Why I, as a Latter-day Saint, am helping Evangelicals create the hit TV Series THE CHOSEN
Many Evangelicals see our doctrinal differences as enough to even make the claim we believe in a “different Jesus”.
“Why are you, as a Mormon, helping on The Chosen?” This is the question Rabbi Jason Sobel posed to me as I sat across from him and Dallas Jenkins, the director of THE CHOSEN, in the hotel lobby in Jerusalem.
I am a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (we don’t use “Mormon” anymore). And I have devoted the last three years of my life to helping an Evangelical, Dallas Jenkins, create his vision of the hit TV Series, THE CHOSEN. I have no control over the content of the show.
And I don’t want any control.
Why?
This isn’t just a question I have gotten from Rabbi Sobel, but many members of my own faith community, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or “Mormons” as our critics want everyone to label us), have challenged me and my brother (who is also a Latter-day Saint) with similar questions. Here are just a few things we have heard about THE CHOSEN from our Latter-day Saint brothers and sisters:
“I won’t watch a show about Jesus Christ that doesn’t come from [our] Church.”
“How can you let an Evangelical have full control of the story? Evangelicals hate us.”
“I am worried that the Evangelicals will twist the scriptures to meet their view of the Bible.”
Dallas has received similar questions and addresses them beautifully in this video.
There are significant doctrinal differences between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Evangelicals. We have differing beliefs regarding the Trinity, or Godhead. Evangelicals believe in the Bible like we do but not our other scriptures like The Book of Mormon. We have 12 Apostles and Prophets whom we believe receive modern revelation for the world, Evangelicals do not. Evangelicals believe in salvation ONLY by the grace of Jesus Christ like we do, BUT they do not believe in ancient temple covenants, eternal marriage, or exaltation the way we do… the list goes on. Many Evangelicals see our doctrinal differences as enough to even make the claim we believe in a “different Jesus”.
So why am I helping an Evangelical on THE CHOSEN?
I was introduced to Dallas Jenkins through his now famous short film “The Shepherd”. It was a dry, hot August afternoon in 2017 when I received an email from VidAngel’s head of public relations, Matthew Faraci.
The email subject read only: “short film”. The body of the email was void of text, just a Vimeo link. Nineteen minutes later I was blinking away tears as I watched the credits roll on my old MacBook.
Over the next few hours, a flood of crazy ideas poured into my mind. Novel ideas that no film production had used before, ever. Without even having met Dallas, God had already inspired the basic path to raise the money we needed to turn this short film into a high budget TV series.
The next day I told my co-founder and brother, Neal, about The Shepherd. He dismissed it immediately, “shows about Jesus Christ are for churches to produce, not VidAngel.”
“Just watch it.” I responded.
Nineteen minutes later he pulled off his headphones and said, “this is why we made VidAngel.”
Three years later we have received hundreds of messages and letters from people upset that “Mormons” are part of this world-changing project. Likewise, we receive lots of skepticism from Latter-day Saints deeply concerned that we have given full creative control to Evangelicals, who they think hate us.
To both Latter-day Saints and Evangelicals I reply: if Jesus can call his ancient apostles from a range of backgrounds, including an apostate tax collector on the one hand and stubborn, illiterate fisherman on the other, why can’t he call Evangelicals, Catholics, Jews, and even Latter-day Saints to the creation of a TV series about His life and ministry?
And if you’re still skeptical, I say the same thing I told my brother three years ago: “Just watch it”.
I will probably see a thousand more messages from people telling me I am a “cultist” and that I believe in a “different Jesus”. I will certainly have many more Latter-day Saints refuse to trust the show because the message is controlled by Evangelicals. But one thing can be certain, they can’t diminish MY relationship with Jesus. He has redeemed me. And it won’t take away MY love for Him or THE CHOSEN. Hate or love, I am offering the gifts God has given me to help THE CHOSEN reach a billion people worldwide.
THE CHOSEN’s central image is a school of fish. Interestingly, Rabbi Sobel also once compared the series to a net, one that could gather all kinds of people (Matthew 13:25). In addition, John 10:16 states, “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd.” God is going to “gather all kinds of fish.”
A fulfillment of prophecy
Finally, a unique thought from a Latter-day Saint perspective: I believe THE CHOSEN may well be, in small part, the fulfillment of a little recognized Book of Mormon prophecy. Let me explain.
Eighteen years ago, as a missionary ministering in Cork, Ireland, I was studying the Book of Mormon when 1 Nephi 14:14 jumped off the page with intensity. Since then, I have studied this scripture so much that the page is falling out. I believe this verse prepared me to meet Dallas Jenkins. NOTE: This is my view on this and it shouldn’t be interpreted as official doctrine.
“And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the power of the Lamb of God, that it descended upon the saints of the church of the Lamb, and upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.” 1 Nephi 14:14.
