Posted on 12/04/2021 9:03:21 PM PST by Republican Wildcat
In a Mormon(LDS) blog interview,1 Jenkins defended not only the Mormon owned Vid-Angel distribution and the filming of “The Chosen” in Utah on an LDS set, but he also defended the idea that Mormons follow the “same Christ” and that there is no significant difference between Mormons and Evangelicals. He further admitted that many LDS people are working on the project and influencing his thinking. Jenkins’ defense against criticism was quite telling. Hear it in his own words:
“So even if you are listening to this right now as an evangelical and are horrified to hear me say some of these things, consider that even if you disagree, even if you think that, ‘No, it's two different Jesus's, and they worship two different Saviors, and what you're saying is wrong.’ Fine, believe what you will. I'm not gonna have these arguments with you…be assured that everyone who's working on this show who happens to be LDS feels the exact same way…I’m going to die on the hill of defending my LDS friends.” “…I’m happy to say, "Yeah, we disagree on some things, but I'm going to die on the hill of, we love the same Jesus, and we want the same Jesus known to the world."
Yes, I’m horrified. Yes, I disagree. Yes, these are two different versions of Jesus! No, I don’t want their version of Jesus known to the world with any connection to the Jesus exclusively revealed in the Scripture. Jenkins being in bible study with many Mormons and praying with Mormons concerning the show, as he describes, is not an evangelical practice; it is not even ecumenical; it is universalist. Evangelicals don’t believe the same things as Mormons at all! For Jenkins to tenderly minimize the differences by saying: “my LDS brothers and sisters who disagree with me on many things theologically, most of which—almost all of which—took place after Jesus was here” is dumbfounding. For a clear distinction between Mormonism and Christianity, go here, and go quickly: (https://www.gotquestions.org/Mormons-Christians.html)
Jenkins’ view of scripture may be what leads him to the false premise for production in the first place, namely that he feels the scripture as we have it is just plain insufficient: “When you read the scriptures, you don't get the emotional connection, backstory, you don't get the historical and cultural context quite as much, and you don't get the human context.“ Yes, we get it. The Bible is just not enough…(sarcasm). No, really… he goes on, “You should read the scriptures, 100 percent, no question about it. But when that's all you do, sometimes you can miss out on the perspective of the cultural and historical surroundings of who Jesus was and what He was doing. And then you kind of miss out on the identification with those who knew Him. You can't fully identify with Jesus…”.
...
In the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus in episode six, Jenkins said, “many LDS people have said [it] is kind of a commercial for the LDS church.” (Which Jenkins does not correct.) The dialogue goes on to describe the same openness that helps Mormons accept the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price as inspired by God and equal with the Scriptures:
“Nicodemus is the one who's saying, "Yes, those things are true. But what if there's more? I mean, if God had something new to say, and it contradicted what you believed, and you knew it was God saying it, would you question what you believed, or would you just assume that God is now saying something wrong?" He's exploring and he's seeking truth, and Shmuel is making some valid points, but is getting stuck in the rigidity of his religious tradition.”
This of course also bolsters the idea that evangelical “Pharisees” who might criticize Jenkin’s blurring lines are just not as open-minded as this Jesus would demand. Jenkins seems to think these rigid Pharisees need to rework their immobilizing fundamentalism and broaden the tent. It’s often the predictable accusation of the progressive, neo-orthodox, moderate, liberal, ecumenical, or universalist to use the “Pharisee,” “legalist,” “fundamentalist,” or other Christian swear-word to describe anyone stuck in their “simpletonian,” Bible-loving ways. Once labeled, we can dismiss their criticisms out of hand.
No, at some point, the un-biblical influence WILL seep through. So, while there may be emotionally moving and imaginative drama portrayed, and while there may be much overlap with the Biblical account, I can’t endorse the films any more than I can dismiss the subtle or not-so-subtle Mormon influence. No, I won’t even drink from the “Chosen” mug.
I am not attacking Mormons by posting this (and another article) - I know some Mormons, I love them, they are wonderful people and we do share most of the same values, but we definitely do not have the same beliefs.
I did not get a good vide after watching 5 minutes. Now I found this out. Not surprised.
Romans 10:13
For every one who calls on the name of Christ WILL be saved!
Im not a Mormon but it seem pretty clear to me, I could not find an except for? anywhere.
Stand Tall
Brad
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You do you. I do not care.
Well said. My thoughts and sentiments are the same.
While our beliefs certainly do differ, there is a lot to be admired about the Mormons’ resilience in the face of our “modern” (read “decadent”) culture. Perhaps we remnant Christians could have a look and learn a thing or two from how they have managed that.
Ugh...why does satan need to twist EVERYTHING i hope is good in this world?
“No one is good except God alone” (Mark 10:18b)....such a perfect illustration to Christ’s words.
Hmmm, I did not know this was a mormon thing. I was gonna do some homework on the project before viewing it but, I don’t consider it such a priority any more.
The deity of Christ is central to christianity. It is why Jesus was put to death in the first place.
It is an very well made series. My wife and I are enjoying it.
Many are trying to divide us in every way, as Christians we should resist that and remember we are all children of God.
Well...you should.
I used to have a close friend who was raised a Mormon. Rich aunt and uncle important in the local church. Big tithers.
She told me when the world ends or whatever they call it the ones who believe the Mormons are right, not born Mormons but baptize in…they would be their slaves. As for Mormons themselves they will become gods. Everyone else will die.
All these nice looking young kids always come to my door and want me to get involved in LSD, I always tell them I was at woodstock before they were born.
but then eventually they start talking about magic underwear, I think I maybe got confused and ask them to come back another time
That's true of NON-Evangelicals, too. Reminds me of the media's talking point when Mitt Romney was running for POTUS:
Media: Evangelicals don't see Mormons as Christian!
Me: Ummm, I hate to break the news to you, but neither does any other Christian denomination.
this posting is pure bunk.
Then you are really missing out. It is a beautiful production about the life of Jesus Christ and his followers.
Dallas Jenkins, Christian producer of "The Chosen," has stated that he doesn't agree with the Mormons on many things but that he is willing to work with them. Why wouldn't he? He works with Muslims, Hindus, and even atheists.
Jenkins mentioned that in the beginning, he had no idea how he would get funding for his production or how he could afford to build a movie set.
Some Mormons generously offered to let him use their ready-made set, and "the Chosen" got off to a great start.
The Lord works in mysterious ways. If He chooses to work through people who happen to be Mormon to answer Jenkins's prayers, why shouldn't Jenkins accept the offer?
Your friend was a liar.
And if the person calling on that name also claims that "his" Christ is a spaceman from the planet Kolob?
Your logic makes about as much sense as saying that if a woman marries a man named, say, John Q. Johnson, that she thus agrees to have conjugal relations with John Q. Johnson, and so any guy named John Q. Johnson then has the right to sleep with her.
Their "Christ" is a "Christ" in name, only!
Regards,
No, we are no all children of God.
Only those who put their faith in Him.
John 1:11-12 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
While you're at it, senior pastor, stay away from any Christian-themed art produced by people whose beliefs don't match 100% with yours.
Don't look! This was made by a heretic, if not outright atheist: The Last Supper
A gay man made this: The Pieta
And don't read the Bible, it contains the words of Satan! (Matthew 4). Talk about infiltrating holy texts.
Christ himself dined with publicans and sinners. He communed with Jews, pagans, and prostitutes. I'm sure he would approve of your piety.
I shall continue to watch "the Chosen" religiously. Won't be attending any of the "good pastor's" sermons though. They're too pure for me.
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