PLAUSIBLE FICTION
by

Dee Wieninger

I started this story a few months ago but put it on a back burner waiting for permission to quote from an article in a *Dallas Theological Seminary newsletter about Tyler Thompson, one of the writers of “The Chosen.” I went to see the first two episodes of season 5 of “The Chosen” recently and have decided to bring it back to a front burner and consider Tyler’s quote as “fair use.”

There are many ways we entertain ourselves in the course of our day, TV and streaming being two major ones. As Christians, it’s important to make wise choices in what we put in front of our eyes, hear with our ears, and give our minds to. I only share my thoughts about “The Chosen” because this has been such an amazing series and has blessed me so much. If you have “chosen” not to watch it, I encourage you to reconsider. I believe it will bless you as well.

I have spoken with a few Christian friends who feel it is wrong to give time and credence to “The Chosen” because Dallas Jenkins and his team are creating story lines that aren’t necessarily in the Bible. Oh, my goodness! My story isn’t in the Bible either. Your story isn’t in the Bible, but God encourages us to share our story as a witness and testimony. I don’t quite understand the difference as many church congregations went together to see “The Passion of the Christ” years ago or over 50 years ago we seniors attended “The Ten Commandments”. I saw it at a drive-in theater. I love to write, and I think God has blessed and encouraged me with the creativity to share lessons from events in my life. Whether writing to share with others or just journalling for myself to bring to my remembrance.

God’s Word proclaims; “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)  I trust that God is working in the imaginations of Dallas Jenkins, Tyler Thompson and other writers, actors and staff who, I believe, see this undertaking as a way to take the message of Christ to our “current generation”… in 50 languages no less.

Dallas Jenkins provides this disclaimer at the beginning of each episode: “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 content and artistic imagination are designed to support the truth and intention of the Scriptures. Viewers are encouraged to read the gospels.”

Using the creativity God has blessed the writers of “The Chosen” they create a possible story around each of the characters in the Bible, stories that resonate in the hearts of TV watchers around the world. The creative team provides a feasible storyline or as writer * Tyler Thompson, refers to the show as “plausible fiction” bringing a relatable story into the lives of each Bible character. Not only relatable to the viewer but how each character relates to each other as they walk with Jesus. Those who have family and career dreams and ambitions, or struggle with abuse, adultery, financial debt, physical and mental illness, chronic disease, relational problems, autism, mobility issues, perfectionism, depression, grief, religious piousness and let’s not forget dealing with the sin in our lives, the same kinds of struggles we all have today.The writers of “The Chosen” have given us “plausible fiction” in the character of Simon (Peter) (Luke 5) and his need for such a miraculous catch of fish with which Jesus blesses Simon.

Using the creativity God has blessed the writers of “The Chosen” they create a “plausible fiction” around the character of Mary Magdalene that introduces the amazing healing Jesus offers her by the casting out of the evil spirits (Luke 8:2). And mentioned in the **link provided they created a” plausible” story line for Matthew as struggling with Asperger’s.

In Luke 8:3 we are told of a woman named Joanna who is the wife of Chuza the manager of Herod’s household. Again, “The Chosen” introduces us to this woman creating a very “plausible fiction” that makes us want to know her and relate to her.

One of my favorite episodes is Jesus’ meeting with Nicodemus. The pharisee who met secretly with Jesus at night, (John 3) and the fervency with which he sought to meet with Jesus and the powerful discussion that ensued. To witness Nicodemus’s loving joyful interaction with Jesus the writers offer beautiful “plausible fiction.” Oh, and Mary, the mother of Jesus. She is a precious delight in her plausible interactions with her Son our Lord.

I could go on and on, but prayerfully you get my excitement for sharing these thoughts. I’d like to encourage you to enjoy its message and not miss out on the blessings you will reap if you just come to it with an attitude of appreciation of the imagination, skills and talents of the writers and actors as you would a Disney or Spielberg production and that others could relate more to the disciples and followers of Jesus. Believe me, “The Chosen” certainly provides a close encounter with Jesus and those who walked with Him and have gone before us.

There are much worse television shows on which we could waste our time and brain cells! I for one would prefer that which offers me further opportunity to connect with characters in the Bible and challenge me to seek God’s Word and grow in my walk with the Lord. If you should decide to give this show a chance be sure to start with Season 1 Episode 1. You won’t regret it.

* A writer of “The Chosen” is Tyler Thompson who refers to the show as “plausible fiction.” He graduated from Moody Bible College and you can enjoy some of his story here: https://www.moody.edu/stories/undergrad/2023/chosen-for-the-chosen/

 

**https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17vXwGUNbi/