This verse was written by a Jewish man named Nephi who fled Jerusalem just before Nebuchadnezzar II laid siege in 589 BC. Nephi and his father both had stunningly prophetic visions. In the vision Nephi sees the events that transpire — from Jesus Christ’s birth, to the death of the apostles, to the discovery of the new world, to the American revolution, and finally touching on our day.
When Nephi sees today, he sees just two contending churches: 1) “the church of the Devil”, consisting of all the people who fight against Jesus. 2) “the church of the Lamb”, which isn’t specific to any religion, but instead the broader group of believers from around the world.
In the last days the Devil gathers globally to fight against the Lamb. But in verse 14 we see the “power of the Lamb of God” descend onto TWO GROUPS of believers as they unite in the “power of God in great glory”.
GROUP ONE: “The saints of the church of the Lamb”. Again this does NOT appear to be talking about “Latter-day Saints”, BUT instead ALL BELIEVERS that defending the Lamb, and I believe Evangelicals fit this group exceptionally well.
GROUP TWO: “And upon the covenant people of the Lord…” In April, Russel M. Nelson (the current leader and prophet of my faith), referenced group two in this way:
We live in the day that “our forefathers have awaited with anxious expectation.”1 We have front-row seats to witness live what the prophet Nephi saw only in vision, that “the power of the Lamb of God” would descend “upon the covenant people of the Lord, who were scattered upon all the face of the earth; and they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory.”
You, my brothers and sisters, are among those men, women, and children whom Nephi saw. Think of that!
I believe that eighteen years ago in Ireland, God pressed 1 Nephi 14:14 on my heart and mind to prepare me to be open to embracing THE CHOSEN without reservation or control. Ever since watching the short film The Shepherd, I’ve felt the confirming peace of the Spirit that this is where God wants me right now, united in a global effort to bring this show to the world.
Originally written by Jeffrey Harmon on medium. Reshared with permission.
I have enjoyed this series very much. It is a beautiful depiction of our Savior's ministry and is not in conflict with my Latter-Day Saint beliefs. I recommend it to anyone, whatever their belief is. I am eagerly looking forward to the next season.
I am an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and have been for over 45 years. I teach the Gospel Doctrine class to adults -- I am fully behind these episodes, own series 1, and have supported in other ways ... I talk about it to all my friends, members and not -- it is my safe place, and I feel truth watching this show -- Truth comes from MANY places not just from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I LOVE 'my' church, and live its teachings fully.
@Laurie, the chosen hits home better than any Christ movie has ever done. When I study the schripures including Book of Mormon. I always try to place myself with the people in the scriptures. They were real people just like us. The chosen shows them as real. In order to truly understand the scriptures you must become part of them and then you can really relate and love the word of God. The chosen has open a greater love for the savior and apostles in my life. Thankyou Dallas for your great talent as director and all who so beautifully play there parts. Truly hard to watch without tears of love. Charlie
This is exactly what I’ve been feeling over the last few years. Walls that used to divide us as believers of Christ are coming down. Hearts are being softened, (including our own LDS hearts towards other faiths). Jesus Christ is loved and worshipped by so many outside the walls of our own faith. We should never claim proprietary rights to his message. My heart and testimony has been lifted and blessed and fortified by so many who worship under different-shaped steeple. Music created by talented artists filled with the grace bestowed on them by the same Jesus who gives grace to me. Movies are coming out in ever-accelerating speed that point is collectively to Christ. Thank you for your courage to push upstream on this, as beautifully typified by Dallas’s intro sequence. Thank you for sharing the story behind it and the scripture that sparked it. This series has changed my whole understanding of Jesus Christ and those who knew Him and walked with Him, as well as see in myself the same prejudices that existed in those He chose. Gather fish...all kinds. That is our mandate. God bless!
As soon as I saw the first episodes of The Chosen, I thought it was inspired. I think this collaboration is perfect, and as it should be. It takes humility to accept instruction and inspiration from sources you are unfamiliar with yet are inspired. I am sure The Chosen has also buoyed people up during COVID. It did for me. Also, I honestly think this is the best depiction of Jesus Christ I had ever seen. He is exactly how I envision him when I read the scriptures. So human, with a great sense of humor. And a kind, hard worker. Keep it up. I want more than anything right now for this project to be handled as well as season 1 has been, to its completion. I think the best part is seeing how Christ changes lives. Admittedly, my favorite is Matthew so far. I like the others, but Matthew speaks to me.
I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for 56 years. My parents passed down to me the church they were born into. What I'm grateful about was that as a child, I was slowly introduced to God and especially about Jesus. I did not understand a lot but accepted them. My point is, the show Chosen is all about Jesus Christ. If there are misinterpretations or misunderstanding about him and his gospel. Let it be. The show as far as I'm concerned, it's about casting the net and catching all sorts of fish and later on sorting them. If someone wants to learn and know fully about Jesus, that is quite a viable option.
