Lighthouse Trails is pleased to announce the release of a new booklet, The Chosen and the Bible: Serious Considerations That Can’t Be Ignored. This is a Spiritual Research Network publication and has been a collaborative effort by SRN, LT, and other concerned ministries and individuals. The booklet is 18 pages long and sells for $1.95 for single copies. Quantity discounts are available. These booklets are designed to give away to others or for your own personal use. Below is the content of this new booklet. If you would like to order this booklet, click here. You may also check out SRN’s new The Chosen Resource Center.
The Chosen and the Bible: Serious Considerations That Can’t Be Ignored
Introduction
Come now, and let us reason together, sayeth the Lord. (Isaiah 1:18)
The Chosen is the hugely popular TV series that purports to present “plausible” backstories about what creator, director, and co-writer Dallas Jenkins calls the “authentic Jesus.”1 The Chosen was born in 2017 when three Mormon businessmen approached Jenkins with the idea for the series and a crowdfunding deal.2 Jenkins said that the project was reaffirmed and endorsed by God in 2018 when he was visiting Israel. He felt God was telling him that The Chosen would become known “around the world” as “the definitive portrayal” of God’s people. Jenkins recounts in an interview:
I felt like God was saying like [The Chosen] is going to be the definitive portrayal of my people, and this is what people are going to think of around the world when they think of my people, and I’m [God] not going to let you screw it up.3
In another interview, Jenkins describes his “growing brother and sisterhood with people of the LDS [Mormon] community” and how “we love the same Jesus”4—in spite of the fact that Mormonism is, by the Bible’s definition, a pseudo-Christian cult. In regard to The Chosen, Jenkins admits that “95% of the content isn’t from the Bible.”5 And in a 2024 YouTube posting, he actually states, “I believe it is important to watch The Chosen as though the Bible didn’t exist.”6
The Shack’s Important Lesson: “But The Shack Is Just a Novel!”
Author William Paul Young’s 2007 novel The Shack was a number one New York Times best-seller, selling over twenty million copies worldwide. The book has been read and loved by both Christians and the world as well. It eventually became a Hollywood movie and a twenty-week series on Christian television.7
For years, any criticism of The Shack was usually countered by Shack fans with—“Hey, it’s just a novel!” Yet in 2017, ten years after its original publication, and in the midst of his TV series, author William Paul Young openly declared what many had long-suspected—that he was a universalist.8 He had also gone on record stating that The Shack was more than “just a novel.” He said, “The Shack is theology. But it is theology wrapped in story.”9
“But The Chosen Is Just a TV Show!”
Today, The Chosen TV series has been viewed by millions of people around the world. Its devoted fans have also donated millions of dollars to the series’ record-breaking crowdfunding campaign. Any biblical criticism of The Chosen is usually countered by Dallas Jenkins and Chosen fans with—“Hey, it’s just a TV show!” However, Jenkins seems to already be following William Paul Young’s Shack universalism path as he uses his highly visible Chosen platform to introduce mystical New Age Catholic universalists like Richard Rohr10 and Brother Lawrence11 to his ever-growing fan base. Obviously, the lesson Christians should have learned from The Shack has been lost amidst all The Chosen fanfare. And the lesson is that fictional false Christs can be used by our Spiritual Adversary to cleverly condition and deceive people. In short, what seems to be “just a novel” or “just a TV show” can turn out to be something else entirely.
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:11)
20 Questions to Ask Yourself
1) Not What It Seems?
What if The Chosen is not what it seems?
Countless Christians have been subtly drawn in by The Shack’s cleverly presented errant theology. But for those paying close biblical attention, The Shack was seen for what it was, not for what it seemed to be. The novel was a clever device to introduce unsuspecting readers to a different Jesus and a different theology. And for those taking a deeper look, what becomes very apparent is that The Chosen—like The Shack—is not what it seems.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 14:12)
2) Prayed About The Chosen?
Have you ever stopped to pray about The Chosen?
