LTRP Note: Last week, Lighthouse Trails began posting information about the series, The Chosen, because evidence shows that this series and the story behind its creation are lacking biblical integrity though the creators say the contrary is true. Director Dallas Jenkins says that God told him The Chosen would be the “definitive portrayal of God’s people” (source: 19:50 minute mark) yet admits that 95% of the content is not in the Bible (source: 25 minute mark). The following letter to the editor is written by a former Mormon who, along with her husband, became very distressed when learning that Christian figures they have admired and trusted (who have actually warned about the teachings of Mormonism in the past) were promoting The Chosen.
A Lighthouse Trails team of writers is currently working on a booklet addressing The Chosen.
Dear Lighthouse Trails:
Some time ago, a friend called me and asked if I had heard of the TV series The Chosen and if so, what I thought about it. I had not heard of it but told the person that normally I do not watch depictions of what the Bible teaches because my experience has been that they do NOT hold to “inerrant truth.” However, I did commit to doing some research to see if in this case I would reconsider.
I did enough research to discover that the production is an ecumenical venture to include: an evangelical producer, Mormon supporters, and funding through different faiths and backgrounds. This was the information I needed to make a decision. Consequently, based on 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, I cannot encourage others to watch The Chosen.
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
The entities involved do not worship the same Jesus as the Jesus of the Bible. Having been saved out of Mormonism, I know first-hand that the Jesus of the Bible and the Jesus of Mormonism are not one in the same (even though the director of The Chosen, Dallas Jenkins, says they are). Also, Mormonism teaches that the Bible is only “the word of God as far as it is translated correctly” and not the inerrant word of God. Additionally, they also “believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.” Refer to their 8th article of faith: “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.”
Recently, I was watching a sermon by a prominent pastor [Jack Hibbs] with a very large congregation and international prominence. During the sermon, he played a scene from The Chosen. This was troubling on many levels but extremely distressing when he encouraged his parishioners to watch the series. I have heard this same pastor extol the errors of Mormon doctrine and am aware that he understands Mormonism to be a cult. What is happening to the church and its leaders that so many are being led astray? Should we not take heed to Matthew 24:4-31 (especially 24:4,5, &11)?
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. . . . And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
As a “Born Again” believer and having been saved out of Mormonism decades ago, these are only a few of the reasons I am extremely concerned that the series The Chosen is being accepted as biblical truth and something people of all faiths can embrace. The cry of many of my Mormon friends and family is “we believe like everybody else but have further revelation” and “let’s embrace what we agree on and not worry about what we differ on.” This is a very slippery slope. How do we ignore “another Jesus”? (Galatians 1:8-9)
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Oh, that we would “incline our ears unto wisdom” and “apply our hearts to understanding”! (Proverbs 2:2)
Gratefully, Saved by Grace! L.A.
P.S. from L.A.: My husband and I just finished watching the video that you posted [see link below]. I cannot even begin to tell you how valuable I believe this is and how brave the person who did it is. If possible, I am even more distressed about The Chosen than I was before. My heart aches at statements like: “It is an accurate portrayal of Jesus” and “We love the same Jesus.” This is what the Mormon church has been working toward for years. The Scripture references at the end of the video are so important.
Also, recently my husband, while he was channel surfing, came across a program titled: “Takeaways with Kirk Cameron,” dated December 20, 2021. We have seen several things by Kirk Cameron in the past, revealing the errors of Mormonism so he taped it. We finally got around to watching it, and it was primarily about The Chosen with Dallas Jenkins. It was disappointing to Kirk Cameron support the production. We haven’t heard or seen anything by him for a long time, and we were unprepared to hear him extol the virtues of The Chosen.
I wish I had words to describe my heart break concerning how rampant and far reaching The Chosen has been so far. My husband observed that once again “financial gain seems to be one of the roots of this evil.”
May God bless your ministry and the ministry of those who are actively working to get the word out that The Chosen is not only fiction but biblical heresy. Thank you for bringing light to this darkness!
