God’s hand is in it.
Far better than Netflix shows at least, will at least get people interested in the caring-ness of Jesus, the righteous love, they'll learn later by learning about Jesus' teachings. We hope so.
God bless you, Merry Christmas ♥️✝️🎄⭐Stay safe.
I agree! Blessings to all the people involved in its production.
I recommend all to watch Jesus of Nazareth from the 70s
@@crimsonstreams yes that is an excellant show!!!!!!
As a Catholic I fully agree
All fair points you made, and they are legitimate concerns. I’ve watched the first season and bits of the second, and if memory serves me right there wasn’t anything about the portrayal of Jesus that made me question the show, but I think the producers have done a good job in emphasizing that the show is not meant to be a substitution for the actual Gospel
They get so much wrong, and they hide behind the quote to save face.
They absolutely intend to replace the gospel by filling people's heads with their own visions, and making them cry due to emotions to hide the fact
@@georgekatkus5162
I think that’s the nature of a show about Jesus. A Protestant or Mormon perspective will be wrong doctrinally but still good emotionally. Highly doubt that’s done cynically
For me, the Chosen helps me want to bust out my Bible and get to know Jesus for myself.
Regardless, I love "The Chosen" I love the way it is filmed. I love the way the major characters come to life with their own special personalities with their faults and virtues their character flaws and disabilities. . I love the way Jesus is portrayed. The reason Jesus "rehearsed" His Sermon on the Mount with Matthew was not for Himself but for Matthew. And the fact that this series is the most widely viewed television series in the world is a sign that it is Divinely inspired and a bright light in the Darkness we are living in.
The show uses Bishop Robert Barron as a reference (one of many), and Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus, is a very devoute Catholic. So with that said, I trust that their input and backgrounds help make the show more theologically correct. I watch the show, and I haven't found much of anything that conflicts with our faith. That is all, God Bless.
Meh some of it is off. It def has Protestant / evangelical vibes. They depict the Bible as being written by the apostles in the moment writing down what Jesus is doing and saying. They're trying to push sola scriptura. They bypass that Christ established a church. Still a good show though.
Why are you okay with Jesus saying he is a revolutionary?
@@nobilisartorivs was he not a revolutionary? Expand more on this please
@@Adammmmuuuwee11 I agree with those vibes...which are questionable, but the real test is when the show gets close to The Passion and the Eucharist, then we can say whether we will promote or watch it, right?
@@tylerdrees2751 Jesus never said that. I advise you to listen to Fulton Sheen I just don’t remember the name of the lecture right now.
“Lenin was probably a saint in reverse; if he had used his energy in violence toward self and the cultivation of love, instead of in violence toward others and the cultivation of hate, he could have become the Saint Francis of the nineteenth century.”
- Fulton Sheen
Revolution is to forcibly overthrow a government or social order, in favor of a new system. Jesus did not force anyone. They accepted Him.
The word derives from Late Latin revolutio- "a revolving," from Latin revolvere "turn, roll back"
It’s very interesting to me that Protestants who have many problems with Catholic Christian representational art depicting saints, Christ and Mary, just love movies about them.
I tried watching an episode of the show and had problems with it for the reasons you elucidated.
What's funny to is they get in us for statues or art. Graven images as they say. But technically speaking a picture or video is an image made with a camera. How come that isn't graven images haha
Interesting. I'm a Protestant, and I've honestly never heard people complain about catholic statuary or artistic renderings of biblical scenes or people. Could you give some context as to the kinds of things you hear? Because like I said this has genuinely never crossed my mind and I don't believe I've heard it from other Protestants. Not saying you're wrong or people don't say these things, I'm just genuinely curious.
@@Adammmmuuuwee11 Yeah, it's 24 images per second. So after a movie...
@@pixelarrowproductions6308 Months ago I was an agnostic and I've heard this a million times by now. The main one would be calling the fact of having statues adulatory (as if no one in 2000 years noticed there was a statue in the corner) - The main one, are the statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary (or statues of Mary, like they say) Idols/ engraved images, is the main thing people say. I suggest you just look for any Protestant "youtuber" talking about Catholics and almost guaranteed, it will be there. The protestant revolution also destroyed an immeasurable number of statues and works of art.
@@forwardechoes I assume you meant Idolatry there? In that case I've heard things like that before, but more in reference to prayer to saints and that sort of thing, not the artistic side of it.
Again, not trying to start an argument or even making any specific points here, I am simply observing.
So help me understand then. By drawing this comparison, would you liken the portrayal of Jesus in something like the Chosen to idolatry because it's not an entirely accurate version of him? I'm just trying to understand the comparison being made here. Again, not trying to say what's idolatry and what isn't, as I think it really depends on the individual heart.
To God, it doesn't matter if one or more scenes have a mishap or not, He will use anyone or anything, even The Chosen, to bring others to Christ. The Chosen is doing just that. The Chosen is an attempt to make the disciples more human as we've never seen or imagined them before. In fact, this humanity makes us get closer to them because either we have or we know someone with those human tendencies or faults. Also, Jonathan Roumie is doing an outstanding job portraying Jesus. I'm excited that God chose this time, during COVID and all the other crazy things going on in our country, to ensure that The Chosen would be available for us and the world. God is up to something, and The Chosen, is just another gold nugget of God's great plan for America!
Exactly! Sometimes chasing perfection paralyzes us and in the end we've done nothing. This show, despite it's flaws, have done a good job depicting Jesus and the disciples...
Yes, 100% agree with this. I'm actually surprised that the catholic perspective would have a problem with the show. Catholicism has such a rich history of artistry and depictions of biblical text. Of course none of it is perfect, but it serves to teach, inspire, and draw people closer through beauty to the Creator, who is beauty itself. I don't see how the chosen is much different in its goal, other than that it adds the dimension of humanity displayed through action by its nature of being a story, which only multiplies identification and closeness with the story, the characters, and the real person of Christ.
100%!!!
@Elizabeth Bennett Making mistakes isn't the same as sinning. It is written that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature as a teenager. I don't know if he was a straight A student but He sure made mistakes. He operated out of His unfallen humanity. He was 100% God but also 100% human. He did learn His native language as a kid making many mistakes.
Nobody can say that He actually did prepare for the sermon but we really can't know. Also, in the garden of Getshemani. Did He blaspheme against God The Father when He wanted to give up. NO. His human nature resisted but he complied in the end.
He was tired, He was sweating and He did ''grew in wisdom'' over the years.
In hebrews it said that Jesus learned obedience through suffering. As you can see there are a lot of examples of Jesus learning and not sinning.
@@myfakinusername yes, and this is true from a logical standpoint. The Bible tells us Jesus learned. He was perfect and did not sin, but as Shawn points out, mistakes aren't sinning. Do you think Jesus picked up his carpentry tools at the age of 6 and made the most beautifully perfect chair ever known to man? If he did, surely his family would have been very successful in business, but it is mentioned that they were not overly wealthy. No, Jesus had to learn and struggle with the lack of knowing everything instantly just as other humans do. Learning does not make you sinful.
I love your show. A huge fan of you. However, you can not comment on the chosen until you watch it. I'm a Latin mass, Orthodox thinking Catholic. I felt the same as you, until I entered into the chosen without prejudice.... Its truly phenomenal. Watch it, then do a show on it, good, or bad.
To be fair, he said why he is not watching the show. He did not comment on the show in itself.