You may like The Chosen, but have you actually prayed about the series? By not consulting God, Joshua and the Israelites learned a hard lesson. Trusting themselves—rather than the Lord—they were completely fooled by the Gibeonite people. With their clever words and convincing props, the Gibeonite actors and their carefully staged performance completely deceived the trusting Israelites. Joshua records that they were deceived by the polished production because they “asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord” (Joshua 9:14). Had the Israelites stopped to consult the Lord, they would have been alerted to the deception that was being so skillfully enacted in front of them.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (James 1:5-6)
3) Slips, Snares, Tares, and Leaven?
Have you noticed that what the Bible describes as strange slips, snares, tares, and leaven have been subtly, and not so subtly, inserted into The Chosen’s multi-season episodes?
For example:
In the Bible, Jesus says of John the Baptist that no one born of women is greater than him, yet at times The Chosen refers to him as “creepy John?”12
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist. (Matthew 11:11)
In the Bible, Jesus never seeks the counsel of men because He speaks only what He is given by “the Father.” Yet The Chosen’s “Jesus” seeks Matthew’s counsel on how to begin His Sermon on the Mount?13
For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? (Romans 11:34)
For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. (John 12:49)
The Bible is clear that Jesus was only arrested once and that was in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was not arrested prior to Gethsemane because his time had “not yet come.” Yet The Chosen’s “Jesus” is prematurely arrested before Gethsemane.14
Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. (John 7:30)
The Chosen’s fictional “backstories” are filled with many other strange slips, snares, tares, and leaven. Taken in their totality, they serve to undermine and cast doubt on the very Bible that warns about them.
Because thou hast forgotten the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy strength, therefore shalt thou plant pleasant plants, and shalt set it with strange slips. (Isaiah 17:10)
They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them? (Psalm 64:5)
But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. (Matthew 13:25)
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. (Galatians 5:7-9)
4) No Love of the Truth?
Why would The Chosen directly contradict what the Bible so clearly shows to be true?
One seemingly small but very symbolic example of The Chosen’s disregard for the Bible and its truth is seen in the first season. In the Bible when Jesus calls Matthew to be His disciple, Matthew is clearly and definitely sitting at his tax stand. It is only after his being called that Matthew rose to his feet.
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. (Matthew 9:9)
However, The Chosen’s “Jesus” calls Matthew as he is standing at his tax stand.15 And while this may seem like a small matter to some, it definitely is not. It shows the distinct disregard The Chosen writers have for the truth of God’s Word. For thousands of years, faithful scribes meticulously transcribed God’s Word because they knew and trembled at the fact that it was God’s Word. But not so with The Chosen’s “creative” writers who choose to use their words and their ideas to entertain rather than edify.
For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth. (Psalm 33:4)
And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:3)
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)
5) Get Used to Different?
Are we really supposed to “get used to different?”
“Get used to different” is the sharp statement spoken by The Chosen’s “Jesus” to Peter just after he called Matthew to be his disciple.16 This line has become a purposeful Chosen motto/meme that is now printed on Chosen T-shirts, hoodies, tumblers, books, and even baby clothes. More significantly, it has become imprinted in the minds of Chosen viewers around the world. But why the big emphasis on this statement about making things “different”?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “different” as a direct expression of the word “change.” It states that the act of change is to make different, alter, transform, give a different position, course, or direction to. In short, “get used to different” means “get used to change.” But the Bible warns of ungodly change and how it can be brought forth to introduce another different Jesus, another different spirit, and another different gospel—and how people may go along with this different Jesus and actually “bear with him” and “get used to” these differences.
For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. (2 Corinthians 11:4)
My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change. (Proverbs 24:21)
6) What Does Your Heart Tell You?
Why does the “Jesus” of The Chosen teach viewers to listen to their heart when the Bible tells us just the opposite?
In the seventh episode of the first season, Nicodemus asks “Jesus” a question. Sounding more like the false Christ of the New Age who says to follow your heart, and sounding more like the Mormon false teaching to follow a feeling—a “burning in the bosom,”17 The Chosen’s “Jesus” answers the Jewish leader by asking him—“What does your heart tell you?”18 Yet the Bible warns:
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. (Proverbs 28:26)
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. (Matthew 15:19)
7) “Authentic Jesus?”
