The Chosen is by all accounts not a retelling of the Bible. It is not meant to be authoritative, or an historical production. The creators have never claimed that that was their plan. The title “The Chosen”, is not referring to Jesus, but to his disciples. It shows us a very unique perspective as to what the disciples’ thoughts and experiences may have been.
Because of that, it cannot be purely biblical because there is very little in the Bible about the backgrounds of the disciples. They have a Catholic priest, a Messianic Rabbi, and a Protestant pastor as advisors. Of course they don’t all agree 100%, but there are changes made when one or the other find something contradictory or offensive.
No one should be referring to the chosen as a biblical authority, and if someone does, that would be a very good opportunity to explain to them why it isn’t and guide them to more reliable sources. It doesn’t mean nobody should watch it, or that doesn’t have some spiritual value.
I agree that the sermon on the Mount “rehearsal”, seemed a bit strange at first, but again the whole series is from the perspective of the disciples, so once you think that it is for Matthew’s sake, it makes sense.
I also liked the background on Peter as it related to the walking on the water scene. Of course it was entirely fictional, but it also makes sense that something was bothering Peter because he saw Jesus, whom he had already acknowledged was God, walking on water, and Peter said, “If you are who you say you are...” How could he see that, and question that Jesus was God?
As for the rainbow flag, it was explained that the crew are free to express what they want within reason. No rainbow banners or signs are allowed, but on personal property there are some patches, and the first rainbow in a video was not even noticed by the production crew. There are many hours of behind the scenes video shot, so for someone to see one more rainbow flag in one more background does not mean that the production is promoting LGBT, but it does say something about the people who are spending the time and energy to try to find a gotcha moment.
There are a lot of things in the chosen that I don’t agree with, but overall, it gives a new perspective and a fresh look at what the disciples may have been going through. I’ve not seen anything that is contrary to the Bible, although by their own admission they are elaborating. I think this is a wonderful way to bring people to the Bible, but shouldn’t be considered by anybody a substitute for it. The creators make no bones about agreeing with this.
If you don’t like it, don’t watch it. I think you will miss a good, creative, thought provoking supplement to the Bible and the history that we all know.
Just my two cents ,
Love,
02
Well said.