Sometimes when authors refer to "the Law," they're talking about the embodiment of God's wisdom, which God's people are called to meditate on and internalize , at other times they're talking about a system of justice that's intended to protect the rights of the vulnerable, and still other times, they're describing a standard of righteousness and holiness by which our actions are judged. "The Chosen" creator Dallas Jenkins was already suspect because a few LDS helped him make the movie, and he shot part of it in Utah, I believe. Methinks the winds of normalization and generalization are blowing strong on the forum this morning! It is debated whether certain understandings of this expression might fit with other things Jesus said about himself. And I went and looked it up. Five months ago, he got into hot water when the Twitterverse erupted over the "I am the law of Moses" line from The Chosen supposedly having been taken from 3 Nephi 15:9, which Jenkins denied. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. But the comments he is referring to that got him in such hot water are from a May 29, 2020 upload on the Mormon Show Saints Unscripted, where he originally said: One of the most interesting things about this whole project has been my relationship with different denominational or faith traditions that I didnt have before. CP Entertainment | Saturday, May 21, 2022 'The Chosen' creator Dallas Jenkins clarifies his 'Mormons are Christians' comments By Jeannie Ortega Law, Christian Post Reporter Dallas Jenkins speaks at the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Grapevine, Texas, on June 23, 2021. . Blood has been spilled over the ambiguity in Jesus' words. Article Images Copyright Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Both need to learn to be better peacemakers with the other . Dallas Jenkins, The Director of The Chosen - Lemonade Stand Season 2 of The Chosen showed a significant interest in the process of biblical inspiration. This is a historically impossible scenario and totally inconsistent with first century Jewish culture. I own being sensitive when I read or hear this or that being characteristic of non-LDS Christians, Protestants, or Evangelicals when I know if represents a fringe, but is presented as a norm. Many Latter-day Saints have become fans of the show because its true to New Testament accounts and reflects their love for the Bible and Christ. And when people start going, Hey, youre a Mormon, youre going to hell. I've added additional thoughts below explaining why I still find the statement quite defensible and what I think Jesus may mean based on the context of Season 3. Is it just that they disagree with the Catholic church and follow whatever they see as the principles of the Reformation? Jesus is over these things. January 06, 2022 10:39 PM MST YouTube screenshot Derral Eves, one of two Latter-day Saint executive producers of the hit show The Chosen, knows the show's creator, Dallas Jenkins, has received pushback for choosing to work with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. backgroundColor : "#ec6d18",
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I enjoy studying the history and doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its offshoots. For Christ is the end of the law, that every one who has faith may be justified. There are a number of non-Catholic and non-Orthodox (with a capital "O"), non-LDS groups who don't claim or even like the Protestant label. Meanwhile, those who do produce biblical adaptations have their attention drawn away from making good art and are instead mired down in pointless controversies and pressured to achieve a degree of historical precision and theological clarity that even the biblical texts fail to satisfy. You will ask someone in which time period he lived in and you might hear, "I was with Moses when he parted the Red Sea," or "I helped build the pyramids," or "I fought with Captain Moroni." And as you are standing there in amazement, someone will turn to you and ask, "Which prophet time did you live in?" Search The Chosen Mormon on YouTube and see for yourself. The idea that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law of Moses is a thoroughly biblical idea and the expression "I am the Law" clearly reflects the type of language that John uses in his portrayal of Jesus. Sola my opinion is the right one; 4. I could see that some Protestant perspectives might be offended by the line given that some of them see Jesus as freeing us from the need to keepany commandment, and maybe that got them to try to link it to the Book of Mormon. (pro23) This job is online and very easy to do part-time or Full-time even no special experience required for this task. If you're relatively new to The Chosen or you haven't been following the online chatter surrounding it, it may help to have a little context for the current controversy. When Jesus says "I am the true vine," he isn't literally saying that he's a plant. Here are a few examples: "I am the Law of Moses" means "I am a standard that you must live up to in order to achieve right standing with God, "I am the Law of