Is The Chosen’s “Jesus” really the “authentic Jesus” that Dallas Jenkins says he is?
Dallas Jenkins continually states that The Chosen’s “Jesus” is the “authentic Jesus.” But would the authentic Jesus Christ of the Bible ask his disciples for guidance, direct Nicodemus to follow his heart, or get arrested before Gethsemane?
The authentic Jesus—in actuality—is the true, genuine, historical figure in the Bible who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). He is not the fictitious, shape-shifting, unbiblical, “get used to different” figure presented in The Chosen. For Dallas Jenkins and his Chosen spokespeople to attach the word authentic to their “Jesus” and then repeatedly put this label into people’s minds as fact is about as disingenuous and inauthentic as anyone can get—and especially given the fact that The Chosen is almost entirely devoid of scriptural content.
Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the Lord, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness. (Isaiah 48:1)
8) Changing God’s Word?
Does God give permission to anyone for any reason—much less for the purpose of entertainment—to add, subtract, change, contradict, and corrupt His Word?
Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. (Proverbs 30:6)
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:19)
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:17)
Do you love God’s Word or Dallas Jenkins’ word? Almost everything you see, hear, and experience in The Chosen comes from the human imagination of Dallas Jenkins and his co-writers—not the Bible.
9) No Bible?
Did you know that Dallas Jenkins says to watch The Chosen as though the Bible didn’t exist?
Elevating his word and his “artistic” film making above God’s Word, Jenkins states:
I believe it is important to watch The Chosen as though the Bible didn’t exist. Again, I know that sounds bizarre and even scary, but I’m just referring to strictly the artistic analysis and the viewing experience like any other TV show.19
God, on the other hand, thinks so highly of His Word that He magnifies it even above His own name. Thus, it is crucial that we read, study, and adhere to God’s Word to show ourselves approved, rightly dividing His Word of truth, especially when it is being changed and misrepresented in things like The Chosen.
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. (Psalm 138:2)
10) Creative License or Evil Imagination?
Does creative license ever take precedence over God’s Word?
No. In fact, the Bible warns about evil imaginations which are created by people who put their own thoughts and purposes above the Bible and the knowledge of God:
Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart. (Jeremiah 11:8)
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
11) Famine for Hearing the Word of God?
Is The Chosen’s lack of Bible content reflective of the Bible’s warning of the time when there will be a “famine” for hearing the Word of God and that people will not endure sound doctrine as they follow false teachers?
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. (Amos 8:11)
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. (2 Timothy 4:3)
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.(Romans 10:17)
12) Cunningly Devised Fables?
Are you aware the Bible warns us not to follow cunningly devised fables, (e.g., fictional backstories), that raise questions rather than produce godly edifying?
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. (2 Peter 1:16)
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. (1 Timothy1:4)
13) Edification or Entertainment?
When it comes to anything related to the Bible, are you more interested in being entertained or edified?
The Chosen’s fictional fables (which by Dallas Jenkins’ own admission are 95% devoid of Bible content20) are created to captivate, amuse, and entertain. The Bible’s stories are true stories because they are God’s own Holy Word. They are not presented for our entertainment but to show us the way to true biblical faith and to instruct, warn, uplift, and edify.
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (1 Corinthians 10:11-12)
Let all things be done unto edifying. (1 Corinthians 14:26)
14) Plausible or Evil Surmisings?
Are you aware that many of the events and conversations The Chosen presents as being “plausible” (a term Dallas Jenkins frequently uses when describing the made-up stories in The Chosen.) are not only implausible but what the Bible describes as “evil surmisings?”
