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The Chosen

A little over a year ago, a St Pascal’s parishioner asked me about the series “The Chosen”. They had been watching it and their faith and curiosity about the life of Jesus were coming alive, but they were concerned if it was appropriate for them as a Catholic to watch it. Also, had I seen the show and what did I think about it? I had to admit that I had not watched the show but had heard about it from some people I knew and read a bit about it, both were positive about the series and its content. As a Catholic, I felt there was nothing wrong with their watching the show and if it was having such a positive effect on their faith life they should continue watching.

While Julie and I were on our winter getaway to Arizona last year, we watched the first three episodes using the Angel Studio app to stream it. For some reason, it did not resonate with us back then, and using their app was a bit cumbersome so we stopped watching it. In December, I noticed that the first two seasons of The Chosen were on Amazon Prime Video (season one is on Netflix) so we picked up with episode 4. For whatever reason, the show really captured us and we binged watched both seasons in less than a week. Season three was rolled out this fall with the first two episodes being played in select theaters to kick off the season before being streeamed. We knew of people who went to see them in the theaters and they had high reviews of the content. Luckily for us, the Angel Studio app, which is free, is much better and we are easily able to watch the new season as the episodes are released every Sunday.

The goal of the show is to bring alive the Gospels while being faithful to the scripture and the historical and social aspects of the time. Of course, they do provide additional storylines that are not in the gospels. While these storylines may be somewhat speculative, I have found they make you think and visualize the Gospel stories in new ways. Now when I read the Gospel stories that have been portrayed in The Chosen it provides me with more material for doing Ignatian meditation during my prayer time with the daily scriptures. That makes sense since one of the consultants to the show is Holy Cross Father David Guffey along with a Rabbi and a professor of New Testament.

The stated goal of The Chosen project is:

“The Chosen is based on the true stories of the gospels of Jesus Christ. Some locations and timelines have been combined or condensed. Backstories and some characters or dialogue have been added. However, all biblical and historical context and any artistic imagination are designed to support the truth and intention of the Scriptures. Viewers are encouraged to read the gospels. The original names, locations and phrases have been translated into English for anything spoken.”

I believe the show is accomplishing its goals, especially in making people dive into the Gospels and I have heard many people say they have watched the first two seasons two or three times for more insight and are catching details they missed. Julie and I look forward to watching each new episode and have discussed how The Chosen would make for wonderful small group discussions. Maybe we could consider this at St Pascal’s as a way to implement the Synod plan for more small group activity in parishes.

I could go on and on about the show, and Julie and I would encourage you to watch The Chosen and let us know how it affects your faith life and understanding of the Gospels.

Peace, Love, and Blessings

Deacon Richard

 

Comments

  • Donald PultsPosted on 2/06/23

    Deacon- My wife and I have also watched every episode, and have found it to be tremendous. We would both welcome any type of watching group/group discussions, for we talk about this show with anyone who is willing to chat about it.

  • Larry DandreaPosted on 2/02/23

    Rich - thanks for sharing & also for your thoughtful commentary -

 

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