The Chosen and Christian Faith: A Thoughtful Look at Scripture, Story, and Spiritual Growth

If you haven't heard of "The Chosen" by now, you might be living under a rock. This multi-season television series about the life of Jesus has become a cultural phenomenon, watched by an estimated 280 million people worldwide, a third of whom are not religious. I'm one of those who's been completely captivated by it. As evidence of my enthusiasm, I went three weeks in a row to see the latest season in theaters. I hadn't been in a movie theater three consecutive weeks since I was a college student more than 30 years ago!

But as with any popular Christian media, it's sparked significant debate among evangelicals.

The question isn't whether the show is well-made. Most agree it's exceptional television. The real question is whether it's theologically sound and helpful for our faith. After watching all the seasons released to this point and studying the various perspectives, I want to offer you a balanced look at both the benefits and concerns, so you can make an informed decision for yourself and your family.

What The Chosen Gets Right

Let's start with what the show does exceptionally well. The production quality is outstanding. The quality of the scripts, acting, and sets are all on a par with the production values of a well-regarded Hollywood 'short season' series. This matters more than you might think. For too long, Christian media has been synonymous with poor production values, which can inadvertently communicate that our faith deserves second-rate treatment.

The cultural and historical context is remarkably accurate. "I think it helps immerse us more in the Middle Eastern, early Jewish context of Jesus," scholar Craig Keener notes. "Maybe not all the details are right, but it's way beyond what people are used to". The show helps us remember that Jesus was a first-century Jewish rabbi, not a sanitized Sunday school figure. One aspect of the show that has really jumped out at me has been the relationship between the Jews and the Romans. The show has spurred me to do some deep dives, and I've found that the history indicates a much more nuanced and complicated situation than I previously realized. 

It makes biblical characters feel human. "The Chosen is trying to take these real-life people from history and portray them as three dimensional figures. All too often people who read their Bibles are so familiar with these characters in a flat way that they forget these were real people who had real families". This humanization can deepen our understanding of Scripture and help us relate to these ancient figures. A couple of examples are how Simon the Zealot ("Z" in the show) and James the son of Alphaeus ("Little James" in the show). As you do some research, be ready for some interesting stuff about the Zealots. You'll also see that The Chosen takes some pretty big creative license with Little James. It doesn't contradict Scripture, and I think there is some serious spiritual truth to be consumed as we think about the idea that Jesus didn't heal all the sick people in Israel during that time.

It's reaching people who might never pick up a Bible. The show has become an evangelistic tool, with the goal to reach at least one billion people by translating the show into six hundred languages. Many viewers have reported that the series sparked their interest in reading Scripture for the first time.

The Concerns We Should Consider

However, there are legitimate concerns that mature believers should carefully consider.

Creative liberties with biblical narrative. The show takes significant artistic license in filling gaps in the biblical record. While creator Dallas Jenkins states that "all biblical and historical context and any artistic imagination are designed to support the truth and intention of the Scriptures", some worry that these additions blur the line between Scripture and speculation.

Questions about theological influences. The show is distributed by Angel Studios, which was co-founded by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While Jenkins maintains evangelical control over content and nothing in the series promotes uniquely Mormon doctrine, some Christians remain uncomfortable with any Mormon involvement.

Potential for Scripture replacement. Some critics worry that viewers might unconsciously replace biblical truth with the show's interpretations. One concern is that "the show attempts to destroy the inspiration of Scripture, portraying it as a common book comprised of hearsay", though this seems like an overreach in interpretation in my opinion.

Theological consultants from different traditions. The show employs consultants from three Christian faith traditions: a Messianic rabbi, a Catholic priest, and an evangelical professor. While this provides breadth, it also raises questions about whose theology ultimately shapes the show. Personally, I appreciate the commitment to the inclusion of multiple Christian groups in the process.

The Biblical Foundation for Artistic License

Here's where I think many critics miss an important point. The Bible itself acknowledges that we don't have a complete record of Jesus' life and ministry.

John explicitly tells us in his Gospel: "And there are many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written" (John 21:25).

This isn't just hyperbole. It's a theological statement. The Gospel writers were selective in what they recorded, guided by the Holy Spirit to include what was necessary for our faith and salvation. But Jesus lived for over thirty years, and we have perhaps a few weeks' worth of recorded events and teachings.

Consider this: when the eleven remaining apostles needed to replace Judas in Acts 1, there were at least two men "who had been with them from the beginning" (Acts 1:21-23) even though they had not been mentioned before in any of the Gospels. Let that sink in for a moment. This shows us that Jesus had many more followers and relationships than are explicitly detailed in Scripture. That realization was an eye-opener for me.

The question isn't whether there are gaps in the biblical record—there obviously are. The question is whether it's appropriate to imagine what might have filled those gaps, and whether such imagination can serve the cause of truth.