More on The Chosen:
Behind the Scenes: YouTube Video Examines The Chosen
“The Chosen Fiction” by The Berean Call
Dallas Jenkins states Mormons, Christians “love the same Jesus” by The Word Like Fire ministries
It’s a movie, not a documentary. I recently saw an interview with Dallas following the “pride flag on set” incident and he at nauseum overexplained (justified) his position. He stated that while he professes to be a Christian, the film production company is not. They make movies and many on set are not Christians. My own pastor recommends it as a good movie to watch. https://youtu.be/22GOv9cHVR8
Miner,
Dallas Jenkins also said that 95% of it was not from the Bible. This is actually very different. If you would like us to send you a free copy of our booklet explaining why, send us your mailing address to editors@lighthousetrails.com. Or you can read it here: https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/new-booklet-the-chosen-series-10-critical-concerns/.
I agree that it’s a movie. Dallas Jenkins himself said it’s based on the bible. Anyone who reads the bible will know this. There are many bible based movies out there and plenty of Christians watch them. Why is this different?
Linda,
But Dallas Jenkins also believes he is presenting the “authentic” Jesus through The Chosen. Yet, he also admits that only 5% of it is from the Bible. We can’t use the logic that just because it’s a movie, it’s ok to watch. There are many movies out there that are not ok to watch and are actually quite harmful. We believe The Chosen falls in that category. We hope you will do some further research on this matter. If you would like to read the booklet we wrote about The Chosen (with a lot of documentation in it), e-mail us at editors@lighthousetrails.com, and we will send you a copy.
Its a movie. — how many of you watched the 10 commandments? How many watched Noah? Dallas constantly reminds you that is is a movie. I read my bible daily and pray. I find watching it is better than todays news.
What Dallas Jenkins, Jeffrey and Neal Harmon, and Derral Eves … as well as the many faithful watchers and promoters of The Chosen series might consider is this: God is watching and He is keeping a very detailed record…
and one day we will each individually stand before Him and give an account of our life on earth! — What upsets me most, is the blindness of this generation of people … and the blindness of those who, at one time, gave every indication that they were faithful followers of the Lord Jesus Christ… yet, now they seem to have no spirit of discernment to even recognize evil, much less stand against it…
In an effort to walk in “love” with all people, they have become blind to truth.
Goodness! I was watching the first two seasons after hearing Jack Hibbs talk about it, enjoyed parts of it and was concerned about other parts. Then I started wondering when season 3 would be aired and that’s when I discovered the Mormons had bought the filming studio. Dug a little deeper and found the information about Jenkins and how deeply the Mormons are involved. I’ve been following along with Hibbs in the teaching of the book of Romans and I’m astonished that he ever said anything to promote this series. I hope he will do something to correct himself on this. I would hate to have to start second guessing what I hear from him.
Sergiu, please tell me which is more loving: to try to reach and save a soul lost in sin and evil delusion and lead them to Jesus Christ or allow them to continue in their sin and condemn their soul to an eternal help? Which is it?
Romans 12 verse 1 I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God ,that you present your bodies a Living Sacrifice holy and acceptable to God which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Too much Liberty is taken with how they take the disciples and give them individual personalities that the bible really has nothing to say. There is one part, in one of the beginning of the episodes where John is beginning to write his gospel and he’s living with Mary and Mary is telling him and giving him ideas for what to say we know that this isn’t true this is falsehood this is adding to what scripture says and then in the interview he interviews several of the different disciples Apostles and when he gets to Peter and Andrew Andrews talking Peter comes in and jokes about John the Baptist this is absolutely disgusting it has no place to be in a movie to where Peter would be joking about John the Baptist being a weirdo so in my mind the chosen should be unchosen for Christians to be watching.
Could you please pray for my families salvation.
I know Gods word says that the prayers of the righteous availeth much.
Sincerely, Laurel
I recently did a show on this on my Bible News Radio show and it was amazing to me some of the backlash I received from people who should know better. I am surprised that Jack Hibbs promoted it and am wondering if he was aware of the background, because generally speaking he’s up on these things. Regardless, I will use your article here on my show this week to continue the discussion with my audience. I wish Christians would stop saying that God will use this to reach the LDS church, and think instead of how the LDS church is using this to reach Christians.
Discerning comments! Thanks for sharing. Yes, sad so many Christians think they can fellowship with this Mormon occult system. I was unable to place the links, though there are videos of the secret sensual ceremonies that are posted on YouTube.
It must also be noted Joseph Smith was a hardened criminal and no lawbreakers are allowed in the church. Please see Joseph Smith with Wikipedia.
Pedophilia crimes are well-known in the Mormon church and their are many testimonies to this also seen on YouTube.
