At the end of each year, Lighthouse Trails presents its Year in Review, divided into different parts. Below is Part 1 of our 2022 Year in Review. 2022 marks the year that Lighthouse Trails began critiquing the highly popular series The Chosen. While we posted nearly two dozen articles, letters, or videos about The Chosen in 2022, below are the top ten entries. Click the “Read more” link at the end of each article to read the complete post. They are in order of when they were posted.
1. Behind the Scenes: YouTube Video Examines The Chosen
This week, a Lighthouse Trails reader contacted us and sent us a link to a YouTube video that discusses Dallas Jenkins’ film series, The Chosen. While we realize that many Christians are watching the series and find it valuable and meaningful, we encourage believers to use discernment and biblical truth in all matters. To view … [Read more…]
2. Letter to the Editor: Former Mormon Distressed About Promotion of The Chosen by Prominent Figures Jack Hibbs and Kirk Cameron
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 … [Read more…]
3. New Booklet: The Chosen Series—10 Critical Concerns
The incredibly popular series The Chosen is being described as a “global phenomenon” and growing “movement” that is creating the groundwork for world “revival.” However, there are some critical concerns about this series and where it is heading. The following are ten of these concerns … [Read more…]
4. Video Critique: The Chosen—Calling John the Baptist “Creepy John” and Jesus and John the Baptist Arguing About Herod
Did you know that in the hugely popular series, The Chosen, the apostle Peter continually calls John the Baptist “creepy John”? Yet the Bible highly esteems John the Baptist saying he would “be great in the sight of the Lord” and come in the spirit and power of Elijah—Luke 1:15-17. Did you know that in … [Read more…]
5. Ex-Mormon Couple – “Devastated” That Christian Leaders and Pastors Are Embracing The Chosen Series
Thank you for writing about The Chosen series. We are so pleased to see it. We hope you do not mind that we’ll suggest that all our warnings about The Chosen need to start from the beginning – i.e. from the Triune God! … [Read more…]
6. “‘Defaced’ Billboards Part of Strategic Ad Campaign by ‘The Chosen’ to Grow Audience”
Many fans of The Chosen were alarmed and upset earlier this week when billboards promoting the popular faith-based television series during Holy Week appeared to be defaced with graffiti that mocked the show. … [Read more…]
7. Jack Hibbs’ Ministry Defense Statement for Promoting The Chosen Has Poor Premise and Is Obscure
Prior to and after the release of our booklet, Lighthouse Trails received many phone calls, letters, comments, and e-mails (some from ex-Mormons) expressing concern that Christian leaders like Jack Hibbs, Greg Laurie, and Kirk Cameron were heartily promoting The Chosen. Sometime in April, Lighthouse Trails learned that Jack Hibbs’ ministry was issuing a response regarding their support of the series to those who contacted them with concerns. … [Read more…]
8. Latest Chosen Series Defense—”Not Produced by Mormons”—Misleading, Evasive, and Wrong
Growing numbers of Christian leaders and pastors are giving a thumbs up or a casual pass to The Chosen series; and the latest defense by Chosen creator Dallas Jenkins and many defenders of the series is—”It’s not produced by Mormons.” This seems to provide license for leaders and pastors and others … [Read more…]
9. So You Still Think The Chosen Is an Accurate Reflection of the “Authentic” Jesus Christ? Really?
Pastors and leaders who should know better are giving a hearty pass to this Jesus. From the beginning of The Chosen, both Jesus and the disciples have been re-invented and even slandered with unbiblical depictions and stories. Taking that a step further, the Jesus of The Chosen is actually un-deifying the Jesus Christ of the Bible who is God in the flesh. … [Read more…]
10. Do “The Chosen” Mormon Executive Producers See Mormonism and Christianity Coming Together?
We are watching, I believe, the growing spiritual unity between those of different faiths via The Chosen. This is a spiritual syncretism centered around an ecumenical, false Christ. Christianity, Mormonism, and mystical Catholicism are coming together. Differences are becoming blurred in the eyes and hearts of many. Because, after all, we have heard again and again, this is the “authentic Jesus.” … [Read more…]
(Photo from alamy.com; used with permission; from the cover of the Lighthouse Trails booklet: The Chosen Series: 10 Critical Concerns)