A Framework for Evaluation

As men who've been around the church long enough to see trends come and go, we need a framework for evaluating Christian media. Here's what I suggest:

Does it contradict Scripture? Biblical scholars note that "The Chosen doesn't belabor minor historical, cultural, or even narratival details; it retells the gospel accounts with enough detail and accuracy to capture the general feel and themes of the biblical sources". The major events, teachings, and character of Jesus remain consistent with biblical revelation.

Does it honor the Gospel message? The core themes of grace, forgiveness, redemption, and Jesus' deity come through clearly. Scholar Craig Keener observes: "I think it nails Jesus' heart in the Gospels. I mean, in terms of blending all the Gospels together, I think it nails Jesus' heart".

Does it drive people to Scripture? Creator Dallas Jenkins reports: "Every single day we hear from dozens, if not hundreds of people who say this show has re-ignited my passion for Scripture". Personally, I can attest that I have jumped into Scripture with enthusiasm after many of the episodes (and sometimes during them even though my wife doesn't appreciate my real-time commentary on what I find...)

Are you maintaining proper discernment? Each person should "prayerfully discern whether watching the show will be a benefit or a hindrance to his/her walk with the Lord".

My Personal Take

Let me be clear: I think The Chosen is exceptional television and a remarkable achievement for Christian media.

The show has done something I didn't think was possible: it's made me see familiar biblical passages with fresh eyes. After five decades of reading Scripture, I thought I knew these stories inside and out. But watching Peter struggle with his impulsiveness, seeing Matthew wrestle with his past as a tax collector, realizing just how different the 12 apostles were from each other, and witnessing the disciples' very human reactions to Jesus' teaching has deepened my appreciation for what actually happened in first-century Palestine.

For reaching unbelievers, the show excels beyond anything I've seen in Christian media. It presents Jesus as compelling, historically grounded, and relevant without requiring viewers to first understand biblical theology. Many people will watch a well-made TV show who would never darken a church door.

For believers seeking to deepen their faith, it provides fresh perspective on familiar passages and helps us visualize the cultural context of Jesus' ministry. The humanization of biblical characters makes Scripture feel more alive and relatable than any commentary I've read.

But (and this is crucial) we must maintain clear boundaries. We need to distinguish between what Scripture explicitly teaches and what the show imagines. This is especially important for newer believers or those without strong biblical foundation. The show is a tool, not a replacement for the Word of God.

Practical Wisdom for Viewing

If you choose to watch The Chosen, here are some practical guidelines:

Watch with discernment. Remember that this is historical fiction based on biblical truth, not a documentary. As one expert notes, "The Chosen was designed to be an imaginative exercise" to help visualize the Gospel accounts.

Keep your Bible handy. Use the show as a springboard for deeper Bible study. When you see a scene that intrigues you, look up the biblical account and compare.

Discuss it with mature believers. Don't process the show in isolation. Talk about it with other Christians who can help you think through the theological implications.

Remember the primary source. As one review notes: "Ultimately, our knowledge and understanding of the truth must be based in Scripture". The show should supplement, never replace, your personal Bible study.

Consider your spiritual maturity. If you're a new believer or struggling with your faith, you might want to establish a stronger biblical foundation before watching. If you're spiritually mature, you're better equipped to separate the wheat from the chaff.

The Bottom Line

The Chosen represents something unprecedented in Christian media: a high-quality, culturally authentic, and largely faithful adaptation of the Gospels that's reaching millions of people worldwide. It's not perfect, and it shouldn't be treated as Scripture. But it also doesn't need to be perfect to be powerfully useful.

I can tell you from personal experience that this show has reignited my passion for Scripture in ways I didn't expect. When I read the Gospels now, I picture the cultural context more vividly. I think about the relationships between the disciples more deeply. I'm more aware of the historical reality that these were real people with real struggles, not just characters in ancient stories.

As one scholar wisely notes: "I think if the biblical writers saw what Dallas Jenkins is doing, I think they'd look on with approval". The apostles themselves were concerned with communicating the heart and truth of Jesus' message, not with providing exhaustive biographical detail.

The real test isn't whether The Chosen gets every detail right; no adaptation could. The test is whether it serves the cause of truth, draws people closer to Jesus, and honors the Gospel message. By those measures, I believe it succeeds remarkably well.

Your faith is mature enough to handle this question for yourself. Romans 14:5 reminds us that "each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind." Whether you choose to watch or not, do so thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with full confidence that your relationship with Jesus isn't dependent on any television show—no matter how well made.

What matters most isn't whether you watch The Chosen. What matters is whether you're growing in your knowledge of the real Jesus through His Word, walking in fellowship with Him daily, and sharing His love with a world that desperately needs to encounter the Savior.

And on that, both the show and Scripture are in complete agreement.

The Temple Project helps men over 50 navigate faith, fitness, and life's second half with biblical wisdom and practical guidance. Your spiritual journey is worth the investment of careful thought and discernment.