An official social media account for “The Chosen,” a multi-season series based on the life of Jesus Christ, has recently come under fire for featuring a rainbow-colored Pride flag on set. However, the show’s representatives have staunchly defended this decision, asserting that it does not compromise the theological integrity of the project.
Despite its national recognition and growing popularity, “The Chosen” has faced criticism in the past for involving non-Christians and members of restorationist movements like Mormons.
Now the show is under fire over a promotional video for the upcoming fourth season, where a brief shot reveals the presence of a small Pride flag on the set.
Inquisitive about the flag’s significance, Jon Root, a former sports reporter and contributor to Turning Point USA, pressed “The Chosen” for an explanation.
Responding through an official social media account, the show stated that they collaborate with individuals who possess diverse beliefs about Jesus, including those who may not share the Christian faith. However, they assured audiences that the show’s portrayal of Jesus and his life and ministry would remain accurate and “honor” the authentic message.
Related: Related: Target Stock Nose Dives: Loses $10B in 10 days Following Massive Boycott Over Pride Merchandise Targeting Kids
The show’s statement clarified, “Just like with our hundreds of cast and crew who have different beliefs (or no belief at all) than we do, we will work with anyone on our show who helps us portray or honor the authentic Jesus. We ask that audiences let the show speak for itself and focus on the message, not the messenger, because we’ll always let you down.”
Root continued to challenge “The Chosen” by questioning the compatibility of promoting a Pride flag with honoring the biblical principles of sexual morality, traditional marriage, and the biological definition of gender. He pointed out the proximity of the controversy to the beginning of Pride Month, emphasizing the importance of biblical accuracy.
Root argued, “Shouldn’t every part of this show be Biblically-based to truly honor the authentic Jesus? If you stand by having a pride flag on your set, you are not a Christian show. You are a production that happens to be about Jesus while catering to the sin of this fallen world.”
This is not the first time “The Chosen” has sparked debate. Last year, the show faced criticism for a statement attributed to Jesus in a trailer, claiming he is “the law of Moses.” Although this quotation does not appear in the Bible but can be found in the Book of Mormon, director Dallas Jenkins defended the decision, stating that it resonated positively with the majority of the audience.
Regarding the Book of Mormon, Jenkins admitted that he has not read it extensively, relying on others to bring specific references to his attention.
He explained, “I have never read the Book of Mormon, to be honest with you. I’ve read some of it. People will share with me… I read it when someone told me, ‘Hey, that’s from the Book of Mormon.’ I was like, ‘Okay,’ and I went and looked it up.”
While “The Chosen” has garnered significant support from many evangelicals, it has also faced theological criticism from Protestant circles. Some argue that the show violates the Second Commandment by visually representing Christ and potentially undermines the sufficiency of Scripture.
Travis Kerns, a mission strategist at the Three Rivers Baptist Association, expressed concerns about our media-driven culture prioritizing visual representations over written words. He stated, “When this amusement comes alongside, takes the place of, or supersedes Scripture, we have removed the Bible as the sufficient guide for the Christian life and replaced it with something else.”
Related: Parents File Lawsuit Over School Board Forcing Students To Attend Pride Storybook Time
Despite the ongoing controversy, “The Chosen” has managed to captivate audiences with its unique approach to portraying the life of Jesus. The show’s popularity among many evangelicals highlights its ability to resonate with viewers seeking a deeper connection to their faith. While theological criticism from Protestant circles persists, the show’s commitment to portraying the authentic message of Jesus remains a central focus.
Moving forward, “The Chosen” faces the challenge of maintaining its appeal while addressing the concerns raised by conservative viewers. The controversy surrounding the presence of the Pride flag on set serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in producing faith-based content for a diverse audience.
As viewers eagerly anticipate the release of the fourth season of “The Chosen,” the show’s ability to provoke thought and provide a fresh perspective on the life of Jesus is on the block. Whether or not it can bridge the gap between theological differences and maintain its appeal among conservative viewers remains to be seen.
Here is the real question: Is there really balance to be achieved between creative expression and biblical accuracy?