The Chosen: A Biblical Examination of Its Christology and Theological Errors

Introduction: A Different Jesus?

Throughout history, artistic portrayals of Christ have ranged from biblically faithful to dangerously misleading. While some creative retellings have helped audiences engage with the gospel, others have distorted the biblical Jesus and introduced false doctrine.

The Chosen, created by Dallas Jenkins, has gained immense popularity as a multi-season TV series dramatizing the life of Christ. Many Christians praise it as a “fresh, relatable” depiction of Jesus. However, beneath its emotional appeal lies a concerning theological drift, particularly in how it presents Christ’s nature, words, and mission.

In this article, we will:✔ Analyze the problematic Christology in The Chosen✔ Examine its misrepresentation of Jesus’ words✔ Compare its theological influences with Scripture✔ Expose the dangers of a man-made Jesus

The Chosen’s Distorted Christology

While The Chosen does not openly deny Christ’s deity, it subtly undermines it through fictionalized dialogue, a humanized portrayal, and extra-biblical teachings.

1. Jesus Says: “I Am the Law of Moses”

📺 In Season 3, Episode 3, Jesus tells the Pharisees:👉 “I am the Law of Moses.”

Why is this problematic?

• This phrase is not in the Bible.

• It echoes Mormon doctrine rather than biblical Christianity.

• The Bible says the Law came through Moses (John 1:17), but Jesus did not claim to "be" the Law—He came to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17).

🚨 Connection to Mormonism:

• The Chosen’s lead consultant, Brad Pelo, is LDS (Mormon).

• The phrase “I am the Law” is strikingly similar to a passage in the Book of Mormon (3 Nephi 15:9), where their false Jesus claims: “Behold, I am the law, and the light.”

• This raises concerns that The Chosen is blending Mormon and Christian theology.

📖 Biblical Response:

• Jesus did not identify as the Law but as the fulfillment of it.

• His authority transcends the Law, as He is the eternal Son of God (John 1:1-3).

• The true biblical Jesus did not come to reinforce legalism but to accomplish redemption (Romans 10:4).

2. The False Jesus Meets Judas

📺 In a Season 4 episode, Jesus and Judas share a conversation where:👉 Jesus tells Judas He wants him on His team, knowing his ambition for revolution.

Why is this problematic?

• The Bible never records Jesus recruiting Judas like this.

• This portrayal makes Jesus seem naïve about Judas’ motives, whereas Scripture clearly shows Jesus always knew who would betray Him (John 6:70-71).

• The scene undermines God’s sovereign plan, making it seem like Jesus accidentally chose a traitor.

📖 Biblical Response:

• Jesus was never deceived by Judas. He knew from the beginning that Judas was “a devil” (John 6:70).

• Judas was ordained for his role in God’s plan of redemption (Acts 1:16).

• This scene shifts Jesus’ character from the sovereign Lord to a humanly optimistic teacher.

3. A Too-Human Jesus

• The Chosen frequently emphasizes Jesus’ humanity to an extreme.

• He is portrayed as awkward, playful, and sometimes unsure of Himself.

• This diminishes His divine authority, making Him more like a relatable guru than the holy Son of God.

📖 Biblical Response:

• Yes, Jesus was fully human (Hebrews 2:14), but He was also fully God (Colossians 2:9).

• He never doubted, learned from mistakes, or needed guidance—He was always in perfect harmony with the Father (John 5:19).

• A Jesus who is too much like us ceases to be the true, exalted Christ.

The Chosen’s Theological Influences

1. Roman Catholic Mysticism

• Jonathan Roumie, the actor playing Jesus, is a devout Catholic who venerates the Virgin Mary.

• The Chosen contains Catholic influences, subtly promoting works-based salvation.

📖 Biblical Response:

• Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9)—not sacraments or rituals.

• True Christianity rejects any system that adds works to the gospel.

2. Charismatic and New Age Elements

• The show encourages emotional experiences over biblical truth.

• Some scenes portray Jesus in a way that aligns with modern mystical movements rather than Scripture.

📖 Biblical Response:

• True faith is rooted in God’s Word, not feelings (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

• Experiential Christianity without solid doctrine leads to deception.

3. Partnership with Mormonism

• The Chosen has received millions in funding from Mormon investors.

• Dallas Jenkins has claimed Mormons worship the same Jesus.

📖 Biblical Response:

• Mormonism teaches a different Jesus—one who is a created being and the spirit brother of Lucifer.

• 2 Corinthians 11:4 warns about “another Jesus”—which is exactly what Mormonism presents.

• Christians cannot partner with false gospels (Galatians 1:8-9).

Why The Chosen Is Dangerous

1. It Promotes a Distorted Jesus

• A Jesus who speaks unbiblical words is not the true Jesus.

• The Chosen’s Christ strays from Scripture, making Him a product of human imagination.

2. It Mixes Truth with Error

• While it includes some biblical elements, its extra-biblical content leads people to trust a dramatized, inaccurate Christ.

• A half-truth is more dangerous than a full lie.

3. It Creates a Counterfeit Emotional Christianity

• Many defend The Chosen because it “makes them feel close to Jesus.”

• However, genuine faith is based on Scripture, not emotion (Romans 10:17).

A Biblical Call to Discernment

💡 How should Christians respond?

✅ Test all things by Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21).✅ Reject any portrayal of Jesus that contradicts the Bible (Deuteronomy 4:2).✅ Worship Christ as He is revealed in God’s Word, not human fiction.

Instead of trusting Hollywood or man-made dramatizations, let us hold fast to the true, living Christ—exalted, sovereign, and unchanging.

⚠️ A false Jesus cannot save. Only the Jesus of Scripture is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

Soli Deo Gloria!