Thanks, but, this isn't a commentary on The Chosen. It's a commentary on why I haven't watched it yet.
I have watched all of it and like it very much. Catholic and we have even contributed. It is wonderful in many ways. You do not have to think something is perfect to like it. But Brian is right. Read Mark 13:11
@@BrianHoldsworth To understand Christ we must understand LOVE! One way is to read the Book, " Only Love Creates", by Fr. Fabio Rosini. End
To be fair the title and talk was explicitly about not watching chosen not gospel films. Likewise to speak publicity on not watching the chosen at all is to give it a negative review (even if not an extreme one) you can’t separate the two.
I get where Brian is coming from and he makes really good arguments. But, I still like Chosen and I think we need more Christian filmography in that vein. Chosen is clearly made with both love and respect to the source material. When translating Biblical events to film, it is necessary to . . . fill in the gaps. When someone who has nothing but contempt for the Bible tries to fill in this gaps, they invariably fail because they try to undermine it. I don't get that feeling from Chosen.
I don't see why the gaps need to be filled. The Bible is a historical biography. I'm sure someone could do something with a style that fits much more closely without adding that kind of stuff.
@@lostindimension2787 The gaps need to be filled in in a film because the Bible's most compelling stories amount to just a few verses of Scripture. Noah's Ark, David and Goliath, Judah, Joseph, Sampson, etc. You can't make a movie script out of just a few verses, you need to flesh it out.
Sampson and Delilah is a good example. In Scripture, its just a few verses. In DeMille's film, its 2hrs.
It obviously takes a great deal of skill and care to fill in those gaps in a manner that's both accurate and respectful to the source. This isn't a simple comic book or fictional novel adaptation, after all.
Thanks
They remove so much, and add so much, they're literally filling in gaps by removing entire events from its depiction.
They'll know we are Christians by our love, not our high production value. If people aren't coming to Christ because of our actions and love, then we're failing.
@@georgekatkus5162 exactly. Showing the Living word of God, unsure of the sermon, can you imagine?? Silly to me, really!
Father's mind: “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, "
Son: ( Hmm. okay, so the sun for the Milky way THE sun should be 90% hydrogen for 90% of the atoms, but how many atoms in proportion to the milky way sun for its total solar mass...father, hold up, im thinking here)
Father's mind: let Us make man in our Likeness.
Son: (Ummm...how many ribosomes again in the Human genetic DNA chain???)
(and how many cells per...)
I mean. Come on!!! Jesus is the Living word of God!!! what the heck?? Jesus stuttering over a sermon??? People are Sooo desperate to sneak brokenness in God! It bothers people to know Jesus is God, therefore, PERFECT!
I think Jonathan Roumie does a great job in his portrayal of Jesus...but I agree with you for the most part... being a long series it will be plagued with pitfalls...nontheless it is very good so far...there are very moving parts and it helps to understand the context which is great... I dont particularly like the portrayal of Mary and I dont know if I will continue to watch... Jonathan is by far the best, I hope his faith keeps him on the right path...
I watched the first season of, The Chosen. Though the producers, writers, directors, actors, were in no way try to be disrespectful, I was left with feeling mildly uncomfortable with the casualness of the persona of Jesus. It was to me, almost as if he was just, "one of the guys". I had the same reaction to the depiction of our Blessed Mother. Found her character to be almost a little too much modern, suburban house wife persona.
I had actually been looking forward to seeing it, since there is little produced on screen of our Lord that is good. My only yardstick by which to judge, movie wise, was, The Passion of the Christ, which was/is, to date , for myself the most realistic portrayal I have ever seen.
A final scene at the end of one of, The Chosen, episodes, annoyed me no end. It was, Jesus, meeting the woman at the well. After telling the woman her sins were forgiven, they left out the rest of the Jesus' message to her. They left out, "...now go and sin no more." Just had the woman happily walk off, with no further direction as to what needed to change for her. I wouldn't watch any other episodes after that, since they left out something that important.
I totally agree with you. I watched the first few episodes and couldn’t watch anymore. I really wanted to like it. Jesus knocking on Mary Magdalena’s door and saying “I hope you don’t think I’m rude…..” was the first thing that made me roll my eyes. It seemed like a modern show in ancient costumes. I think there is a danger making Jesus out to be so much like us.
You've probably confused two stories from the gospels. The Samaritan woman is John 4:7-42, while "...now go and sin no more" are Jesus' words to an adulterous woman in John 8:2-11. The adulterous woman scene has not appeared in The Chosen yet.
Can you go and read John 4 again? You’re a bit misinformed, and perhaps confusing it with the story of the woman caught in adultery. The woman at the well scene was done perfectly fine
This was the whole point Jesus was trying to emphasize. Matthew was a tax collector, Zaccheus was also, plus Magdalen. They were all sinners, forgiven, but on the presumption that they will reform. And they did. He was sad about the rich man who said he was a righteous man, but would not part with his possessions, would not reform. Jesus Christ is all about truth. You side with the truth, you don’t sin.
This is why I stick to Scripture and Sensus Fidelium, and Bryan and Taylor and books authored by Saints. 😇
I know exactly what you're talking about and exercise the same caution although I will say that watching The Chosen has really helped my kids learn about the apostles, remembering the timeline of events, etc. And as others have mentioned, Jonathan Roumie's portrayal is excellent. Grain of salt, though, yes, always.
i don't expect directors and producers of biblical stories to produce theological or catechetical works so I am seldom disappointed by their works. I don't expect them to be anything other than story tellers who take artistic license and tell a story the way they see it. I'm OK with that, since I don't look to these artists to form my faith. Having said that I am impressed and inspired by the Chosen. I think one way to consider it, is less as a an unfiltered depiction of Jesus as a depiction of Jesus as he must have appeared to those who encountered him and in this I think the creators have succeeded admirably. And in doing so, have captured the mystery of the incarnation better than any other depiction to date. The bewilderment the disciples must have experienced is beautifully laid out. Here is a man who clearly and completely human, more human than anyone else previously encountered - and yet, somehow God is manifest in this man. How can that be? How can someone be fully human and yet also clearly divine? How can the two go together? How does that work? It's manifestly true but how? This is precisely the mystery of the incarnation, the mystery the early church struggled with and the mystery presented by Chosen.
Nicely put, Mr. Leblanc. I agree. I've cringed a bit at times and didn't envision some scenes as Mr. Jenkins (an evangelical protestant) did, but the show has been very moving and touching and yes, entertaining. If the show seems to go off the rails at some point, I'll not watch it.
by the way, I also had problems with the sermon prep depiction (cringy)
Mr. Leblanc: Would you expect your bank to take "artistic license" with any aspect of your finances? Just saying ... 😶
The logic of this doesn’t follow with your reasoning that the Passion was fine by you. It’s just a subjective decision that you made that you liked that representation, whereas you admit you haven’t even viewed the chosen. The Chosen’s depiction of Christ has helped me and other family members dive deeper into the scriptures and prayerfully learn more about who Christ is.
Yes, the thing I enjoy about The Chosen for me is how Jesus' humanity is brought to the fore without sacrificing his divinity one bit. The Gospels deliver a great deal of information about The Christ, but the reader has to fill in a lot of detail about His humanity. I hunger for a close connection to Jesus and thinking about the blending of His humanity with his divinity helps.
