Hold the Line

From the Opening Credits of season 1, episode 1
“The Chosen is based on the true stories of the gospels of Jesus Christ. Some locations and timelines have been combined or condensed. Backstories and some characters or dialogue have been added. However, all biblical and historical context and any artistic imagination are designed to support the truth and intention of the Scriptures. Viewers are encouraged to read the gospels. The original names, locations and phrases have been translated into English for anything spoken.”

I thought I’d share my thoughts on The Chosen, a multi season show about the life of Jesus. The disclaimer above is important in relation to the show overall.

I chose this picture below because it is from episode 8 of season 3 (the last available to view currently) where Asaph has brought a new psalm before King David for presentation. The queen is a bit confused because there are no instruments, rather they are presenting it as a spoken word accompanied by the low singing of a choir. The composer of the music tells them they are trying something new. So good!

That resonated with me as I attempted to think how I might present my thoughts on this show. It is the first time a show about Jesus’ life has been presented in an extended, multi season format (a new way). Dallas Jenkins, the film maker working to make this project come to life, says that the show does not, nor does it attempt, to replace scripture. It is a rendering of the story we find in the word of our Creator, and from what I can see based on the seasons that have been released, it is a very well done production that works hard to stay to true to the story.

The way I see the show (or any Biblical story put into film), it is just the work of a team of artists. It is a partial presentation of what a person may find, if they go to read the text. It is one possibility, one way things may have happened, a what if, filtered through the interpretation of the writers, crew, and cast. It is not necessarily what really happened 2000 years ago, it is simply one telling of the story based on the source material. The Chosen production is presenting the story, and from the interviews I’ve watched, are working to do so to glorify and lift up the life of Jesus to the world. Dallas says he is a believer along with many others (not all), working on the show.

I’m a writer, and I have written (under other pen names) novels, novellas, short stories, and other work in addition to my non-fiction Christian book presented on this site. From a story telling perspective, I am good with all of the additions (outside the Bible) that The Chosen has added for the sake of story. It is a show, not scripture. The line for me is if the production contradicts scripture in some way. Contradiction is a massive problem, if the show skewed.