For example, one backstory has Mary Magdalene temporarily backsliding after being saved by The Chosen’s “Jesus.” Dallas Jenkins defends this scene as plausible and argues that it is an “affront” to claim that Christians cannot fall back into sin after they have been saved.21 But Jenkins evades the real issue and completely misses the point. The real affront is his defamation of Mary Magdalene’s name and reputation for the purpose of “Christian” entertainment. To portray her as a backslider is not a reasonable conjecture—it is what the Bible calls an “evil surmising.” Ironically, the first definition of the word “plausible” in Merriam-Webster’s dictionary denotes a possible element of deception and rightly anticipates the Bible’s warning about evil surmisings.
Plausible: superficially fair, reasonable, or valuable but often deceptively so.
Surmise: supposing something is true without having the evidence to confirm it.
“Evil surmisings” then, are statements that may appear to be superficially plausible but in the end are deceptive and contribute to evil purposes. That is why truth—not plausibility, speculation, conjecture, or surmising—is what the Bible and the true Jesus Christ are all about.
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (1 Timothy 6:3-4)
15) Pleasing God or Pleasing Men?
Do you realize that successful crowdfunding is totally dependent on successful crowd pleasing—pleasing men rather than God?
Dallas Jenkins is quick to point out that The Chosen is the most successful crowdfunding media project ever as it propels its way to its much-publicized goal of getting one billion views. But is pleasing men something you really want to brag about? While Dallas Jenkins and his Jonathan Roumie “Jesus” are delivered unto red carpets, standing ovations, worldly awards, and are loved by all nations, the real Jesus warned that in the last days His followers would be afflicted and killed and hated by all nations (Matthew 24:9). For those who follow the true Jesus of the Bible and not the false “Jesus” of The Chosen, there will be few standing ovations and worldly awards—just the satisfaction of pleasing God rather than men.
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24)
Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. (Luke 6:26)
16) Fear of God?
Do you think that putting one’s own thoughts and words in the mouth of Jesus and the disciples reflects anything resembling the fear of God?
As stated, Dallas Jenkins is always reminding everyone how successful The Chosen is as they march toward their one billion views and how it is being translated into 600 languages. And while he continually boasts of the show’s popularity, he insists that he is “humble” and “not arrogant”—even as he dares to put his own imagined words in the mouth of Jesus and the disciples.
There is no fear of God before their eyes. (Romans 3:18)
For such (are) false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
(2 Corinthians 11:13-14)For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (2 Corinthians 10:12)
A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. (Proverbs 29:23)
17) Ever Viewing But Never Learning?
Are you ever viewing The Chosen but never coming to a knowledge of the truth?
Given that Dallas Jenkins admits that 95% of The Chosen’s content is not from the Bible, and you are told to watch the series as if the Bible didn’t exist—how much truth will you ever learn from this multi-season series? As one watches episode after episode, season after season, you are learning more about fictional backstories than anything that is actually true. You will be ever viewing, but never coming to a knowledge of the truth. The Bible warns about things that have “a form of godliness” but lack the true power of God and His Word. It says, “from such, turn away.”
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:7)
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:5)
18) Narrow or Broad Way?
Does The Chosen’s worldwide popularity and acclaim, its ever-increasing record-breaking views, and its almost complete absence of Scripture, sound like it’s heading along the narrow way of truth or down the broad way of deception and destruction?
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)
19) Heard From “Who”?
Should everyone just take Dallas Jenkins’ word that God spoke to him about The Chosen and told him how successful the series would be?
Everything needs to be measured by the Word of God—not by what someone tells us they allegedly heard from God. The Bible says to pray and test the spirits because “many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)
Dallas Jenkins says he was presented with the idea for The Chosen series by several Mormon businessmen in 2017. This was soon after his most recent movie was, in his own words, “a complete bomb.”22 He said:
I was coming off a huge career failure. The beginning of 2017 was the lower point of my career and one of the lowest moments of my life.23
Just months later in 2018, in Magdala, Israel, Jenkins said he was told by “God” what any struggling filmmaker longs to hear—that his series was destined for worldwide fame and glory and that “God” would be with him all the way.24 Interestingly, when Jenkins heard all this, he was not that far from where Jesus was tempted by the Devil.