Again, I didn't say The Passion was good and the Chosen wasn't. I can't say that about the Chosen one way or another. I can say it about the Passion because I've seen it and I also provided reasons why it works. It isn't merely me saying, "I like it, therefore it's good." Again, I gave reasons why I think it works.
@@BrianHoldsworth Brian, I am a fan of your channel, and I understand your point of view. But think of it this way; the Chosen is like one kind of map, and the Passion is another. Naturally, people need different types of maps, depending on where they are at. So it may be that you don't need to have the Gospels made "real," but some of us find it helpful.
The Passion didn't alter speech, events, and some totally lying about was said by Christ. It followed the Testament precisely... not fabrication ...
It's my understanding that Jonathan Roumie is a devout Catholic, but I have watched a couple episodes and I agree with your take on the whole thing. There is a theologically misleading approach to render Christ into that "buddy jesus" archetype, which emphasizes his humanity rather than Godhood.
I'm not against having Jesus as a friend but He is also Lord God. There needs more reverence for the show towards Christ. Even John the baptist. There's a bug joke about John the baptist. I get it but in the old testament Ezekiel was told to eat certain things by God. The same could have been so for John the baptist I don't hate the show I know Dallas the director is probably evangelical so... buddy Jesus. I'm glad Christ is preached. Don't get me wrong.
We are more comfortable thinking only about the Divine Mercy of Jesus, but He is also going to be our Divine judge, so examine your conscience every night and don’t receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus sacrilegious, because you think your “buddy”, is going to excuse your unconfessed and unrepentant mortal sin at your death. Nothing unworthy will enter Heaven. They should add the clear language Jesus used on this subject in some of their segments.
Since He is fully God and fully man, I don’t see why including his humanity is a problem. Not sure how you would portray his divinity anyway, since that was veiled to human eyes while he was on earth. Any film portrayal will struggle with this.
I also disagree that he’s portrayed as “buddy” Jesus. He’s portrayed as human, yes, but he is also shown being stern when that’s called for. I think it stays within bounds.
@@stephenjohnson7915 💖 For me its not Jesus acting like a normal human that's the problem. It's the apostles and how they write Jesus too. Remember apostle know Jesus is the Messiah and eventually that He is God. He is King. How do you act around a man who is King and also your friend? You show a certain amount of respect to him. John said it's the Lord after they saw Jesus after the resurrection. Jesus is also Lord. They asked what kind of man is this that even the wind and sea obey Him? I want to see that kind of awe in the show towards Christ. The worship and reverence properly given by His followers such as worshipping at His feet which we do indeed see people worshipping Him in the gospel. I'm not against Jesus telling jokes or laughing.
Who cares!
I got my non religious husband to actually watch the show because he went to acting school with Jonathan Roumie.
He was very moved by the show and was asking me really good questions that actually helped me practice in articulating the differences between Protestantism and Catholicism.
He got the weird sermon of the mount stunt. It made the show silly at that point even for him because it doesn’t go with Jesus’s “character” no matter what your preconceptions are of Christ.
@Kevin Cobb No no no and no. Nowhere in the gospels does it give enough details to say Jesus was quick witted nor prepared beforehand and a deliberate presenter... Ofc Jesus always knew deep spiritual truths and about his father and the kingdom of heaven, he already knew his many teachings and messages but he knew what he wanted to say... we just don't know for sure if he knew HOW he wanted to say it.
I see absolutely nothing wrong with the depiction of Jesus practicing how he wants to express his many teachings and wisdom...
Nor is there anything wrong with him being a deliberate presenter...
Its his message, his wisdom and his teachings rhat were revelation to us... He was a prophet of the greatest degree. Just like God told Moses what to say to the Israelites over and over and over again... from a "soapbox" if you will, so that a massive crowd of millions of Israelites could hear him, Jesus in the chosen is depicted similarly... In both the chosen and the scriptures He knows what to say thanks to God the Father and his scriptures, He speaks for God the Father and does the Father's will through his teaching and example, but the question remains unknown...
Did he know HOW best to express his message so this particular audience would understand or at least think on it deeply... How could he get the most people interested and in agreement with him, how could he make it the most productive and beneficial... how could he say it to lure in the most people (since he was a fisher of men)
@@mpdebate6239 Imagine Jesus falling flat in his presentation. Not possible. The Lord would never fail to get his message across, and of course, we see nowhere in the gospels where he doesn't offer a perfectly coherent statement and/or argument. He actually utterly embarrasses those who attempt to refute him.
@@ZacharyCath Agreed but none of that refutes what I said or how the chosen depicts Christ
@Kevin Cobb And that verse is exactly what I just said. Its what I explained already... God sent Christ here for a purpose and with a message, and Jesus has always known exactly what the Father wanted him to teach and say and express to all the people in Judea and then those who believe would continue the message throughout the entire world...
The difference between us though is that you're assuming that verse also means that the Father told Jesus HOW to say what he said also... Whereas I'm saying that detail is left out and we can't possibly know, but since he was also fully human, I see no issue with him practicing the best way to say what he knows he must say..
Jesus is looking for the HOW to say this best, not the WHAT should I say..
@Kevin Cobb 1. Not insisting on this interpretation, just saying that the opposing view which you hold is not anywhere in scripture and that we cant possibly know if the Father told Jesus not only what to say but also HOW
And then I said, the Chosen decided to let Jesus decide HOW to say what the Father told him to say.. and I see no scriptural issue with that and nobody's been able to provide one for me either
So this isn't me insisting or even taking this view. I'm just saying there's no reason to think it isn't possible and no reason to say the chosen is unbiblical for it
2. Quote the verse that predicts the Messiah would be told by God how to say what he tells him to say
3. Your first paragraph makes no sense and isn't biblical and its also strawmanning me badly.
To start with, Yes there's a willful mediating agent between God and Man and scripture even says that is Jesus... He was the best possible human, a perfect human, fully human.
His humanity cant lie cause he never sinned and was blameless.
Yes I agree about the 1:1 thing. Scripture is clear, Jesus said exactly what the Father wanted him to say, but that doesn't mean he couldn't say the same message or teaching in 5 different ways... doesn't mean he didn't have options as to how to express the same saying or teaching differently. Doesnt mean God told him exactly HOW but rather only WHAT...
I agree that Jesus knew everything the Father wanted him to say... He knew WHAT the Father wanted to be revealed and taught to his creatures, but the scriptures never say the Father also said HOW...
I really enjoy the portrayal of Jesus and the deciples in The Chosen. The actor portraying Jesus is also a practicing Catholic. Definitely something to give a chance. I think it's a great stepping stone for people to jump into the faith. And I always am consciously thinking that even with how good I think this is, it may be a little inaccurate and I would never prefer this over the truth.
I don’t like how in the trailer the main actor says “I am preparing a Revolution” Jesus was not a Revolutionaire
Practicing Catholics are most times not theologians. He may not be aware of the flaws in the show. And i have some issues about how Mary is depicted. We Catholics have a very different view of the Blessed Mother than Protestants and I don't think the gap can be bridged
Thank you for opening this conversation. It is an important one.
I enjoy watching the Chosen; but I am aware it is an imperfect human’s depiction of the perfect human.. it is an attempt to present what eye has nor seen and ear has not heard. We ‘ touch the hem of His garment’ in the Holy Mass of the Ages and in Eucharistic Adoration. An artistic expression is only an invitation to look deeper.. “Come, follow Me.”
