#0144 Would Jesus Watch the Chosen? The State of the Christian Audience. -Further. Every. Day

Would Jesus Watch the Chosen?

A show made about Himself. Is it OK to make a series about the life of Jesus or is that off-limits because we can’t possibly “get it right”? Can sinful men make a series about a sinless Jesus? Would Jesus watch it even if they did? Join us as we tackle these questions and more in striving Further Every Day!

Introduction of Panel
Additional comments before we start.

Further Every Day is not promoting The Chosen one way or the other. This podcast is merely trying to help people understand the debate and controversy around the series. We encourage each individual to do their own research and come to their own conclusions around this series.

Framework for the Discussion
The debate that rages as it pertains to the Chosen - should we watch it or should we not? Is it “anathema” or legit?

If we watch it, how should it be watched?

Should we allow shows like this in our culture?

Would Jesus even watch it?

The Debate That Rages
There is substantial debate about The Chosen. Here are some of the questions:
Theology: How can the show be good if it is supposed to be based on the Bible and we
take “creative liberties” in making the show by adding things we don’t find in the Bible?

Philosophy: Can sinful men really make a show about a sinless Jesus and it be “right”?

Culture: Wouldn’t a show like this have a negative influence on the understanding of the gospel by non-believers? What possible good could come from this show in affecting our culture positively.

Politics: Would it be possible for the government to use a show like this against Christians or non-believers?

Economics: Is it right to make money off a show that is Biblically based?

How Should It Be Watched
So if we watch this show, how should it be watched? What should we remember or be aware of if we watch the show?
Theology: To make a show like this to reflect 100% on what we see in the Bible would take an extremely long time. It would go beyond 7 years like this show’s projection! So,
some elements are “combined”.

Let’s see an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZDvcEkjthA
(first 2:40 of clip)

Philosophy: It is classified as FICTION! That means it may or may not be true. If you
want to know the facts, go to the source. In this instance, that is the Bible!

Culture: The portrayals in the series regarding the culture of that time may or may not be 100% accurate. A person should research what the culture may have been like at that time.

Politics: Very similar to what is shared from the chair of Culture. Additionally, what was Rome like at this time? What were the Pharisees like at this time? What were the Sadducees like at this time?

Economics: Well, they make money. That should be understood. A person should also understand the motives of the people producing this show. That’s where additional research should take place.

Should We Allow Shows Like This In Our Culture?
Theology: 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalm 101:3; Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8

Philosophy: Another question to ask here is this: Can a show like this lead people to Christ? The words of Jesus - as read in the Bible - are being spoken in the show. Are they no longer “good” just because they are found in a television show or through theater?

Culture: The series has not had a negative impact on the culture, as a whole.

Politics: Would it be possible that the government would eventually want to shut down this show?

Economics: The show provides income for a number of people (actors, actresses, producers, directors, artistic people, etc.) and the show is not negatively impacting culture as a whole.

Would Jesus Watch The Chosen?
Theology: An excellent question from a theological standpoint. It is interesting to note
that Jesus used story-telling (parables) as a means of teaching!

Philosophy: Is there only one mode/method for teaching? If so, what is it?
Culture: Jesus did a number of things that were “counter-cultural”. He ate with sinners, He met the woman at the well, and He touched/healed people that were unclean.

Politics: Jesus did not care about political things. He obeyed the law but politics did not concern Him whatsoever.

Economics: Jesus is all for people making the number they need to live and give back to Him.

Close

Favorite scene in ANY Bible-based movie.

Additional Links:

https://www.gospelmattersblog.com/post/the-chosen-should-christians-watch-it