Moses" means "I am here primarily to teach you how to live", "I am the Law of Moses" means "I am here to make the Jewish people distinct and separate from the surrounding nations", "I am the Law of Moses" means "I am here primarily to convict people of sin, without providing them with forgiveness or the internal power needed to change". . Not only is 3 Nephi 15:9 a thoroughly biblical idea, it's also articulated in language that's meant to mirror the language of the Gospel of John. The Mormon Question | Sarah Barringer Gordon | University of North Even if you try to be faithful, peddlers in controversy are going to nitpick over the slightest possible similarity between your work and their favorite spiritual bogeyman." I believe that my job as the creator of The Chosen, in this context, publicly, is to point people to the authentic Jesus, point people to Scripture and to the real thing as much as humanly possible. When Rabbi Benjamin says that they need to execute Jesus as a false prophet in order to carry out the demands of justice and truth embodied in the Law of Moses (specifically Deuteronomy 13), Jesus says "I am the Law of Moses" as a way of saying, I am the highest authority for judging truth and justice. What would all Protestants agree on today? Even if Evangelicals like me may object to some Mormon beliefs, we should also recognize how much we have in common. I am making easily every month $ 22000 to $ 28000 just by doing simple work from home. The text with the photo said: This is not an anti-Christian show produced by Mormons. "It's not a direct quote," Jenkins said. . So thats why I tend to be pretty defensive of my friends, even if not always defensive of the theology on which we sometimes disagreeI dont really care because I cant be cancelled unless I cancel myself. There are YouTube channels with tens of thousands of views that are spewing these absurdities. I am the Law of Moses (The Chosen Season 3 Controversy) I don't think it is a very useful moniker these days, 500 years later. Any research into the Mormon (LDS) religion and one can see that they do not worship the Jesus from the Gospels and the Jesus they Joseph Smith reimagined in the Book of Mormon are, in fact, not compatible. Dallas Jenkins, an evangelical who is the creator and the director of The Chosen, says the video . If paranoid people want to be paranoid, what harm does that do to the rest of us? Jesus (as he's portrayed by the Book of Mormon) explains how he has fulfilled the Law that God gave to the Jewish people. The equivalent to what you are doing is if I equated a Mexican Mormon Fundamentalist group with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and simply said . Controversy Re: "The Chosen" (Claim of Referencing/Paraphrasing Book of If anyone knows of a better book on the subject, please share. I need to add some balance to what I am going to say next.I am not a big television watcher at all, but I know that many of my Christian friends have enjoyed the hit multi-season series, "The Chosen." an in-depth dramatic presentation of the life of Christ, that has been viewed by millions. It seems to me that many of the critics of this line are assuming that it's a statement of total identity, when it seems much more likely that a more limited comparison is in view - just like in Jesus' other "I am" statements. I hope you enjoy them! The Chosen: Concerned but Keep Watching - Midwest Christian Outreach, Inc Cataloging theological mischief-makers since 2012. The Book of Mormon also states that God the Father was also a man (just like us) and also worked is way up to God status. Words like "justification" have a variety of different meanings depending on the context - and if you don't recognize that, you'll end up tossing out sections of the Bible because they use language in a way that doesn't fit into your precise schema (as Luther famously considered tossing out James because of how it used the word "justified"). I'm like, 'No, it isn't.'. If the Bible itself uses a phrase like "the Law of Moses" in a variety of ways, we should be cautious about how interpret what a Christian work like The Chosen means when it refers to the Law. Based on the summary, it appears he meant it more literally than the Book of Mormon does. as do I! John also contrasts the law that came through Moses and the grace that comes in Christ (John 1:17). NO POPUPS! Jenkins is evangelical. But Im happy to say, Yeah, we disagree on some things, but Im going to die on the hill of, we love the same Jesus, and we want the same Jesus known to the world., Editors Note. I have one foot in two communities. The Bible Is Still Relevant, Despite What You May Have Heard, Supreme Court Strikes Down Affirmative Action and Supports Religious Freedom, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Ephesians 2:11-22). s.parentNode.insertBefore(g, s);