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them. (Matthew 4:8)
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. (1 Timothy 4:1)
20) Godly Global Phenomenon or Ungodly Global Deception?
Is The Chosen series a godly global phenomenon, or could it be part of the end time global deception prophesied in the Bible?
The Chosen is being described as a great global phenomenon because the series is allegedly uniting different faith groups with its fictional “get used to different” false Christ “Jesus” who is not depicted properly and is not the Bible’s true Jesus Christ at all. In fact, the Bible warns that in the last days, there will be many false Christs that will deceive many people. Could it be that The Chosen is well on its way to playing its part in paving the way for Antichrist and the ultimate global deception prophesied in the Bible?
. . . Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 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. (Matthew 24:3-5)
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. (Revelation 1:3)
And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. (Revelation 18:23)
Conclusion
Many films take unwarranted creative license in presenting what seems to be a generally true story. However, the viewer may later find out that the seemingly true story was actually untrue in a number of subtle and not so subtle ways. A good example of this was the 1988 film The Last Temptation of Christ. It caused a great uproar in the church as Christians around the country publicly opposed the gross liberties the film took in portraying a much different “Jesus” than the Jesus Christ found in the Bible. Countless committed believers openly protested outside theaters that were featuring the film. Yet today the children and grandchildren of those protesters are now inside those same theaters—and even their own homes and churches—watching The Chosen and applauding the unbiblical liberties their elders had once so vigorously opposed.
The Chosen Is Wonderful?
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:22-23)
What do people say about The Chosen?—”It’s wonderful!” But God, speaking through the prophet Jeremiah, warned how something seemingly “wonderful” can actually be “horrible” and yet His people will still “love to have it so.” And God, speaking through the prophet Daniel, warned that the whole world would be deceived one day by a false Christ—Antichrist—who will “destroy wonderfully.”
A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land. The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? (Jeremiah 5:30-31)
And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. (Daniel 8:23-24)
Few Are Chosen
Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me.
(Isaiah 54:15)
As Dallas Jenkins talks of attaining a billion views and boasts about The Chosen being a global phenomenon, we would do well to remember Jesus’ warning in Matthew 22:14:
For many are called but few are chosen.
If you would like to order this booklet, click here.
Also check out 7 Biblical Reasons to avoid The Chosen, a YouTube video (posted 6/12/24) interview with former New Age follower Doreen Virtue, Pastor Chris Quintana, and researcher Shane Cox.
Endnotes
- A Candid Conversation with Dallas Jenkins, Director of The Chosen, (Melissa Dougherty, 4/27/21, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__-Yyq1FPQI), mm: 67:45-67:55, i.e., 1:06:45-1:07:00).
- Read “Derral Eves, Expert Marketer, CEO of The Chosen” by Chemain Evans, 6/30/21 (https://blog.lemonadestand.org/derral-eves-expert-marketer-ceo-of-the-chosen). In this article see the “Derral Eves Podcast Transcription” and the section titled, “Derral Eves Talks About The Chosen”; see also Derral Eves | The man behind The Chosen, Mr. Beast, The Piano Guys, and More, 9/13/21 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9Wl4_fukXw). In this video Charan Prabhakar interviews Derral Eves from mm: 1:27-52:45. Begin at minute mark 30:50 for the section titled, “Derral Eves Talks About The Chosen.”
- A Candid Conversation, op. cit., mm: 13:45-14:05 (approx.).
- Interview With a Mormon and an Evangelical! (David Snell of Saints Unscripted interviews Dallas Jenkins, 5/29/20, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXIiv3NhIhc&t=796s, mm: 9:24-11:00).
- A Candid Conversation, op. cit., mm: 24:30-24:38.
- Dallas Jenkins official “Highlighted reply” post in “comments” for YouTube: “Now Let’s Be Honest,” 2/02/24, The Chosen, Season 4: Episodes 1-3 Discussion (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr9q4PqBBU0). Below video description in the comments/replies dialogue section, “@DallasJenkinsOfficial” (Dallas Jenkins) posted a “Highlighted reply” (“3 months ago”) to “@NowLetsBeHonest” (David Tate). The first paragraph of Jenkins’ reply reads: “agreed! And just to clarify even further . . . I believe it is important to watch The Chosen as though the Bible didn’t exist. Again, I know that sounds bizarre and even scary, but I’m just referring to strictly the artistic analysis and the viewing experience like any other TV show.” Citation accessed 5/31/24 (screenshot on file).
