"The Chosen" and Other Biblical Dramas: A Word of Caution for Orthodox Viewers

Recently, I wrote a post reflecting on "The Chosen", the popular multi-season television series dramatizing the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It is clear from the response that many fellow Orthodox Christians are also watching it, or have engaged with other Biblical movies, dramatizations, and religious programming currently available across various streaming/viewing  platforms. In light of this interest, I feel it is important to offer a deeper reflection from a traditional Eastern Orthodox perspective. 

There is no doubt that shows like "The Chosen" as well as cinematic portrayals of the Bible, such as "The Passion of the Christ", "Son of God", or even older epics like "The Ten Commandments" and "Jesus of Nazareth", can stir the heart and imagination. They often seek to bring sacred stories to life, to put flesh and expression on ancient texts, and to offer accessible doorways into the Biblical narrative. For many, these portrayals can even be a catalyst toward a deeper appreciation for the life of Christ and the history of salvation. 

However, as Orthodox Christians, members of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, we are not passive consumers of religious media. We are called to be watchful and discerning, guided not only by Scripture but by the living Tradition of the Church, the witness of the Holy Fathers, and the teachings preserved throughout the centuries by the Orthodox Church. 

Interpretations and Additions: A Necessary Caution 
Every film or television series, regardless of its intentions, is ultimately shaped by the interpretations, theological frameworks, and cultural contexts of its creators. This is particularly relevant in the case of "The Chosen", whose creator and director, Dallas Jenkins, is a devout Evangelical Christian. His father, Jerry B. Jenkins, is best known as the author of the "Left Behind" series, a collection of fiction books based on a dispensationalist, rapture-centered theology that is at odds with traditional Orthodox eschatology. 

It is important to acknowledge that Jenkins is not attempting to make an Orthodox film, nor does he claim to represent the Eastern Orthodox faith. Yet his personal theological worldview inevitably shapes the tone, character development, and underlying assumptions of the series. This is neither inherently malicious nor necessarily harmful, but it does mean that Orthodox viewers must remain vigilant, thoughtful, and be critically engaged. 

One noteworthy example is the portrayal of the Apostle Matthew as a character on the autism spectrum. While Jenkins has spoken openly about this choice as a way of highlighting neurodiversity and making the character relatable, there is no Biblical, patristic, or liturgical basis for this depiction. It is, simply put, an artistic interpretation, one that may be helpful to some, but should not be confused with authoritative Church teaching or historical reality. 
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Another noteworthy example is the portrayal of Saint Joseph in "The Chosen" as a man of African descent. While contemporary artistic choices may seek to highlight the universality of the Christian message or promote modern ideals of diversity and inclusion, Orthodox viewers must approach such representations with discernment. Producer and Director Dallas Jenkins, in making this creative decision, is not attempting to reflect the patristic witness or the historical reality preserved within the Orthodox Church. According to Orthodox hagiography and sacred tradition, there is no evidence that Saint Joseph, who is understood to be of Davidic lineage and a native of Bethlehem in Judea, had African ancestry.
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This particular depiction, though perhaps well-intentioned from a narrative or symbolic standpoint, represents a significant departure from the received ecclesial and theological understanding of the saint’s life and identity. Orthodox iconography, hymnography, and liturgical tradition present Saint Joseph within a specific historical and spiritual context that serves the deeper purpose of theological truth, not merely representational art. While dramatizations such as "The Chosen" may offer an entry point for wider audiences to engage with biblical figures, they must never be mistaken for authoritative expressions of Orthodox faith or history. Rather, Orthodox Christians are called to view such media through the lens of Holy Tradition, ever grounded in the teachings of the Church and the illumination of the Holy Spirit.

This creative liberty, while perhaps benign in this particular case, underscores the larger point: much of what we see in modern dramatizations of Biblical stories may reflect modern concerns, modern Interpretation, or theological agendas rather than the fullness of Orthodox understanding. And as Orthodox Christians, our measure is not sentimentality, relatability, or dramatic flair, but truth, the truth revealed in Christ, preserved by the Holy Spirit, and handed down to us in the Orthodox Church. 

The Role of Holy Tradition 
Our spiritual inheritance is rich, anchored not only in the Holy Scriptures but also in the writings of the Holy Fathers, the lives of the Saints, the hymns and prayers of the Church, the iconographic tradition, and the conciliar teachings of the Ecumenical Councils. These are not optional add-ons or mere historical curiosities, they are the very lens through which we must interpret the Bible and engage with its message. 

Therefore, when we watch any Biblical films or series, we must always do so with discernment and study. It is not enough to be moved emotionally or to enjoy the narrative; we must return to the source, the actual Scripture passages, the commentaries of the Fathers, and the liturgical expression of the Church. We must ask: 

• Does this portrayal align with the Church’s teaching? 

• Is it consistent with how the Fathers interpreted the passage? 

• Does it reflect the theological worldview of the Orthodox Church? 

• Is there something added (or omitted) that changes the meaning? 

If a scene or character development seems unfamiliar, confusing, or potentially problematic, it is not a cause for alarm, but it is a call to investigate. Seek out your parish priest. Ask questions. Compare what you’ve seen to what the Church actually teaches. This is part of being a mature and spiritually engaged Orthodox Christian in the modern world. 

Films as Tools, Not Teachers 
None of this is to say that Orthodox Christians should avoid these productions altogether. On the contrary, such shows and films can serve as helpful tools, sparking deeper interest, curiosity, and even repentance. A well-done scene might bring to life a Biblical event in a way that invites us into prayer or contemplation. A conversation between characters might move us to reflect on our own journey with Christ. In this way, these productions can indeed be fruitful, so long as we approach them in the right spirit. 

But they are not catechisms. They are not icons. They are not liturgy. They are not Scripture. And they are not the Church. 

They are artistic interpretations, sometimes inspiring, sometimes flawed, and always limited. 

Final Thoughts: Be Watchful, Be Faithful 
As Orthodox Christians, we are stewards of a sacred deposit. We do not measure truth by popularity, modern psychology, or entertainment value. We measure it by the Cross, by the Resurrection, and by the lived witness of the Church through the millennia. When we watch "The Chosen" or any other Biblical show, we must do so with eyes wide open, hearts attuned to Christ, and minds grounded in the wisdom of the Church. 

Enjoy these shows, yes, but enjoy them as an Orthodox Christian. Be engaged. Be discerning. Be prayerful. Let what is good lead you deeper into the truth. And when you encounter something that seems off, remember that the Church stands ready to guide you, with her Scriptures, her Saints, her Sacraments, and her spiritual fathers. 

Above all, let these artistic works be a reminder not of how much we know, but of how much we still long to know Him, our Lord, Jesus Christ, the true and eternal Word made flesh. 
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