I could see that some Protestant perspectives might be offended by the line given that some of them see Jesus as freeing us from the need to keepany commandment, Leave it to evangelicals to fail to enjoy. But he really resonated., Copyright 2023 Deseret News Publishing Company. Controversy But some have stopped watching. Part 3 includes Skousen's astonishing conclusion: "Joseph Smith's claim that he used the Urim and Thummim is only partially true; and Oliver Cowdery's statements that Joseph used the original instrument while he, Oliver, was the scribe appear to be intentionally misleading.". g.src = "https://api.reftagger.com/v2/RefTagger.js";
"The Chosen" creator Dallas Jenkins was already suspect because a few LDS helped him make the movie, and he shot part of it in Utah, I believe. And a lot of people have taken that out of context and quoted me as saying, Dallas Jenkins says that all Mormons are Christians or [All Mormons] believe the same Jesus. The Chosen: Is It Biblical? - Growing 4 Life Morgan Jones 1 Well, I am so excited about this. He said similar things in the New Testament, but I think the line as delivered conveys more tension, which modern audiences like. I could not, without cheating and going to Google, tell you what the five "solas" are. Ive seen a few reaction videos to this line in the show. 'The Chosen' Director Dallas Jenkins Affirms Mormons are Christians in 'Definitive, Final' Video - Protestia, Uh Oh. "Gordon's superb study of the nineteenth-century controversy surrounding Mormon polygamy in the United . Leave it to evangelicals to fail to enjoy probably one of the best Christian productions because ItS nOt BiBliCaL!!! var g = d.createElement(t), s = d.getElementsByTagName(t)[0];
Most of us don't like it when atheist skeptics approach the Bible or Christian writings with a hermeneutic of suspicion, taking lines out of context in order to make unfair criticisms. (Luke 24:44-47, ESV), For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. TV's 'The Chosen' Director Dallas Jenkins Doubles Down on Controversial Maybe its because youre used to being on the outside sometimes. My question was more rhetorical in nature. The Mormons do not believe in the Holy Spirit, they do not believe in saved by grace (the backbone of the Christian Faith). He owns these things. The only reason to take all of this as evidence that The Chosen is smuggling in Mormon ideas is if you've already assumed your conclusion. The Didache, especially the "two ways" is a first century statement of a Pragmatic point of view applied to religion; see also Paulsen "God of Abraham Issac and William James", Unrighteousness living = a life of misery. I just want to let you know, we love the show. All Rights Reserved, The rumor involving Latter-day Saints that producers of The Chosen want to squash, Why cast and crew of The Chosen love filming in Utahs version of the Holy Land, How The Chosen is unifying people of different faiths and backgrounds, What Utahns asked The Chosen creator Dallas Jenkins about his show on the life of Jesus, What Utah artist Liz Lemon Swindle is doing to help fund the popular series The Chosen, bring people of different faiths and religions together, Creators of Angel Studios The Chosen to film second season in Utah, Opinion: The web designer case is a free speech decision that protects everyone, gay and straight, Opinion: This new regional park will help you breathe easy, Opinion: The Supreme Courts unanimous ruling restores religious liberty, Protests in France continued for 6 nights following police shooting death of teen. And in the same way, when Jesus (in The Chosen) says, "I am the Law of Moses," he isn't literally claiming to be identical to the Torah or the 10 Commandments or the Old Testament system. The post included a photo that appeared to be an example of the social media speculation. My guess that the line had connections to purity/impurity didn't plan out, but the line does fit with some of the other potential meanings that I suggested. The Chosen Season 2 Controversy (Jesus, the Bible, & the Process of Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life," 3 Nephi 15:9 reads. So Im totally fine with it. Consider the controversy generated by one of the biblical Jesus' own metaphors: "I am the bread of life." refTagger.settings.nonce = n && (n.nonce||n.getAttribute("nonce"));
Episode 8 Guide: The Woman at the Well, Eden, & Zohara, Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers, Cancel Culture, Boycotts, & Rainbow Flags, The Chosen Season 2 Controversy (Jesus, the Bible, & the Process of Inspiration), Should Nicodemus Kneel? I don't mean you, of course. But why is it that you are a defender of our belief in Jesus Christ? And so Jesus makes many 'I am' statements. 'The Chosen' creator Dallas Jenkins discusses show at Utah State event I don't think what you heard was a Protestant perspective. When I hear people say, its a different Jesusand Ive heard that, by the way,from both I dont know what term, I know you guys dont use the term Mormon anymore, but its too long for me to try to say, 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, its two different Jesuss, and they worship two different Saviors, and what youre saying is wrong. Fine, believe what you will. Boy this book is a disappointment. His nemesis is a descendant of Laban. CRN offers a lifeline to conservative people of faith who are disgusted with Facebook, Twitter and the MSM for failing to report, even blocking, important news stories that dont comport with the far lefts narrative. NO VIDEOS! 