I had no intention of viewing “The Chosen“I’ve watched an excessive number of Christian films that you would hesitate to present to a wide audience. Eventually, I ceased viewing them, as I didn’t want to come across as unkind to what I assume are well-meaning individuals and critique it.”
I yielded when a knowledgeable Catholic friend (whom you likely recognize and is a true blessing to the Church) urged me to do so. She found the depiction of the humanity and interactions among the apostles particularly moving. (My phrasing, not hers: “If they can be chosen, perhaps I have a chance!”) And I didn’t feel remorse for violating my informal guideline.
Numerous criticisms have emerged regarding “The Chosen” lately, particularly as it is currently showing in theaters for its fourth season. I concur with certain points raised. I understand that individuals often mix up Jonathan Roumie with Jesus similarly to how they treated Jim Caviezel following “The Passion of the Christ.” We live in a highly visual era, and individuals are experiencing profound pain, making this understandable.
For the record, neither of them is actually Jesus.
An opening for grace
One of the motivations that led me to watch the early seasons is that my loyal friend, who dedicates hours each day to prayer, mentioned that “The Chosen” was not overstepping her personal boundaries. prayer. She wasn’t present at Mass, listening to the Gospel, and envisioning moments from the dramatized portrayals of Jesus and the apostles’ lives. That’s because she possessed a well-established connection with the Trinity and the principles of Catholicism. Not everyone shares that. (But could viewing this series be a beginning? Let it be so!)
Certain audiences of “The Chosen” have overlooked the subtle details regarding how the creators are exercising creative freedom with the Scriptures. Among various elements, there’s one intense plotline in the latest season that has no foundation in the Bible. Nevertheless, I discovered it to be a significant prompt for reflection on the intentions of God the Father.
Owing to “The Chosen,” a number of individuals think we understand that St. Matthew had autism and that St. Peter and his spouse experienced a miscarriage (my apologies for the spoilers). Additionally, there is merchandise, prayer literature, and capitalism — all aspects of the promotional strategy.
Some Catholic parishes are utilizing the series for Bible study. While they could arguably benefit more from using materials from the Augustine Institute (you might recognize their “Formed” offerings). Nonetheless, if “The Chosen” encourages individuals to reflect and pray — and increases their church attendance — in the right context, it could be a blessing. A friend of mine was invited in her parish to help ensure that discussions about the series remain anchored in the genuine teachings of the Faith. If a parish decides to incorporate “The Chosen,” that appears to be a reasonable strategy.
My experience with “The Chosen” has merely served as a reminder of that. Christmas sermon from St. Leo the Great, which is included in the Liturgy of the Hours annually. “Christian, recall your honor!”
‘Allow the pagan to have boldness’
“No one is excluded from this happiness,” we find, “everyone has the same cause for celebration. Our Lord, triumphant over sin and death, discovering no person untainted by sin, came to liberate us all. Let the saint be joyful as he perceives the palm of triumph within reach. Let the sinner rejoice as he accepts the invitation of pardon. Let the non-believer gain strength as he is called to life.”
As I age, I increasingly value the idea of not letting perfection hinder progress. The prolonged inadequacy of catechesis in numerous areas and the multitude of misconceptions surrounding Christianity, particularly Catholicism, cannot be attributed to the creators of “The Chosen,” as they are not the Vatican, a bishops’ conference, a theological institution, or your local parish priest.
For individuals who do not work in filmmaking, we can engage in discussions about this cultural occurrence that, with God’s grace, guides individuals toward the sacraments. This is not the responsibility of director Dallas Jenkins (who is not Catholic) or Jonathan Roumie (who is). It highlights a genuine Gospel calling that their efforts should remind us of. The decision is ours. Grumble. “Binge Jesus,” as a certain T-shirt suggests. Or seize the chance to experience the Gospel journey with others.
