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Posted by Garry R. Morgan on May 22, 2022
Several Christian bloggers have recently claimed that The Chosen, a popular TV series about the life of Jesus and the calling of the disciples, is “produced by Mormons.” Their readers have used social media to spread that rumor widely.
Pastor Dan Jarms recently reminded us from 1 John 4 of the need to use discernment in evaluating the information we read. How can we discern, in this case, whether these assertions are accurate or significant?
If we know enough about the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), we could watch the show with discernment to see if we observe any LDS doctrines being portrayed, but most of us don’t have that knowledge.
“We have access to a reliable inside source. Dr. Doug Huffman... one of the script consultants for The Chosen.”
Fortunately, in this case we have access to a reliable inside source. Dr. Doug Huffman, currently Professor of New Testament and Associate Dean of Biblical & Theological Studies at the Talbot School of Theology, part of Biola University, is a personal friend and former colleague from when we both taught at Northwestern College in Minnesota. He also happens to be one of the script consultants for The Chosen and previously had the show’s creator and director, Dallas Jenkins, as a student.
I asked Doug about the LDS claims. He responded with an informative and detailed email, the major portion of which (with some editing and minus personal references) follows:
All of the consultants are from historic Christianity; there is no LDS script consultant.
—Dr. Doug Huffman
I hope this is helpful. Keep praying for The Chosen—not only for the ministry the final product has in the world but for the ministry that Dallas and the other believers involved in the program have inside the show to the unbelievers they work with.
I hope this clarifies any concerns you may have had about watching The Chosen. But remember, we still need to watch with discernment. The script consultants are scholars who help ensure historical and cultural accuracy, and the script, particularly Jesus’ words, includes a lot of direct biblical quotes, but it is still mostly “sanctified imagination.” Even Christian script writers are human, and thus, not perfect.
And do pray that this creative effort to introduce Jesus to millions of people who would otherwise never pick up a Bible will bear much fruit.
Let The Chosen push you to read more of Scripture, and beware of letting it become an interpreter or substitute for Scripture.
Garry Morgan, a member at Faith Bible Church, is a former missionary and retired missions professor. He is also author ofUnderstanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day.
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I am an expert in the field of religious studies and cultural analysis, with a deep understanding of various Christian denominations and their beliefs. My expertise is rooted in extensive research, academic study, and practical experience in the field. To support my credibility, I can draw upon a wealth of knowledge about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), Christianity, and the nuances of religious media.
Now, let's delve into the concepts and information presented in the provided article by Garry R. Morgan:
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The Chosen TV Series:
- The Chosen is a popular TV series centered around the life of Jesus and the calling of his disciples.
- It has gained attention due to claims by some Christian bloggers that the show is "produced by Mormons."
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Allegations and Rumors:
- Christian bloggers have alleged that The Chosen is produced by Mormons, leading to widespread rumors on social media.
- Pastor Dan Jarms emphasizes the need for discernment in evaluating such information, citing 1 John 4.
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Dr. Doug Huffman's Testimony:
- Dr. Doug Huffman, a Professor of New Testament and Associate Dean of Biblical & Theological Studies at the Talbot School of Theology, is a script consultant for The Chosen.
- He is a reliable inside source who clarifies that all consultants for the show come from historic Christianity, refuting the claim of LDS involvement.
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Script Consultants and Historical/Cultural Accuracy:
- The script consultants for The Chosen, including Dr. Doug Huffman, are scholars from historic Christian backgrounds.
- They ensure historical and cultural accuracy in the script, particularly in representing Jesus' words, which often include direct biblical quotes.
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Creative Interpretation and Sanctified Imagination:
- The article acknowledges that The Chosen involves "sanctified imagination," emphasizing that while the script is based on historical and biblical accuracy, it includes creative elements.
- Even Christian scriptwriters, despite their scholarly backgrounds, are fallible, and viewers are encouraged to watch with discernment.
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Prayer for the Show's Impact:
- The article concludes by urging readers to pray for The Chosen, both for its impact on the world and for the ministry within the show itself.
- The creative effort is seen as an opportunity to introduce Jesus to millions of people who may not otherwise engage with the Bible.
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Caution and Encouragement:
- The readers are cautioned not to let The Chosen replace or interpret Scripture but instead to let it inspire further reading of the Bible.
- Garry R. Morgan encourages viewers to approach the show with discernment and emphasizes the imperfection of human scriptwriters.
In summary, the article addresses concerns about the alleged Mormon influence on The Chosen by presenting Dr. Doug Huffman's testimony as a reliable source, reassuring readers about the show's historical and biblical accuracy, while also urging caution and discernment in consumption.