- Restoring the Shack television series, Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), 20 episodes that were originally broadcast in 2017. (Restoring the Shack online at: https://www.tbn.org/programs/restoring-shack).
- William Paul Young, Lies We Believe About God (New York, NY: Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, 2017), p. 118.
- C. Baxter Kruger, The Shack Revisited: There is More Going on Here Than You Ever Dared to Dream (New York, NY: Faith Works, Hatchette Book Group, 2012), p. xi.
- Richard Rohr, What Do We Do With the Bible? (Great Britain, Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2019 Edition), pp. 69-70; Richard Rohr, The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope for, and Believe (New York: NY; Convergent Books, 2019), p. 18; The Chosen Series: 10 Critical Concerns (Roseburg, OR: Lighthouse Trails Publishing, 2022), pp. 11-12.
- Brother Lawrence dangerous contemplative mysticism warnings / The Chosen / Joni Eareckson Tada (Doreen Virtue, 3/29/24, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8NqHfH5kWI); Have you checked this out? This new book from @joniandfriends is changing me and will change you. Here’s how. (Dallas Jenkins, Facebook post 11/27/23, https://www.facebook.com/DallasJenkinsOfficial/videos/892944959082152), mm: 0:01-3:09; Warren B. Smith, Another Jesus Calling: How Sarah Young’s False Christ Is Deceiving the Church, expanded 2nd edition (Mountain Stream Press, 2013), pp. 86-88.
- The Chosen: Season 1, Episode 4, mm: 20:41, Season 2, Episode 1, mm: 1:58.
- Ibid., Season 2, Episode 8, mm: 20:21.
- Ibid., Season 2, Episode 7, mm: 17:48.
- Ibid., Season 1, Episode 7, mm: 33:1.
- Ibid.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual (2002), Section 9, “Your Bosom Shall Burn within You,” pp. 20-21.
- The Chosen, Season 1, Episode 7, mm: 30:14.
- Dallas Jenkins official “Highlighted reply” post in “comments” for YouTube: “Now Let’s Be Honest,” op. cit.
- See endnote #5.
- Read “Harsh Criticism of The Chosen Draws Emotional Response From Dallas Jenkins” by Thomas Bonifield, 5/29/21 (Updated 7/08/22) (https://www.christianfilmblog.com/post/harsh-criticism-of-the-chosen-draws-emotional-response-from-dallas-jenkins).
- Read “Dallas Jenkins, The Director of The Chosen” by Greg Trimble, June 23, 2020 (https://blog.lemonadestand.org/dallas-jenkins-creator-director-and-co-writer-of-the-chosen).
- Read “The Chosen Creator in Utah: What the Latter-Day Saints Asked Dallas Jenkins About His Popular Show” by Deseret News, 3/03/22. (https://www.deseret.com/faith/2022/3/3/22957372/the-chosen-creator-dallas-jenkins-utah-state-university-dialogue-jesus-christ-faith-religion).
- A Candid Conversation, op. cit.
Note: The minute marks listed in this endnote section were accurate at the time this booklet went to press.
If you would like to order this booklet, click here.
Acknowledgments
Spiritual Research Network (SRN) is pleased to publish this booklet that challenges Chosen viewers to ask some very serious questions about the nature of The Chosen series and where it is going.
The Chosen and the Bible is a unique collaborative effort undertaken and put together by a group of concerned individuals and ministries. We all have deep concerns about Dallas Jenkins, The Chosen, and how they misrepresent the Bible and the biblical representation of the person of Jesus Christ and His disciples.