'The Chosen' Is Christian TV That Even Heretics Can Get Behind On multiple occasions in the Gospels, Jesus challenges the Pharisees to prioritize moral law and spiritual purity over ceremonial law and ritual purity (e.g., Mark 7:1-23). More to the point, Episode 4 & Episode 5 are simply titled: "Clean Part 1" and "Clean Part 2.". . Required fields are marked *. I've read some of it, when people will share it with me. As one of the readers below notes, in the scene, Jesus appears to be pulling rank on the local Rabbi. An adaptation like The Chosen isn't meant to replace the Bible; it's meant to drive us deeper into the Bible and spiritual reflection. When I initially addressed the controversy over Jesus saying, "I am the Law of Moses" in The Chosen Season 3 trailer, I was mostly focused on combating the "The-Chosen-is-Mormon-propaganda" conspiracy theory. From the Mormon Church's public announcement of its sanction of polygamy in 1852 until its formal decision to abandon the practice in 1890, people on both sides of the "Mormon question" debated central questions of constitutional law. But there can be home grown churches and so called "non-denominational" churches, as well as those that have a more organized governing body or a specific leader. I am first and foremost a Christian, second an Evangelical, and third a Mennonite. Dallas Jenkins, the creator, writer, director and executive producer of The Chosen series, is an evangelical Christian. How much chewing and spitting am I going to have to do in this one? Derral Eves is co-founder of The Chosen, the first multi-season series about the life of Christ, and the highest crowd-funded TV series or film project of all time. Not surprisingly, the Mormons have had to defend their spurious beliefs ever since founding prophet, Joseph Smith, reported that an angel named Moroni visited him on several occasions beginning in 1823. But what exactly is "a Protestant perspective"? They express ideas that are not characteristic of Mormons, but identify as Mormons - maybe even more truly Mormon than the LDS (in their minds). Please Protestia stop kissing up to Ruslanand please admit Kanye West is still in darkness? In many of these passages, Paul is combating a sect that is seeking to impose circumcision and other ritualistic elements of the Old Testament law on Gentile Christians and so he tends to focus on negative functions of the Law of Moses (especially in so far as it is divorced from grace) and he sometimes uses "the Law" not in reference to a holistic biblical understanding of the Law of Moses but rather as a shorthand for the erroneous way that his opponents are applying the law. The trailer for Season 3 launched last week and climbed to No. No, its the same. Take care. In the historic Christian Bible, Jesus never says, "I am the Law of Moses." I often talk with members of the LeBaron community. When the Book of Mormon has Jesus say he is the Law, it isn't being innovative; it's simply articulating a biblical idea in the linguistic style of John. All this to say, I'm okay with people engaging with The Chosen by offering reasonable, constructive criticism. How 'The Chosen' series is unifying people of different faiths (Plots & Theme), Episode 2 Guide: Philip, Nathanael, & Matthew, Episode 3 Guide: Life Among the Disciples of Jesus, Episode 4 Guide: Simon the Zealot & the Man at the Bethesda Pool, Episode 5 Guide: Mary's Demons & the Destiny of John the Baptist, Episode 8 Guide: Judas, Matthew, & the Sermon on the Mount, Episode 1 Guide: Mary Magdalene, Lilith, and the Redeemer, Episode 2 Guide: Mary Magdalene, Nicodemus, and Shabbat, Episode 3 Guide: Depicting Jesus in Art, Film, and TV, Episode 4 Guide: When Jesus Met Simon (Peter), Episode 6 Guide: Jesus, Shmuel, & the Pharisees. Sotheres no win for me in taking time to go through each of the different faith traditions, and try to point out all the different things that I disagree with.ll let the Holy Spirit and Ill let the discipleship of the local church do the job of nuancing all of those kind of large scale or even small scale disagreements.. Those who object to Jesus saying "I am the Law of Moses" can point to biblical passages that draw a distinction between the Law and grace or between the Law and faith (e.g.. Dallas Jenkins, the creator of The Chosen, has denied claims that Jesus' statement in The Chosen, "I am the Law of Moses," was based on the Book of Mormon. While speaking to an audience at Utah State University in March, Jenkins was asked when he would make an episode about Jesus coming to the Americas? Up until this point, the only concrete moment in The Chosen that I've seen people point to as proof of the Mormon conspiracy is the Born Again conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. We may not lay the same emphasis on subjective response as Mormons do in their evangelism, but the idea of a heart responding to the truth of Jesus is completely biblical (Luke 24:32) and not a sign of some insidious plot to corrupt the Gospel.