Given that none of us is perfect nor have we ever encountered a perfect human person, any attempt to represent Him will fall short of His perfection. We know that He wept, and laughed, He experienced great joy and profound sorrow, much as we do, but unlike us, he was never unsure of His mission or unclear about the manner in which it would play out. He did not wring His hands or become anxious before talking to His creation, whether He was being stripped beaten and crucified or multiplying the loaves and fishes for the multitude.
This conversation reminds me of my response the first time I heard the lovely song, “Mary did you know?” I said out loud, “Yes, she knew! “ of course she knew”.
Mary knew for a multitude of reasons not the least of which was the angel told her that she would bear the son of God.. But as the song implies, the bulk of humanity does NOT know, and seemingly small errors reenforce the confusion that is crippling humanity today. The good news is if people are inspired to know Truth, He is here to be known, in His own words and the words of those who walked with Him, lived with Him and who spread His Gospel to the ends of the world.
We do not follow an idea. We follow a person; Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.
@@carynschmidt5061
I disagree, the bridge can be gaped.
I’m a former Protestant that became Catholic. :)
You can’t treat heresy with respect. Protestantism is a heretical view of Christianity, that bridge cannot be gaped, but we can expose the heresy, making a bridge for conversion.
I really think it is ok that they messed up, on parts of, the chosen. Basically any movie depicting Jesus has flaws, I have not watch one yet. This show brought a lot of light to on how humble He was. It is show for Catholics, Protestants, and even some atheist thinking about becoming christian. They had to fill parts of the bible that were not there. We do not know what those blank parts of the bible are. It is for us to interpret.
I love The Chosen. It gets to the heart of Jesus. It isn’t supposed to be an exact representation of every detail of Christ’s life. I actually believe in this era of theological reversion, etc, the hearts need to be captured first. This is a mode by which this is transmitted. The ultra-heady may not appreciate it, but millions do. The thing that distinguishes The Chosen is that it tells the story through the eyes of the disciples with all the emotions and internal conflict along the way. It certainly helped me to love Christ more deeply. I highly suggest giving it a chance and be ok “with not agreeing with everything” depicted in the show.
Why are you ok with a Christ imitator saying Jesus was “preparing a Revolution”
@@nobilisartorivs Because He WAS preparing a revolution against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Or have you forgotten?
@@stephenjohnson9632 Have YOU forgotten he never used that word?
@@stephenjohnson9632 Jesus never said he was doing a Revolution
Jesus never said that. I advise you to listen to Fulton Sheen I just don’t remember the name of the lecture right now.
“Lenin was probably a saint in reverse; if he had used his energy in violence toward self and the cultivation of love, instead of in violence toward others and the cultivation of hate, he could have become the Saint Francis of the nineteenth century.”
- Fulton Sheen
Revolution is to forcibly overthrow a government or social order, in favor of a new system. Jesus did not force anyone. They accepted Him over time.
The word derives from Late Latin revolutio- "a revolving," from Latin revolvere "turn, roll back"
@@nobilisartorivs He overthrew the stranglehold Satan had on the world. He is not recorded as using the word “revolution”, but if you don’t think that is exactly what He did, then you are missing the point of why He came in the first place.
I love the Chosen for its depiction on the apostles as being human. All the thier normalities are endearing and fresh. It one of the best since Robert Powel's portrayal.
I could not agree with you more. Great analysis of the Christological problematics. And, yes, Gibson’s PASSION of the CHR IST is absolutely the best film presentation of Jesus Christ, ever, for the very reasons you point out. Excellent. Thank you.
I completely agree that Jesus would not rehearse either. I did watch the chosen and stopped immediately after the crass, debasing scene when they had the character of the blessed Virgin Mary talking about the mess she had to clean up after Jesus was born. I’m embarrassed even recalling it. This discussion took place with the male apostles present. Culturally that conversation would not have happened in mixed company. Our Holy mother was full of Grace when she conceived Jesus. Full of the Holy Spirit. Honestly, I could write screeds on why that episode shocked me. Their depiction of the Blessed Virgin Mary was too much for me and John the Baptist… I will say no more. God bless the producers because some scenes are deeply moving and I have heard that people are feeling renewed in their faith because of watching the programme but I can’t tune in anymore.
Thank you for this particular topic.
You should see my recent comment on John the baptist. He was disrespected I agree. I'll post it here so you don't have to search for it:I'm not against having Jesus as a friend but He is also Lord God. There needs more reverence for the show towards Christ. Even John the baptist. There's a bug joke about John the baptist. I get it but in the old testament Ezekiel was told to eat certain things by God. The same could have been so for John the baptist I don't hate the show I know Dallas the director is probably evangelical so... buddy Jesus. I'm glad Christ is preached. Don't get me wrong. -. I'll give the director the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps he is not aware of Ezekiel being made by God to eat certain foods. Also that I think the law allows eating certain bugs. He also isn't catholic. 🤷
John the Baptist's depiction also bothered me. Glad to know i wasn't alone
@@faithwisdom788 yes the bug thing too. Can't remember who it was but I heard an apologist say that locusts and honey were delicacies in the ancient Middle East
@@carynschmidt5061 I think its possible that his eating Locust and wild honey could have been prophetic symbolism concerning his ministry of preaching the wrath of God to come (locusts) and the Messiah (honey)
I was deeply disturbed by some of the same scenes. Even the presentation of Our Blessed Mother as rather plain-lookin is shocking to me. I always envision her as a great beauty as many seers have described her as a beautiful lady. I had to stop watching too. It's a bit scary too how many Chosen devotees are quite fanatical in their following of the series.
I felt grieved just watching the ad when it first came out and I couldn’t even watch the full ad let alone contemplate watching the program. The power of a visual image can captivate a mind in ways we just don’t fully understand which is why I don’t watch much tv and am very careful what I put before my eyes. I am grateful that the Word of God had already captivated my mind so that this movie couldn’t .
One thing that I can't understate the is the effect the show's portrayal of the Blessed Mother may have on Protestants. She's a central character. The power of her intercession, and Jesus' devotion to her, is actually highlighted, not kept under a basket in embarrassment. If a Catholic had done this, it would be easier for Protestants to dismiss it. But the fact that the show is made by Protestants makes it more powerful to non-Catholics and, quite possibly, may inspire a newfound appreciation of the role of Mary.
There are things about the show I disagree with. The over-emphasis on Christ's humanity at times is one of them (especially the Sermon on the Mount preparation, where He was too plagued by doubt). But if we follow this logic too far, we should also jettison Mere Christianity because it's not always in lockstep with Catholic doctrine.
C. S. Lewis was an Anglican, not Catholic.
@@suzannephillips6236 Yes, I know. But Catholics still benefit from his works even when some aspects of them do not align with Catholic belief. That was the analogy I was making with the creators of the Chosen, who are also Protestants.
I watched the first Chosen series and I found it to be more disturbing than helpful. It seemed to me that many of the characters were projections of strange personality disorders. Extreme liberties we taken regarding what Jesus was like. Again, it seemed like projections of personal experiences. "Risen" had a compelling Jesus figure, but again, they altered actual scripture in ways that seemed like an apologetic for the modern evangelical movement.
Brian, I have felt the same way from the very beginning about this series👍🏻 Thanks for speaking up for Christology.
I'll always have a place in my heart for Robert Powell as Jesus in Jesus of Nazareth. It was one of my favorite movies as a child. I liked that it stayed so near the text and dialogue of the Gospels.
