#164 The Chosen Creator: Putting Words in Jesus' Mouth?
Summary
Dallas Jenkins joins Within Reason to discuss the creative philosophy behind *The Chosen*, emphasizing entertainment value over evangelistic intent. He addresses criticisms of embellishing biblical narratives by arguing that filling historical gaps enhances storytelling without altering core scripture. The conversation explores reconciling Gospel discrepancies, the ensemble structure of the show, and theological consultations with scholars and actor Jonathan Rumi.
Topics discussed
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Intentional storytelling vs. manipulation in The Chosen
Historical embellishment and capturing 'Capital T Truth'
Navigating controversy and theological decisions
Clarifying biblical context for modern audiences
Jesus as a protagonist and the Hero's Journey
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Character arcs of Peter and Matthew
Reconciling the cleansing of the temple in the Gospels
Theological debates on foot washing and historical plausibility
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Depicting the crucifixion and Catholic theology
Jesus's brothers and avoiding dogmatic divisions
The show's ecumenical appeal and provocative dialogue
Jesus claiming to be the Law of Moses
Theodicy: Suffering and Little James's disability
Personal faith and the theology of suffering
Humanizing Judas: Zealot theories and betrayal motives
Free will, prayer, and the inevitability of betrayal
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Portraying women and the 500 witnesses
Omissions: The 72 disciples and the Transfiguration
Interviewing Jordan Peterson on the resurrection
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Emotional impact and humanizing Jesus
Historical certainty: Healing vs. Exorcisms
Skepticism, conspiracy theories, and probability
Conclusion and set tour preview
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