Chris Lawson, Director
Stephen Lee
I watched the first 3 seasons just to see where it would lead. I realized early on that they were manipulating the Word, re sequencing and adding things to create their version of how certain dialogs might have transpired. That didn’t really bother me or stumble me because I have 30 years in Christ. In fact, there were some scenes I thought were brilliant… However, it started becoming very disturbing especially with their John the baptist scenes… Nevertheless, I kept watching out of curiosity to see how evil would manifest itself and use this to deceive people… Then I noticed it… It would not only be through the errors and sequence changes but through the actors and people’s involved in making this series… As they become famous more people will start following them on social media platforms and hanging on their every word regarding their personal beliefs and warped ideologies. That is the dark plot of the enemy… Look at the guy who plays Jesus. People love him and look up to him. This guy channel’s demonic spirits. He goes to the cemeteries of dead people to pray and channel their spirits so he can become like them… He doesn’t even hide this. You can see him on the Youtube doing it… More and more viewers and fans will follow him in this. Rest assured it will happen… Another way Satan is using this is to make us true born-again believers look like the bad guys. That gay pride flag setup was brilliant on his behalf. Knowing Dallas Jenkins’ pride, he played this nicely. When believers spoke out against that flag, Dallas Jenkins’ pride took center stage. Did you notice his comment? He said, so what, we have a guy here wearing a Maga hat… He defends the gay agenda and makes a Maga hat look evil… Wow! I suspect more of these types of scenarios will keep popping up subtly until the true believers are made to look like the bad guys and their version of Jesus emerges…
I’m convinced this show is an evil setup to spin the truth and bring persecutions to true believers. Hopefully, The Lord will work in His mysterious ways and some get saved during all this…
Cherry Bieber
My husband and I watched the first four episodes and we weren’t impressed. We have been very concerned to see how some people have come to feel that watching The Chosen is akin to spending time in God’s Word. It is our opinion that attempting to put the Bible into movie format has never been a good idea. The Chosen is no exception.
Kevin C Hale
I have been a fan of The Chosen since I first watched it at the end of 2020. At that time there were only four episodes of the first season available.
I have been a Christian since the age of 7 . I have been an ordained minister for over 20 years and served in Southern Baptist churches in Missouri and Kansas.
At the end of the 2018, my wife was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. 2019 saw us going through some good days and bad days, thinking towards the end of the year that we may have beaten it. However, in December of 2019 the cancer came back as stage 4 stomach cancer having metastasized to lymph nodes. My wife fought a good fight through most of the 2020 but on September 3rd she passed away. I was devastated. With everything going on with Covid-19, I had been working from home. There was one day in November when I just kind of checked out from work. I didn’t call anybody . I didn’t let anybody know what I was doing. I turned my phone off for a time. My supervisor, who was a Christian lady, wound up having to call my son, who wound up calling my wife’s phone since mine wouldn’t answer. I assured him that I was not going to injure myself or do anything like that, But I was in a very bad state of mind. I started flipping through YouTube just to find something to take my mind away from things and I came across a show I’d never heard about called The Chosen. I began to watch it and I felt God lifting my spirit as Jesus, at the end of the first episode, reached out to Mary Magdalene. I was hooked and continued to watch it. Then I began to discover some other people who were interested in the series and were analyzing it for its good and bad content. From that point on until now I have watched all four seasons. Each season to me has gotten better. I look forward to the 5th season that they are currently in the process of making which will be the Passion Week. Season 6 is all going to be the day of the crucifixion and season 7, the resurrection and days following leading to Christ’s Ascension. Beyond that, I wish they would go further, but I don’t know what they are planning at this point. When Jesus healed a man born blind, the Pharisees questioned him as to his belief of Jesus. His statement was “I don’t know anything about this man. What I know is that I was once blind, and now I see.” That’s my feelings toward The Chosen. Good or bad, I know what The Chosen did for me and has continued do for me through the seasons. It brought me out of a deep pit of darkness and gave me new hope and restored joy that I hadn’t had for many weeks following my wife’s death.
The series promotes Jesus humanity and the faults of his followers as they were learning to become disciples. It portrays the disciples and followers as normal, everyday people. They had their faults and or slow to understand all of Jesus’ teachings.