I'm in the middle of re-watching that right now. :)
I'm a non Catholic at the moment, but going through RCIA classes where I live. I completely agree with you Brian. I have not seen this program, and you have put into words the very same thoughts I've had most of my life about Jesus. Thank you for putting your thoughts into words the way you have in this video, because you've done so for me, exactly the same, and I appreciate that because I struggle with explaining myself. God bless you, and your loved ones, and your work here. 🙏
Right there with you
I think it is important to remember, that while there are minor inconsistencies and flaws with the show, overall it is fantastic and it is very needed in our very secular and post modern world . I am grateful that we have a show about the Gospels to even argue about in these modern times of ours.
Of course, if it were blatantly blasphemous that would be another story, but it is not. The show gets A LOT of it right, as taken from the Gospels.
I applaud Dallas, Jonathan and the entire cast and crew for their dedication and faith. It took a lot of courage to produce this show. I would recommend it.
For what it is worth, I am also a devout Catholic and I take my faith seriously. God bless you all. Merry Christmas.
But it is blasphemous. Their portrayal of Jesus and the things he says go against scripture. He tells Nicodemus to listen to his heart.
Proverbs tells us the heart is deceitful above all else.
During a montage in the wedding episode, he's seen teaching kids gambling.
He prays, requesting of God before Gethsemane, something not seen I scripture, because he's still fully God before Gethsemane.
I love the show but there are blatant falsehoods around our Blessed Mother and how she is portrayed. More than once. We have to push back on these things even if we like the show over all. Its fraternal correction and we are called to do it.
I’m hesitant to partake of the Chosen for much the same reason. I’ve often found the depictions of Jesus in film, even the best intentioned ones, to be somewhat off putting. I’ve never been able to put my finger as to why but there it is.
Me too, it seems almost offensive to Our Lord
@@nobilisartorivs I concour with both.
As a devout Catholic the fact that it is a Protestant production with a Catholic playing the role of Jesus doesn’t exactly make me go run a see it. However, I have heard good things about it and if it brings people closer to our lord Christ then that’s great.
My own issue with the series would be the shows theological approach as presented in the series, again a Protestant production will simply not focus on the theology that we Catholics would look for. Most Protestant/evangelical films I’ve seen are pretty campy and jolly go lucky flicks. This is why I loved the Passion film so much, it really showed Christ’s moment of pain and suffering in a way that felt so real to me, it made me appreciate the sacrifice Christ made for us so much more.
@@neroresurrected Well I finally gave in and watched an episode. It hasn't delved too deep in to the theological issues yet, but the production quality and acting seems good, so there's a start.
I enjoy the Chosen. Granted it took a few tries to get into it but once I accepted that it’s an artistic rendition I began to enjoy the show. It’s better than anything on TV. I love looking to see how they get it right and make a game of it when they get it wrong. I’d love to see them get our blessed Mother correct, but hey, Protestants are involved. That’s when it becomes a prayerful time for me with our Blessed Mother, apologizing for how wrong they depicted Her.
Still, it has more uplifting moments than disappointing ones.
As a devout Catholic this could be one the best portrayals of Jesus I've ever seen. I truly believe that this show was brought to us by the Holy Spirit for these times.
You're missing out man, good luck to you and I hope you change your mind about not watching it.
Initially, it was interesting to see the back story of the Apostles, the Romans and the Jewish leaders. As it went along, I found myself feeling more uncomfortable. When they had the Disciples build the stage and curtain for Jesus to give his "first big sermon", I thought that was it for me. It was almost as if they were presenting the beginning of the modern mega-church evangelical movement.
Yes, you put your finger right on it!
I think everyone watching The Chosen knows that Jonathan Rumie is not Jesus and the director is not The Holy Spirit. I would share your concern if it was a show of outright falsehoods and blasphemies, such as the modern Noah movie. Then I could understand not even watching it. However, while the Chosen does have a few things that don't line up completely with Catholic theology, overall it is a fantastic show. The things that don't quite line up, I think we can sort out pretty well and it is still done in a way that is respectful and careful. I think you should actually watch it before making a video about why you don't like it.
Totally agree!
I think considering it’s a Protestant who made the show, they have done generally well. There are of course some things they portrayed not perfectly, but I will say I’d rather my kids watch this than some of the junk on tv or TH-cam lol. When we watched the part of the finding of Jesus in the temple we talked about how what was portrayed wasn’t in keeping with what we necessarily believe. I do think one can be too scrupulous at times.
I heard a Catholic priest friend is the film maker is he Catholic or Protestant.
@@JB-le4rb it’s Dallas Jenkins. Not a Catholic.
@@davyrantucci Thanks; I think I need to see the film first a little binge watching but it could lead him to the full truth of the Catholic faith indeed .Is it on Netflix/ Amazon.
Hebrews 4:15 says "For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." The Amplified Bible makes it even more plain: "For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin." This would mean in his humanity he felt fear but did not sin by losing faith. He felt anxiety but did not rely on his human strength to overcome but went to His Father instead. When rejected, I'm sure it hurt, but he harbored no ill will toward the guilty. We know he felt sadness. I'm sure, in his humanity, Jesus was extremely human, in every way other than sinful ways. People flocked to him, so he must have been a pleasing person to be around. He used humor to make points. He got angry when righteousness called for it. Whether he had to plan out how to present sacred truths or not, I do not know. But remember, all sacred scripture is the infallible Word of God inspired by the Holy Spirit, yet each writer's personality and voice comes through in their writings. I'm sure Paul thought carefully how to express the Truths the Holy Spirit and Jesus revealed to him. Why would it not be the same with Jesus? He was fully human, which means he had a distinct personality - a sense of humor, individuality, maybe even a little quirky way of using his hands while speaking. There must have been things he did better and things not as well. I'm sure he made mistakes while learning new skills, just as we do. If his experience wasn't as close to ours as possible then Hebrews 4:15 delivers very little comfort on reflection.
Many series speaks to my heart, but the chosen, speaks to my soul.
I think that Jesus in "The Chosen" practising his Sermon on the Mount speech was more to teach Matthew. Of course He knew what He was going to say. Matthew didn't know that he was going to be an evangelist and that his words would be read every day until the end of time but Jesus did. Personally, I love "The Chosen".
Mathew does not need to take notes... as the Bible says in John 14:26-- "The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name-he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.
@@chata9321 interesting point. I think that verse is probably saying that the Spirit will act as a reminder of the teachings that Christ gave to them, not necessarily every detail of the specific things that transpired.
Even if your interpretation is more correct, however, consider this: Matthew didn't have this scripture at the time. He didn't have the Spirit or know about him. Doesn't it make sense that he would want to preserve and write down all of this as it happened?
Not an attack or anything brother/sister, just another perspective shared in good faith.
I think it was more to show or include Matthew and show him there was a place for people like him in the Church. Matthew helping Jesus with the Sermon on the Mount was the building blocks for his compilation of the Book of Matthew. Also, just because Jesus knows everything doesn't mean he will not include us in his plans.
but the intent was /is ambiguous... Who is this God?
You have just articulated the exact reservations I’ve had about the Chosen. I watched one episode and didn’t feel compelled to continue watching.
Same here, I saw three episodes and I couldn't stand it. Especially our Lady's depiction.
