Does the Chosen contradict the Bible?

Joshua Engen • February 21, 2024

Does the "Chosen" Contradict the Bible?

The following is my response to Jon Root @JonnyRoot thread on X on Feb 3 titled The Chosen: A Warning 🧵

My interpretation of the seven scenes in the Chosen that supposedly contradict the Bible and prove that “The Chosen preaches a different gospel & portrays a different Jesus”

Short answer- The Chosen does not contradict the Bible.

Long answer of each supposed scene:

Chosen’s Jesus says, “I am the Law of Moses.” Josh’s interpretation in context Jesus claims to have ultimate authority and to be the creator of the Law. Sure, there is a similar phrase in the Book of Mormon, but that doesn’t justify the statement that this phrase contradicts the Bible.
Chosen’s Jesus refuses to be worshipped. People point to two clips,
One after Jesus heals a man: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r65CgqQuhbk. Josh’s Interpretation - Jesus doesn’t refuse the worship he says, “Let’s save those big titles for later.” Which is what Jesus does in his ministry, he hides his full glory until the end. After healing a man of leprosy (Mark 1:41-42), "Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: ’see that you don’t tell this to anyone...'" (Mark 1:43-44). And then he warns the three disciples to “tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead” (Matt. 17:9)
One when Nicademas bows down, some say Jesus says, “you don’t have to do that.” But it is almost inaudible. Here is the clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p2XIUK9VgA at 9:40. Josh’s Interpretation: Jesus lets him bow down, kiss his hand, say that he is standing on holy ground, and quote Psalm 2:12 about Jesus. The whole context is shouting that Jesus is divine.
Chosen’s Jesus tells a religious leader to follow his heart. Josh’s Interpretation: He doesn’t, he asks, “what does your heart tell you?” It was a question of inquiry to teach Nicodemus something to guide him to the truth.
Chosen’s Jesus asks Matthew for help with his sermon as if God in the flesh would need any help whatsoever with preaching the Word. Josh’s Interpretation: Jesus was also fully human and had to grow up and learn as a boy. Is it farfetched to think he also had to learn how to speak, how to write, learn how to craft a sermon? It’s emphasizing his humanity. It doesn’t contradict scripture.
Chosen’s Jesus uses modern-day progressive language, “Love is Love” - Josh’s Interpretation: In this context, she is saying Love is the same whether you are Jewish or Gentile. Does not contradict scripture. - https://twitter.com/jonnyroot_/status/1684696364561616896?s=46
The show insinuates that Jesus transgressed aka sinned - Josh’s Interpretation: The context is when Jesus was a boy and left the caravan to go to the temple. And Joseph calls what he did a “transgression.” It is very quiet at the end of the scene. It seems to be picking up on Luke 2:48 “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” While Joseph may have thought he broke some rule, the audience knows Jesus was doing what he was supposed to. But his parents did not fully understand, as it says in Luke 2:49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked them. “Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2:50 But they did not understand what he said to them. https://twitter.com/jonnyroot_/status/1690061020642050048?s=46

These are the 6 examples Jon gives to support the statement - “The Chosen preaches a different gospel & portrays a different Jesus” The evidence does not support this claim.

The rest of the arguments are examples of things that happened outside the show, either with the views of the cast, cameramen, or the producer. We could quibble about and interpret differently those views and statements as well. But they are beyond the scope of this refutation because none of those support the claim that “The Chosen preaches a different gospel & portrays a different Jesus” because all those things happened outside the show.

In the end, I agree with Jon’s last statement on the show - “Finally, I don’t look down upon anyone that still watches the show.” And I hope my interpretation of the six or seven scenes above will alleviate any temptation to look down on someone who watches the show.

See this argument on X as well below:

Thread: My interpretation of the 7 scenes in The Chosen that supposedly contradict the Bible https://t.co/Oc4GQgtRbf
— Josh Engen (@Engen_Josh) February 4, 2024

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Acts 2: 21-41

By Joshua Engen • June 10, 2024

Acts 2:21-41

Acts 2

By Joshua Engen • June 3, 2024

Day 1: The Power of Unity and the Holy Spirit Key Verse: "When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place." - Acts 2:1 (CSB) Summary: The day of Pentecost marked a pivotal moment in Christian history, where the followers of Jesus were united in one place, awaiting the promised Holy Spirit. This unity and anticipation created an environment ripe for a miraculous encounter with God. The Holy Spirit descended upon them, signifying the birth of the Church and empowering believers to spread the gospel. Application Questions: How can you cultivate a sense of unity and anticipation in your faith community? In what ways do you need the Holy Spirit to empower you today? Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help us to stay united in purpose and eagerly await Your presence in our lives. Empower us to spread Your gospel with boldness and love. Amen. Day 2: Speaking in Tongues and Proclaiming God's Deeds Key Verse: "Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them." - Acts 2:4 (CSB) Summary: The disciples began to speak in different languages, empowered by the Holy Spirit, allowing people from various nations to hear about God's magnificent acts. This miracle not only spread the gospel but also symbolized the reversal of Babel, where language barriers once divided humanity. Application Questions: How can you use your unique gifts to communicate God's love to others? Who in your life needs to hear about the great things God has done? Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You for empowering us to share Your message. Help me to use my gifts to proclaim Your deeds and reach those who need to hear about Your love. Break down any barriers that prevent others from understanding Your gospel. Amen. Day 3: Calling on the Name of the Lord Key Verse: "Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Acts 2:21 (CSB) Summary: Peter concludes his sermon with the powerful promise that salvation is available to all who call on the name of the Lord. This call is not just a one-time event but a continual act of faith and trust in Jesus as our Savior and King. Application Questions: Have you called on the name of the Lord for your salvation? If not, what is holding you back? How can you help others understand the importance of calling on Jesus for their salvation? Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the gift of salvation available to all who call on Your name. I call on You now, trusting You as my Savior and King. Help me to share this life-saving message with those around me. Amen. Day 4: The Holy Spirit Dwells Within Every Believer Key Verse: "Don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own." - 1 Corinthians 6:19 (CSB) Summary: The moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. This indwelling presence of God transforms us and empowers us to live a life that reflects Jesus. The Holy Spirit's presence is a constant source of strength, guidance, and comfort. Application Questions: How does knowing the Holy Spirit lives within you influence your daily decisions and actions? What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit? Prayer: Lord, thank You for the incredible gift of Your Spirit dwelling within me. Help me to live in a way that honors Your presence in my life and to seek Your guidance in all that I do. Amen. Day 5: The Holy Spirit Empowers People to Share the Gospel Key Verse: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." - Acts 1:8 (CSB) Summary: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to share the gospel, often in extraordinary ways. On the day of Pentecost, the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues, allowing them to communicate God's deeds to people of different languages. This empowerment is available to all believers, equipping us to spread the message of Jesus. Application Questions: How can you rely on the Holy Spirit’s power to share the gospel with others? Can you recall a time when the Holy Spirit enabled you to witness in a special way? Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You for empowering me to be a witness for Jesus. Give me boldness and the right words to share the gospel with those around me. Help me to rely on Your power rather than my own. Amen.

Does the Chosen contradict the Bible?