Why Creator of "The Chosen" Decided to Bring First Century Galilee to TV Screens
Called a false teacher and a heretic, Dallas Jenkins, creator, director, and producer of The Chosen, is no stranger to the criticism that comes when deciding to do something that has never been done before.
As he sits down with Alita Reynolds on the Women of Faith Show, viewers will get a behind the scenes look at what kickstarted the popular series that brings the Bible to life, along with the truth underlying one of the most controversial episodes.
Rooted in scripture and never contradicting the core of the Gospel truth, the idea for The Chosen series originates back to Jenkin’s childhood Sunday school days when stories of Jesus’ journey on Earth presented themselves on flannel boards.
“The show is a response to my upbringing, to what my younger self would have loved,” Jenkins said.
Desiring to give context to Bible stories Christians know and love and draw unbelievers into the details and relatability of the Word, Jenkins reiterates, “we don’t claim to be scripture” and describes the show as a “historical drama based in first century Galilee.”
After episode 5 of season 2 displayed Mary Magdalene relapsing into old habits, critics shouted it was impossible for her to return to her former life because she had been redeemed by Jesus.
Jenkins’ response to the opposition is a lesson for all Christians and non-Christians alike: “Once you start following Jesus, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows…the process of sanctification is ongoing.” Jenkins also shares what he often cries out to God in his weak moments, “I will never arrive, I need You here the whole time.”
Even with Jesus, believers will still experience shame, guilt, and regret because “we all have internal struggles,” Reynolds said. Mary Magdalene and countless other stories in the Bible are reminders to all people to point their human frailty to the only One who can keep on refining and using it.
“Sometimes learning the hard way is the best because it sticks,” Jenkins said, who also shares how their income quadrupled after making the show free for all viewers on The Chosen app.
This episode is filled with much more behind the scenes info and biblical truth, along with a philosophy Jenkins lives by that involves loaves of bread and fish. Click the video above to find out more!