Same here, my family loves it, but I don’t think it’s right. Just the way it rubbed me, I guess
I didn’t like it the very moment I heard the first phrase of the Trailer: “I’m preparing something to share with the world”. This doest not sound like something our Lord Jesus would say. It is not in line with who He is. As Brian said, it sounds too human.
I was skeptical when I saw Jesus in the trailer saying “Get used to different.” 🤨 And this might sound weird, but I don’t like that I see Jesus when I see Jonathan Roumie (I might have spelled it wrong) the actor, but one of the reasons Jim Caviezel is my favorite portrayal of Jesus is because he looks so different in Passion of the Christ, I don’t see Jesus when I see him in anything else. But it’s great both actors are devote Catholics!
Thank you Brian. I tried to like The Chosen, but the "artistic license" being used in the series left me feeling confused, so I felt it better to step away from it. God bless you 🕊️
These are really good points. No wonder I couldn’t get through even one episode.
I read a lot of the comments here and I'm very impressed with what I saw. Catholics and Christians coming together Giving praise to the movie and how it's either helped them or given them comfort during these times 🙌 It personally changed my life watching this series. I remember sitting and sobbing... wondering why I've never had a relationship with Jesus. I am now every day in The Bible, and go to church every Sunday. It's a wonderful series and Brian is missing out.. But that's his choice.. Probably one of the few choices we all have left in this world. I also didn't like that Brian used the name The Chosen in the title as click bait. For anyone who has not watched the series yet I highly recommend it. It's very moving, and teaches you about Jesus. And let me remind everyone that we all should be in our bibles daily. It's what God intended for us. Merry Christmas to everyone.
Catholics ARE the FIRST CHRISTIANS! They hold the ancient Apostolic Faith in its fullness!
Brian is saying that he doesn’t like the portrayal of Jesus in movies. He’s not missing out at all. I agree with him and neither am I missing out. It’s wonderful that it helped you come to faith, and I have no doubt that it is being used to spread the Gospel, but it doesn’t mean people who don’t like it are wrong or are missing out.
What does "Catholics and Christians coming together" mean? 🤔
I absolutely LOVE The Chosen. I really didn't like it when I started watching it and then gave it another chance and now I can't stop binge watching some of the BEST episodes like the Wedding at Cana, the healing of the man at the pool, Mama Mary bringing Mary Magdalene to Jesus (It was totally a portrayal of the Sacrament of Reconciliation!), and my personal favorite moment - healing a Samaritan with a broken leg. We all know by now that they are taking creative liberties. The show is not going to be perfect nor is it aiming to, imo. It's bringing people to Jesus and portraying him in a more relatable manner than just opening the Bible and reading scripture. And to the modern day atheist - this show is literally converting people. Someone who will never walk into the Vatican or walk through a museum and see sacred art, someone who wouldn't know an icon if it hit them in the head, someone who has little to no desire to step foot in a Church. This show is a shallow entry point for them. And Dallas gets letters all the time from people who are touched by this show. Best of all - IT'S GOOD QUALITY ACTING! Something sorely missing in most Christian shows and movies.
I haven’t seen it either and I couldn’t put in words the reason as to why! I have the same problem you have ; I would always prefer the mystery of not knowing the complete story instead of making my own story or to just accept someone else’s “creative” idea of God!
I have an aversion towards The Chosen and you just expressed why. Thank you.
After watching The Passion of the Christ it's really hard not to compare any film depiction of Christ and it always suffers in comparison.
Responding to the comments, not the video.
I dunno...I appreciate that their last Christmas episode was centered around Mary and the Magnificat. Yes, they mess stuff up with Mary, but it's the first evangelical production I've seen that shows her as an active part of Jesus' life as an adult, and as a mentor, roll model, and mother figure to the disciples. For a production headed by people who don't have access to the full deposit of the faith, and that are from a religious tradition that's been downright paranoid about giving ANY honor to Mary, that's pretty freaking impressive.
And my husband and I like to watch the episodes and have a nerdy discussion about all the details we think they got wrong, lol. Which...yes, there's some stuff, but there's an awful lot they get right, too.
Thank you. You articulate a nagging discomfort I had with the previous series of “The Chosen.” and didn’t understand why I couldn’t watch it anymore. It’s “good“ but not enough.
Like eating too many treats as a kid. But I could say it “worked” in the sense it repelled me away from the treats to a greater appreciation of “solid foods” - prayer, Mass & the Sacraments and the teaching of the Saints.
The creators of the show never intended it to be enough. I think it's important to keep in mind that from the beginning, the show aimed to get people more interest in the Bible and the person of Jesus Christ, not to replace them. So there's no need to put "worked" in scare quotes.
The humanity of Christ in this series really gave me a desire to have a better conversation with a very real person of Christ. I don't know how to express that. I'm a practicing cathloic and I listen to your program regularly.
You fogot someting Gina..you can do that whit or whitout Chosen
That's great!
@@BrianHoldsworth make up your mind finaly, Brian..is it great or not
@@bernardokrolo2275 thats great!
I really enjoy that the actor portraying Jesus is a Catholic, who leads a daily Divine Mercy. I have enjoyed it...
You make a very valid point as I have caught myself many a time when reading scripture beginning to visualize aspects of the Chosen. From say seeing The actor playing Mathew while reading his gospel. To seeing a scene play out comparatively to the passage I may be studying from any given gospel. It really makes you stop and think of all the media that we ingest on a Daly level and to what thoughts or ideas actually come from our innermost being, being our own.
I watched one of the first episodes - the birth of Jesus. I remember it showed Mary in pain during delivery. That told me what I needed to know. I turned it off and haven’t gone back to it.
I am not watching The Chosen either. The best portrayal of Our Lord ever made into the screen was in The Passion of the Christ by Jim Caviezel. Jim was able to capture the seriousness, thoughtfulness, and, most of all, the majesty of Our Lord. This majesty is portrayed quite subtly and was this majesty that made Him so charismatic. Like Brian said, He wouldn’t have any insecurities because He was the Perfect Human Being. Any portrayals that depart from that will be a disappointment to me.
I began to watch The Chosen from the beginning but had finally 'chose' to stop after some disturbing scenes. I could overlook the depiction of the characters, especially Peter, as cartoonish and even some dialogue that was so glaringly out of step with the times as to be distracting, but when the producers created a carnival type atmosphere of Jesus's miracles, I really began to question why I was watching. There was a long line of miracle seekers leading up to a booth where a couple of disciples sorted them out, then sent them to an attached enclosed tent in the back where Jesus was waiting to do the requested miracle on demand and I found this was very disturbing to me. But I shook it off and continued on. I tried to overlook the depiction of Mary of Magdalene as a demon infested prostitute, and one disciple being a ninja styled zealot and trained assassin, but the Sermon on the Mount depiction killed the show for me. Jesus being insecure as to how to 'preform' it, the discussion on how to present it, how crowd control and security was to be an issue, making up and sending out handbills (to an illiterate populaion!) and to the discussion of what color sash Jesus should wear so as to seem more approachable and sincere all smacked of a politician's campaign speech. I just cannot picture my Lord and Savior coming onto a stage, through curtains, no less, and delivering one of the most important and beautiful sermons in the Bible like a well rehearsed campaign speech. It cheapened the whole experience and it saddens me. The show went from cartoonish to disrespectful to downright embarrassing and we finally had to stop watching. I had been so excited to see this series when I first heard about it and I'm sure the creators have great intentions, but I just can't believe how Christ and the 'chosen' disciples can be depicted in such a childish way. It was a great disappointment.
i totally agree Katy....well said.