The only one who can be an elder or pastor in a church is one who has one wife and is above reproach in every way. The Bible books of Timothy and Titus explain the requirements for a pastor. Joseph Smith nor Birmingham Young met these godly requirements set by God Almighty. Joseph Smith had 40 wives and Bingham Young had 55 wives and could never be pastors or church leaders and some of Smith’s wives were already married.
Yet, Mormons state they believe in the Bible. If they believed the Bible they would not follow one word these adulterers’ preached. Adulterers are not allowed into heaven. And there is no marriage in heaven. Mormons will lie and state marriage is part of heaven. Sinful men love to hear they can have more than one wife as their sinful flesh desires this. This is why these lies appealed to so many when Smith and Young preached and they knew it and ran with it to make adulterous sinners feel righteous.
I was lied to on a Mormon tour in Salt Lake. I was told Mormons were allowed to have more than one wife for the purpose of populating Utah. This is a deliberate lie as plural wives was instituted by Joseph Smith who never knew of Utah. Moving Mormons to Utah all arose under Bingham Young. It was in upstate New York that this occultic religion originated.
My husband once worked with Mormons and they had no problems being unfaithful to their wives; and why would they when adultery is the foundation of this occultic belief system? Plus, they are not born again by the Holy Spirit of the Bible. They are unsaved fleshly men and their mouths are full of filth.
I watched a couple of episodes of the Chosen and could immensely see that they were adding things in. The last episode I watched portrayed the wedding where Jesus turned water into wine. They overemphasized Mary’s role in and portrayed as if Mary talked Jesus into it. That is how Catholic’s try to legitimize praying the rosary as she has the ear of Jesus and he will listen to her.
I have been watching Jack Hibbs for the past couple of years. He is currently teaching verse by verse through Romans Sundays and Hebrews on Wednesday. He is doing a great job with both. I haven’t heard him say anything about The Chosen but he could have. If he did I wouldn’t agree with it. I have heard him recently call out Mormonism and point out they preach falsehoods.
Elene,
As soon as Lighthouse Trails finishes its first booklet on The Chosen (hoping by early February), we are going to mail a copy to the nearly 900 pastors on our pastors mailing list, and he is on that list so he will get one. Yes, perhaps he will rescind.
I was dismayed to learn Pastor Jack Hibbs has promoted this series. Would LT consider sending him information on The Chosen? Perhaps he would rescind. Thank you.
Actually Sergiu, God doesn’t want to spit the church out. He loves the church, and the Bible says He is a jealous God and will not share His glory with another. You are right that truth needs to be spoken in love. That is a good reminder. Thank you. And absolutely, you are right, but it does need to be spoken. Please don’t be too harsh on those of us who are trying to do what the disciples and Jesus did – spread the Gospel.
Getting Christians today to sit and go fish in the same boat would take more of a miracle than it took to have the first disciples… What an challenging group of people we have become! No wonder we must die before entering heaven… Elijah managed to enter without, and he was a character… He would not tolerated in most places today…. Christ for crying out loud would not be welcomed to most places due to dress code, others due to his views and approach… I do not wonder one bit why God wants to spit his church out… we are disgusting! Us the group that suppose to wrap everything in love.
We viewed an episode of The Chosen last September while visiting some relatives. It disturbs me that many believers do not immediately recognize and reject the insufficiency of any human portrayal of the Lord Jesus Christ. I, for one, do not want a human interpretation of the person of Christ to become superimposed upon the view of Him that comes from the Holy Spirit speaking to me through the Scriptures. In addition, we are forbidden to add to the biblical revelation. All man-authored stories and depictions do exactly this! This is apostasy. It comes in a slightly different form than the messages to Sarah Young in Jesus Calling. Unfortunately, I think it is perhaps even more dangerous. We need to remember that Jesus is God incarnate, only Scripture is God-breathed, and all human efforts to extend our perception of Him will only lead to false conclusions. These men and women do not seem to grasp their arrogance in even attempting to portray Him. Sadly, they will account to God for their actions.
I must also warn about the ‘chosen’ series. I did not watch any of it but just the cover photo is enough for me, not sure what episode it was. All the rage among Christians is another red flag, like someone said in the comment above, it becomes a ‘worship’ of it. (like with the ‘shack’) Well I did my own research and there are some good youtube videos out there exposing the many problems with the chosen series.