I haven’t felt every part of the episodes follow the gospels exactly, and creative license is predominant, but the message is…
Ross Brownrigg
It also reminds me of what a preacher of yesteryear said (forgive me if I don’t get the quote perfectly correct, because I received it 2nd hand):
“A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertaining the goats.”
GJ
A conscience handled carelessly… does it not induce demeaning slavery?
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant [slave (NASB)] of sin.
Jesus Christ is the Voice of Truth [the pricked conscience]. We killed Him attempting to silence Him… His Prophets and Apostles were slaughtered for testifying about Him. We’re blind, dumb, and naked. However, by His mercy and grace, God didn’t strip of us His image… the ability to respond to that Voice.
Today, to trivialize doctrine… that which develops a good conscience… is the muzzling any different?
1 Timothy 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Can God’s Love be lived out through a censored conscience?
1 John 4:5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God listens to us. He who is not of God doesn’t listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.7 Beloved, let’s love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves has been born of God, and knows God.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God [God-breathed (WEB)], and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
If we continue to throw a “mask” on the mouth of this Voice (God’s Breath… His Word… the Holy Spirit)… kicking against the pricks… attempting to suffocate… working against into resistance… there’s no excuse left.
Lighthouse Trails Editors
M. that is a great verse to be reminded of.
M
There are so many things like this inside and outside of the Church, which are, in one way or another, testing Christians, especially their discernment. All of this has, of course, revealed a stunning lack of discernment.
This is similar to, but not exactly like:
“…you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, ***for the Lord your God is testing you*** to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Deuteronomy 13:3
Juliette DiGirolamo
or….. we can watch The Chosen as if the Bible does exist
” which it does, of course” and compare stories, Find Roumie’s stories in the Bible, then we can say that it is accurate. That movie gives off a creepy feeling, yet enticing at the same time, very dangerous for those
who want so much to believe and identify with Jesus.
We all want that, but if you really dig deep into the Word of God you will get what you need.
Beth
The sad thing about religious movies is that they add to God’ s Word, or take away. As a child I loved the Ten Commandments, with Charlton Heston who played Moses. Later after becoming a Born Again believer in Jesus Christ, I sesrched the scriptures for Moses’ s story. I couldn’t find anything about his halfbrother, or his mistress or many things that had been potrayed in that movie. The Bible says Moses was meek. Charlton Heston who played Moses was an Alpha male..lol so much for that. My point is as the other commenter made is that it puts a wrong picture of the Bible in our minds and hearts.
Beth
Woe unto them who call good evil and evil good. Sadly many professing christians are led astray because they know not the voice of the True Shepherd, but follow the False Shepherds instead.
Maria Kneas
Thank you for raising those important questions about “The Chosen” and giving us a good Biblical perspective about them. I hope and pray that this information will be spread far and wide, as an antidote to these seriously false teachings, and these presentations of a false Christ who has little resemblance to the Lord Jesus Christ of the Bible.
CHARLEY
run from this false film it will delude your minds with a false gospel bringing in the one world antichrist system. study to show thy self approved unto GOD. 2NDTIM 2-15
Lighthouse Trails Editors
Theo, so well said.
Theo Van Vliet
Thank you for publishing this excellent booklet.
In Question #9, Dallas Jenkins says to watch The Chosen as though the Bible didn’t exist. Actually, he’s got it backwards: Christians need to read their Bibles as though The Chosen didn’t exist. Watching The Chosen causes unwanted visual images to remain in one’s mind that are difficult to eradicate. When reading stories of Jesus and His disciples in the Bible afterwards, those pictures come to mind, even if one doesn’t want them to. This is particularly a problem when it is the face, voice and mannerisms of the actor Jonathan Roumie that come to mind when reading about Jesus in scripture. How can a sinful human actor ever hope to portray the sinless Son of God? Better to not watch The Chosen at all and keep one’s mind clear for receiving the truth of scripture in untainted fashion.