Totally agree
I have seen the Chosen and even recommended it --- but now after hearing you, I see the problems inherent in the "fleshing out" of a Christ image in a movie. You have nailed the reasons I struggled through some of the scenes and depictions --- like the depiction of Mary at the birth and the interpolations that are so non divine and contrary to the Fathers of the Church. I love your reasonings. Excellent logic and theology.
Too much altering / fabrication .
GOD CAN USE ANYTHING TO MAKE PEOPLE COME TO HIM regardless of their flaws be it a person or a movie! The Chosen has converted many people of different faiths to Christianity, stopped people from committing suicide, made people give up years of addictions, brought people back to the church after decades, helped many go to church for the first time in their lives, made people open the Bible for the first time, developed eagerness and a hunger and desire to seek Jesus and learn more about Him, made people develop spiritually, made people focus on their prayer life and restored many broken relationships & marriages. A recent testimony I heard was of a satanist who turned to Jesus after watching The Chosen. Now that’s huge! Let’s focus on the good points. Flawed or not flawed, THIS SHOW IS BRINGING REVIVAL and that’s all that matters. I personally feel the presence of the Holy Spirit whenever I watch it, many times it brought me down to my knees in prayer
During the last couple times reading through the Gospels, I've been humbled by the struggles of those early disciples in identifying and follow the promised Messiah. That is what I love about the Chosen and its tempering of the supposed "obviousness" of Christ's divinity. Many were confused even while in the presence of the Son of God. Luke 4:22 "Is not this Joseph's Son?" John 10:24 "How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly." Christ at one point asks the question, who do people think that I am, and in Matthew 16:14 the response is mixed. "Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets." I appreciate the Chosen because it attempts to portray the difficulty of discipleship in an open and honest way. In some ways, I look at The Chosen as a type of "spiritual stress test". Would I have been able to discern and accept a Jesus that seemed to fit so seamlessly within the society of his day? Would I have been able to discern and accept his apostles and their complete backstories? It's easier believing in dead people then in those we are more intimately familiar with. Christ's said it well at one point Luke 4:24, "No prophet is accepted in his own country." The Chosen inspires, motivates, challenges, and stretches my faith in many ways. Obviously not a replacement for scripture, but a good addition to my day.
So far I've found many emotional moments that do not really betray the message the series wishes to bring. Of course it's very romanticised, not exactly "accurate" to the Scriptures, but it never wanted to be and it says so right at the start. I see it as a medium with which to introduce a really interesting perspective of the Gospels, that of the people that actually lived through it.
Ironically, I see it as very similar to series like Band of Brothers. It's a fictionalised account of real events that takes a lot of artistic liberty in order to create an immersive narration, without profoundly betraying its original meaning.
Yes, some interpretations might go for the "hippie" side, but honestly? I appreciated both the characterisation and the idea that whether or not how Jesus behaved appears in the Scriptures, it tries to show aspects of daily life and relationships He had that we can only wonder about. And, at least in my humble opinion, it did so magnificently.
I think the main message I try to take from this series is the call to follow Christ. The Chosen is mainly about this, the struggle of those who are chosen by Him and how we can imagine to react when He calls us to follow Him.
I've been reviewing the Chosen series of my channel 'ScotsMaiar'. I expressed some concerns with this show as well yet the overall quality was still excellent.
Your right to point out 'Jesus Rehearsing'. That is an example of risking creative liberty to depict Scripture but at least Dallas Jenkins and his team acknowledge this. In fact, this self awareness of their own community is one of the ways in which they've managed to make a widespread appeal in many regards.
that is also my perception. I tried watching the Chosen, because I heard good reviews for it, but I found myself uncomfortable with the portrayals of the characters that I’ve known so well from reading the Bible. I couldn’t finish the first episode.
Fabrication.
I agree totally. I think it is am extremely difficult task for any director, writer and/or actor to be able to present Jesus in the perfect manner according to scripture. I did watch the Chosen but I will not anymore. On the Chosen Christmas movie which came out just before Christmas 2021. The director Dallas was interviewing the music artists. One of the music artists group name was CAIN. That was the first red flag for me. Why did they choose that name for their group? Cain in the bible was the first murderer. Then one of the members of the group spoke up for the music group and she said that we all can make Jesus into whatever we want him to be. That is so not scripture. He makes us into what He wants us to be not the other way around. There are some other red flags that I won't get into right now. We really need to be careful what we watch and listen too. We have to guard ourselves against deception and apostasy which is very prevalent right now. God bless you.
Brian - - Totally agree with your take on "The Passion." I think that because Gibson presented what Jesus DID so accurately and with all of that realism, it helped us understand who Jesus actually was as a person. Of course, we will have to wait for a fuller grasp of the mystery of how He could be both God and human. We are looking through a darkened glass, for now.
I would analogize this with a childrens book. Books that were read to me when I was young were very helpful and influential in my development. Now that I am more mature these books would seem moronic if someone told me I should read them. The Chosen is probably a great show for people who are immature in their knowledge of Christ. For someone like Brian who has deeply contemplated Christology, of course the show would seem lacking.
Though Brian may be highly knowledgeable, this is not a reason to discount the show. Even though it is not perfect, there are many good things about the show that are inspiring and encouraging to look into the stories deeper in the Bible.
I think the scene with Matthew has more to do with Jesus including Matthew rather than Jesus needing Matthew's input. Their depiction of Matthew in the series is that he is an outcast. I think the souls that are being reached by the show far outweigh the downside of the inconsistencies with our Catholic faith. I use those inconsistencies as opportunities to start discussions with my children and they know that the show writers won't necessarily be in line with our belief system. The actor playing Jesus being Catholic was the reason I even considered watching it in the first place.
I accept the imperfections of “The Chosen” and take from it the whole of the experience, I do the same with the Bible. I don’t know and understand all that it says but I get the jest of it. That to me is the beauty of it all.
@Elizabeth Bennett Did I say that the Bible was imperfect? I don’t think so, I said “The Chosen” was imperfect. Read my post carefully before you jump to conclusions, that may very well be in the Bible somewhere too as I recall.
I’ve been wanting to watch more religious movies and shows. I grew up with a bit of religious media like the CCC of America which are animated shorts for kids and claymation films as well. It has helped me realize what the saints and Jesus went through when they were on earth. That helps me understand that I could do what they did.
I’m Roman Catholic and saw The Chosen encouraged by my Priest! The feel of it is Protestant and after one episode it didn’t appeal to me. I love watching movies about the Saints and how they were touched by Gods Grace!
The guy who plays Jesus is a devout Catholic
I believed in the Lord Jesus Christ when I heard preaching gospel and then I watched the firm. Every time I want to meet Jesus the Spirit remind me The Lord Jesus told Thomas “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29. That’s the reason I haven’t watched the Passion of Christ. Now I am trying to preach gospel and more focus on the word than anything else. Thank you so much.
Good points. Thanks for taking time to comment. I’m a watcher of The Chosen and have enjoyed the production and will keep in mind your insights. Thank you 🦦
For my part, I think The Chosen is brilliant and a wonderful vehicle for the Holy Spirit to use. It brought me back to Christ and the Catholic Church and converted my husband back to Christianity and now Catholicism. God can use the imperfect to perform marvellous works!
I appreciate and love how your mind works Brian. I don't always agree with you, but that's ok. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. God Bless, Peace
Hey Brian, I’m wondering what song you use at the intro of your videos?