1. It was made with connections to mormons and catholics and one actor met the pope intentionally.
2. It adds unbiblical scenes that distort the context of scripture, and are totally out of line with the Spirit of the Word of God and the true historical account.
3. Not only does it add un or non biblical items, but even anti biblical things.
4. There is the usual apostasy theme of ‘we love sinners and we hate saints.’
5. There are blatant contradictions to God’s Word.
6. They depict Jesus as some weak and unsure figure who seeks advice from man. There is one scene a youtuber showed that had Jesus asking one of the disciples about what to say in the sermon on the mount, when the Bible says Jesus said that the Father gives Him the words to speak.
7. There are connections to occultic lies, false gospels, the whole mary magdalene lie, and so on.
8. One commentor above said something about the Bible being silent on the issue of Mary having more children but that is false too, it clearly states that Jesus had brothers and sisters, and his answer totally refutes the excuse that they are ‘spiritual’ brothers.
There is much more but this is just a small list. I highly recommend researching it online via blogs and youtube videos. It is NOT excellent or well done, it is highly heretical and even blasphemous! Guard your hearts! It will pollute the pure reading of the Word and the visual narrative from the Holy Spirit.
David,
I could not care a fig about the Mormons’ propagandist “The Chosen.” What I did find important in your comment was this: ‘The director/writer uses what he thinks happened to fill in things left out or are missing. It’s called creative license.’
After reading the entire article and the comments afterwards, and having viewed the first 2 seasons, I would encourage every Christian to pray about anything you watch. “Pray without ceasing”. God will lead you. Jesus is the same for everyone that calls on His name and follows Him. The Chosen is excellent and well done. It brings the stories we read, to life. The director/writer uses what he thinks happened to fill in things left out or are missing. It’s called creative license and I’m sure Dallas prayed for guidance and direction with every episode.
I have never watched the show spoken of.
That being said I know many believers who rave over this show. They just love it. I shared the choosen fiction article and was told it is to harsh that we just need to understand that it’s creative privilege. I do not agree. Even without watching it I see the reaction to it and what I could almost call worship of it. This is dangerous like many other so called christian practices. With a heavy heart I will continue to expose the darkness with the light of the real Jesus, Lord willing. ❤
Wat ben ik blij met deze informatie over the Cups en. Omdat er een andere Jezus wordt verkondigd is dit een ramp voor gelovigen. En ook omdat dit uit de sektarische kant komt( lees mormonen).
Iedere christen zou the Chosen moeten boycotten. Anders bevorder je een “ander” evangelie. Paulus zegt dan ben je vervloekt.
Translated: How happy I am with this information about the Chosen and Because another Jesus is proclaimed, this is a disaster for believers. And also because this comes from the sectarian side (read Mormons). Every Christian should boycott the Chosen. Otherwise, you are promoting a “different” gospel. Paul says then you are cursed.
I did note that “The Chosen” does not depict Mary as having any other children (silence on the subject). I figured this was to accommodate those who believe Mary was “ever virgin”. And then there are those who believe Jesus and Satan are brothers so other brothers of Jesus being mentioned in “The Chosen” might get in the way of their theology also. Silence is a rather benign way to allow error to flourish. My wife and I do see the problem you are speaking of. We have seen Catholics and Evangelicals marching together in front of abortion clinics(a good cause we do believe) however not surprising, the Evangelicals in their churches stop bringing up objections to Roman Catholic doctrines that are contrary to the Bible.(simple silence – an effective and quiet way to allow error to take over the thinking of Evangelicals. Stealth is most effective and efficient as it is difficult to identify and combat.
The way is narrow, and few are they that find it. God only saved 8 the first time he destroyed the earth, that is a scary thought!
Kirk Cameron also said that Christian’s should celebrate halloween…don’t follow anyone too closely is the moral of this story…be a good Berean.
I agree with the above letter….I started to watch the “chosen” and thought it was o.k., until I saw an interview by Dallas Jenkins, and a Roman Catholic priest, who was praising Dallas for getting the part for Mary, the mother of Jesus. so really good….I thought then, but, the ay the Roman Catholics accept Mary, and the way Mary really is, should not be approved by this priest, as she is totally different to the way they portray her….I stopped watching after that, and do not recommend it to any one else to watch.