The Netflix series The Chosen has captured the attention of many Christians with its emotional and accessible portrayal of Jesus’ life. However, it has also sparked controversy, particularly among Catholic religious leaders, who discourage their followers from watching it. They argue that the show, by including conjectures and elements not found in Scripture, may harm faith. But is that the only reason? This article explores why religious leaders don’t want you to watch The Chosen, highlighting how the series can spark curiosity about Scripture and challenge the modern religious system.
Why Does The Chosen Cause Controversy?
Poetic Licenses and Conjectures
Religious leaders criticize The Chosen for adding elements not found in Scripture, such as dialogues and scenes that expand on biblical accounts. For instance, the series elaborates on the story of the Samaritan woman (John 4), including details that provide context but aren’t in the original text. Critics see this as an unacceptable poetic license, comparing the show to works like Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, which blends fiction with historical facts, potentially confusing viewers. According to them, watching The Chosen might lead people away from the “sound doctrine” of the Bible.
Official Religious Warnings
The criticism aligns with historical warnings, such as Pope Pius X’s encyclical Miranda Prorsus, which cautions against films that, despite technical merit, may offend moral order or contain elements contrary to Catholic faith. Religious leaders argue that The Chosen, by presenting “extra things,” distracts believers from directly reading Scripture, which should be their primary source of spiritual learning. They advise avoiding the series to protect faith from potential harm.
The Real Reason Behind Religious Leaders’ Resistance
Fear of You Discovering the Truth
Beyond poetic licenses, there’s a deeper reason for the resistance: religious leaders fear that The Chosen will spark curiosity about Scripture among viewers. Watching the series often motivates people to read the Bible to compare the scenes with the original text. This can lead to the realization that Jesus opposed the religious system of His time, which the author argues is similar to today’s religious system. For example, the series emphasizes the Samaritan woman passage (John 4:20-24), where Jesus teaches that worship should be “in spirit and in truth,” not in physical temples, challenging the modern reliance on churches sustained by tithes and offerings.
The Religious System and Control Over the Masses
The author claims that religious leaders manipulate the masses to maintain control and profit from the system. They position themselves as “representatives of the Creator,” adding what’s called the “leaven of the Pharisees” to God’s word, distorting the truth to serve their interests. The Chosen presents passages in an accessible way, such as the Samaritan woman’s story, where Jesus makes it clear that worship isn’t tied to physical temples but comes from a sincere heart. This threatens the modern religious system, which relies on physical churches and material practices, like monetary tithes, that the author considers contrary to Christ’s teachings.
How Can The Chosen Strengthen Your Faith?
An Invitation to Read Scripture
Despite the criticism, The Chosen has a positive impact: it encourages viewers to dive into Scripture. Watching scenes like the Samaritan woman, where Jesus says true worshipers worship “in spirit and in truth,” inspires many to study the Bible for deeper understanding. This curiosity can lead to a more profound grasp of Christ’s words, freeing believers from the manipulative practices of the religious system.
Reflecting on True Worship
The series also prompts reflection on what it means to worship “in spirit and in truth.” In John 4, Jesus teaches that worship isn’t confined to physical places like the Jerusalem temple or the Samaritan mount but should come from the heart and soul. This challenges modern practices that tie faith to material and financial rituals, encouraging believers to seek a more authentic connection with God.
Conclusion: Watch The Chosen and Seek the Truth
While religious leaders discourage watching The Chosen, the series can be a powerful tool to ignite your curiosity about Scripture and help you understand Christ’s true message. Instead of blindly following warnings, watch the series, read the Bible, and question what you’ve been taught. Are you worshiping God “in spirit and in truth,” or are you trapped in the deception of the religious system? Share your thoughts in the comments and discover the truth for yourself!