I didn't have a problem with the depiction of Jesus preparing for the Sermon on the Mount. I thought it was more for the benefit of Matthew getting a solid foundation of those teachings so he could pass them along to us in his Gospel.
I understand when the writers are adding to the Gospels, and I don't take those as "Gospel", but it brings Jesus and his disciples to a place where those who don't have a good understanding of Christianity can approach Him, and consider learning more from Scripture study,
I watched the whole first season of the Chosen. I did so reluctantly and mostly because my pre-adolecent daughter was very interested in watching it and I want to encourage her to go deeper in her faith. I think it can be a great tool to encourage young believers and new believers to grow closer to the Lord. I think it is likely also a good tool to draw non-believers to Christ, as well. It's also a wholesome form of entertainment compared to most alternatives, if you happen to be a movie/TV watcher.
Honestly, I found it very hard to watch, for the very reasons that Brian points out. The acting and storytelling is very well done, however they have portrayed Jesus with American twenty-first century eyes (even with his middle eastern accent!). Of course, it's completely understandable. Every culture and time period has seen Him through their own lense. It's the best most of us can do. And I'm sure it is acceptable to Him. As we blindly reach out to Him, He kindly condescends to us. As we mature in Christ, however, hopefully we come to the realization that we are making Christ in our own image.
If we believe we are made in Christ image... Remember Jesus was a Jew...
What does “American twenty-first century eyes” mean?
You are speaking as the Holy Spirit gives you words, it seems to me for, no matter how intelligent you are and how knowledgeable you have become, in some of your expositions there are striking aspects - as I have noticed. Blessed already by this action of the Spirit - who blows where He chooses - may you be blessed for making yourself a channel of grace to listeners.
My concern is that the additional imagined detail and artistic license allows for the show to tread some dangerous waters. The show creators are evangelical and have a tendency to push and highlight aspects that that support their theology, ecclesiology, and historical take. For example, the idea that the disciples were writing down their accounts as they witnessed them. This is an attempt to support sola scriptura. It’s effect is to minimize the importance of the oral tradition that drove the expansion of the faith for the first few decades after Pentecost.
11:25 What is the song playing in the background ?
Thank you for your perspective on this. I’ve avoided watching the series partly for the same reason. I’ve also been reluctant to use it in the theology classes at s Catholic high school for these reasons.
It's good. Watch it and then decide on showing it to kids. I'm a teacher as well and think it would really resonate with high schoolers.
fabrications... distortion of His words...😊
I wish that a Catholic would make some of these movies and TV shows. Everyone always ends after the crucifixion but I wish someone would keep going and do a well produced series on the church fathers. They should show the formation of the church in a historical way.
The makers of The Chosen plan on making seven seasons. The Crucifixion and Resurrection will be in season six and season seven will be about Acts.
@@dalesajdak422 after acts they need to go on to Church Fathers Ignatius, Linus, and so on. Cover the next 300 years.
As always, very eloquent. I agree with your analysis. Even though Jesus of Nazareth had its issues, I really liked how the actor portrayed Jesus. He was like you described him, humble yet knew exactly who he was and what he had to do. I also liked Jim Caviezel's portrayal as well. Those are the only 2 movies with Jesus in it that I watch. As another viewer below stated in Ben-Hur you only see Jesus through the eyes of the other characters and the effect he had on them. That was a brilliant decision.
I think Jim Cavizel's portrayal is definitely the best. I think one reason it was so successful is because of how Jim prayed, "let them see you, Lord, not me." The Lord delivered!
The Chosen has a priest, a rabbi, and Protestant minister on the advisory board. I like the show because it gives me a view of the Jewish customs of the times. I trust the show to give me a better view of Christ and what being an apostle was than I would get from reading the scriptures. I am not a theologian.
What kind of priest, hippie quasi protestant Novus Ordo or an actual Catholic?
@@annemary9680 Wow, what a judgemental question
@@annemary9680 If you have to ask then you obviously haven’t taken the time to find out for yourself. The Chosen is being way more careful to get it right than your line of questioning is.
Wow! Very dangerous to trust a movie above Sacred Scripture to inform your view of Christ! God bless and keep you.
@@annmarie3573 th-cam.com/video/wRN3PtFebyo/w-d-xo.html
Brian. I regularly listen to your talks and have a lot of respect for your viewpoint and how you voice it. I have to say I think the writers of the Chosen have navigated the risks you describe better than you might think. The preparation for the Sermon on the Mount and associated dialog with Mathew is nuanced and plausible. The team of priests and scholars advising the writers takes the responsibility to get it right very seriously.
I agree with you completely, Brian. I watched some of the early episodes but was very much expecting an evangelical, even somewhat anti-Catholic spin to emerge at any moment. This type of medium should be taken with care. The way I describe it is kind of like this. There was one “me” prior to watching Passion of the Christ and a “me” afterwards. I could only watch that film once. Thanks for your insight. You are spot-on as usual.
What is the name of the chant at beginning of video?
"depiction of someone else's vision..." --- this pretty sums up why I am also extremely WARY of movies and shows depicting Jesus' life
I really loved the show. I think it helps understand ppls mindset in those days. Its cool to have all the versions of Christ from different shows because he appears differently to everyone. We all interpret scripture differently but we can agree to love God and to love others as ourselves.
I'm a Catholic convert who mostly avoids modern 'Christian media' because I find it a JV effort at best - saccharine, cringey, and unwilling to tackle difficult issues/questions because it knowingly is playing to the choir ("God Is Not Dead" being a prime example)
So I was extremely taken with "Passion of the Christ" because it was so well-done and shockingly brutal and moving.
I was very unwilling to watch The Chosen. But dang if I haven't been pleasantly surprised! I personally enjoy the way the show has interpreted the personalities of the Apostles. I've enjoyed the way it's woven biblical events into non-biblical storylines, frequently it has moved me emotionally and just as often it has impressed me with it's creativity in this regard.
I certainly respect your opinion and decision regarding this show, but at the same time I still think you'd enjoy it if you gave it a chance. Yes, I do have some minor quibbles with certain Catholic vs. Protestant interpretations and how they were played out, but on the other hand I've been impressed with how Mary was not ignored by the show and they depict the Son and His mother's love and devotion to each other. No doubt there are firm Protestants who aren't happy that Mary was even included, so I think there are surely quibbles from our Christian separated brethren regarding show choices as well.
Not gonna lie, I'm worried about the Bread of Life discourse and how it will be handled. But I think that is a testament to how much I think the show is doing well! If I'm worrying they might truly screw it up to the point I'd stop watching the show, that clearly means I am NOT looking forward to disappointment because of how well they've been doing so far.
What this taught me was how eager people were to believe any story that could be contrived to make Catholics and the church look evil. It's almost as if people have been looking for any excuse to adopt that conclusion and this not only gave them the ammunition to adopt that conclusion but also the incentive to take criminal action against Catholics.
I am reminded of the words of the Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, “There are not one hundred people in the United States who hate The Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they wrongly perceive the Catholic Church to be.” My prayer is that the Lord would unveil these misunderstandings to us even as we are gifted with a discernment of the spirits, all by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Sacrifice without love is pain
Pain with love is sacrifice.
Pain without love is misery.
Love without pain is Heaven.
Love with pain is purgatory.
Pain without love is hell.
Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen
Wartime Prayer Book