I love The Chosen. It doesn't conflict with my Latter-Day Saint beliefs. In fact it helps me have a commonality with my Christian coworkers.
@Sharon Cox,
It gives us talking points to share with our neighbors.
Thank you for all your doing keep it up we love it and it brings new insights I hadn’t considered before!
Absolutely inspired. Stirs my soul. Sad that many of both Evangelists and Latter Day Saints won’t watch it,
As I've seen what The Chosen has been able to do, going into countries where Bibles cannot go, I see it as helping God to prepare the world for the Second Coming. The creators stay focused on the Scriptures, not theology. They have consultants of different faith traditions. The conversation between Nicodemus and Shmuel was LDS theology in a nutshell: "Why can't God do something new and unexpected? Will you tell God to get back into the box you have created for Him?" I've encouraged my grandchildren to watch "The Chosen"--their image of Jesus is so lovable!
I have been an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for 50 years. Watching The Chosen has helped me to feel the love that my Savior has for me in a very personal and individual way. Thank you so much for being in the right place to bring us this amazing show!
You are absolutely correct about so many belng “ among” those who will be blessed in these latter days. As Latter-day Saints, we are not the only believers in the Lord, and we will all be blessed by the second coming. I love watching THE CHOSEN and am very grateful for “another witness of Jesus Christ”
My husband and I, both life-long members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, love The Chosen. We buy their merchandise, from hoodies and shirts to the DVDs, and have paid it forward so that others around the world can enjoy this amazing show. We know that it does not supplant the scriptures. We know that we must still study, pray, and ponder the Bible, Book of Mormon, and other works and words from current and past prophets to continue to nourish our testimonies of the Divinity of Christ and Heavenly Father's great plan of redemption. We love that this show is another of the "best" materials that help bring us closer to our Savior. Thank you Dallas, Jeff, Neal, and everyone who works on this project. May God continue to bless you so that this work may continue.
@Nancy Merrill,
Watching the movie helps us want to study more closely the book. We are also supporting the Chosen with our time and resources.
I am an active member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This series has strengthened my love for the Saviour and extended on the doctrine that I cherish and has helped me know Him. It has helped me build bridges between my Christian friends and acquaintances who are of different denominations. Being in a part of the world where being a Latter-day Saint is being part of a minority it hasn’t given others a new perspective of what I believe as we talk about the Saviour through this medium.
I am so grateful for people like you who are willing to partner with all people who share a belief in Jesus Christ, no matter the differences in doctrine. We can help each other spread the gospel and share Christ's light and love and make the world a better place. I love The Chosen. I appreciate how this depiction of my Savior makes Him so approachable. I love the emphasis on gathering "all kinds" and our part is to bring the loaves and fishes. I love the possible backgrounds, personalities, and lifestyles of the disciples that help to flesh out the historical record. I love that the story is told from the viewpoint of those who encountered Jesus and the many different ways He affected them - as Dallas did in The Shepherd. I feel closer to Jesus Christ and have a better understanding of the scriptures because of this beautiful series. I am so anxious to see the future shows. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Ruth Thompson, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I am so incredibly grateful that you followed the inspiration you were given! I have felt my Heavenly Father and Saviour's love for me through this truly inspired series as I have watched it over and over again. Many times I have felt what it would have been like to be in the shoes of one of the characters, i.e. when Mary opens her door to Jesus on Shabbat or when Jesus calls the woman with an issue of blood "my daughter", my heart just fills with the Spirit. "Thank you" is not adequate.
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I love the Chosen. It brings to life Jesus and his Apostles and his ministry in a way
that I can relate to. It has made reading the scriptures more enjoyable, as I can visualize the stories and miracles of the one and only Jesus Christ who died that we might live.
The main idea that unites us ALL as Christians is that a perfect man bore the weight of all our sins and atoned for them in a way we will never understand. Everything that disunites us is a distraction. The Chosen is a wonderful production and I’m so glad that VidAngel helped the project.
I’ve translated the Book of Mormon in Arabic as well as most LDS Church literature over the last 20+ years. If the producers ever consider dubbing or translating the content of the show the. I would love to be a part of that.
In Acts chapter 10 Peter has a vision where he is told to take the Gospel of Peace to all the world, not just the Chosen people.
Our family is loving the time that we spend watching The Chosen. We look forward to future episodes.
The Chosen is very popular among these Saints here in Saint Helens, OR, most saying that it has been life changing. The church's videos are also a lot better than they use to be. Perhaps The Chosen's cinematography has had an effect there, or maybe the other way around. What does it matter if it brings us to Christ.
I am LDS and have been an extra in the Chosen starting in S2E4 as a Pharisee. Now 3,4,6, and hopefully 7. Any story about Christ can only be a good thing. Millions around the world have been converted to Him or returning to their faith. I see all the naysayers and hateful Christians as not of Christ. He did not teach division or doctrine bashers. Stop it. Christ taught love of your neighbor not the opposite.