“The Chosen” has captured the hearts of millions worldwide with its unique and compelling portrayal of the life of Jesus Christ and his disciples. As the series continues to gain popularity, questions about its production, funding, and affiliations have surfaced. One such question is whether “The Chosen” is produced by Mormons. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the series’ production background, its creators, and the involvement, if any, of the Mormon community.
What Is “The Chosen”?
Overview of the Series
“The Chosen” is a multi-season television series that depicts the life of Jesus Christ through the perspectives of those who met and followed him. Unlike many traditional portrayals, “The Chosen” focuses on the backstories of its characters, offering a more humanized and relatable depiction of biblical figures.
The Creator: Dallas Jenkins
Dallas Jenkins is the creator, director, and co-writer of “The Chosen.” He is an evangelical Christian and the son of Jerry B. Jenkins, co-author of the “Left Behind” series. Dallas Jenkins has been open about his faith and his desire to create a series that resonates with viewers from various religious backgrounds.
Funding and Production Model
“The Chosen” is notable for its innovative funding model. The series is the highest crowd-funded media project of all time, raising millions of dollars through contributions from viewers around the world. This crowd-funding approach has allowed the series to maintain creative control and independence from traditional Hollywood studios.
The Question of Mormon Involvement
Misconceptions and Clarifications
The question of whether “The Chosen” is produced by Mormons often arises due to the involvement of VidAngel, a streaming service known for its Mormon founders. However, it is essential to clarify that while VidAngel has distributed the series, it does not produce it. The production company behind “The Chosen” is Angel Studios, which operates independently of any specific religious organization.
Statements from the Creator
Dallas Jenkins has addressed the misconception about Mormon involvement in several interviews and public statements. He emphasizes that “The Chosen” is not a Mormon production. Jenkins has made it clear that the series is intended to be an inclusive representation of the life of Jesus Christ, welcoming viewers from various Christian denominations and backgrounds.
Ecumenical Approach
One of the distinguishing features of “The Chosen” is its ecumenical approach. The series collaborates with consultants from different Christian traditions, including evangelical, Catholic, and Jewish scholars, to ensure accuracy and respect for diverse religious perspectives. This collaborative effort underscores the show’s commitment to portraying the life of Jesus in a manner that resonates with a broad audience.
The Role of VidAngel
1. Distribution Partnership
VidAngel, a Utah-based streaming service, partnered with “The Chosen” to distribute the series. VidAngel’s founders are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), which has led to some assumptions about the series’ production. However, VidAngel’s role is limited to distribution and does not extend to the creative or production processes of the series.
2. Impact on Perception
The association with VidAngel has influenced some viewers’ perceptions of “The Chosen,” leading to the misconception that the series is produced by Mormons. It is crucial to distinguish between distribution and production roles to understand the series’ true origins and affiliations.
3. Statements from VidAngel
VidAngel has also clarified its role in the distribution of “The Chosen.” The company supports the series’ mission and believes in its potential to reach a wide audience. However, VidAngel does not influence the content or production decisions, which remain under the control of Dallas Jenkins and his team.
Viewer Reception and Impact
1. Broad Appeal
“The Chosen” has received widespread acclaim from viewers of various religious backgrounds. Its humanizing portrayal of biblical characters and engaging storytelling have resonated with audiences worldwide. The series’ ability to connect with a diverse audience is a testament to its ecumenical approach and dedication to authenticity.
2. Critical Acclaim
Critics have praised “The Chosen” for its high production values, compelling performances, and fresh perspective on familiar stories. The series has been lauded for its ability to breathe new life into the gospel narratives, making them accessible and relatable to modern viewers.
3. Global Reach
“The Chosen” has been translated into multiple languages and is available to stream in numerous countries. Its global reach highlights the universal appeal of the series and its capacity to inspire and engage viewers from different cultural and religious contexts.
See also: WHAT TV CHANNEL CAN I WATCH THE CHOSEN?
Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions
Transparency and Communication
Dallas Jenkins and the production team have been proactive in addressing concerns and misconceptions about “The Chosen.” Through social media, interviews, and public statements, Jenkins has sought to clarify the series’ origins, funding, and affiliations, ensuring that viewers have accurate information.
Emphasis on Inclusivity
The creators of “The Chosen” emphasize the series’ inclusivity and its mission to tell the story of Jesus in a way that resonates with a broad audience. This inclusive approach is reflected in the diverse team of consultants and advisors who contribute to the series, ensuring that it respects and represents various religious perspectives.
Community Engagement
“The Chosen” has fostered a strong sense of community among its viewers. The series’ crowd-funding model and interactive app have enabled fans to engage with the production process and contribute to its success. This community-driven approach has helped build a loyal and supportive fan base.
The Future of “The Chosen”
Upcoming Seasons
“The Chosen” is planned as a multi-season series, with several seasons already released and more in development. Each season delves deeper into the lives of Jesus and his disciples, offering new insights and perspectives on the gospel narratives.
Continued Crowd-Funding
The series’ success has been fueled by its innovative crowd-funding model, which allows viewers to support the production directly. This model will likely continue to play a crucial role in funding future seasons, ensuring that the series remains independent and true to its vision.
Expanding Reach
As “The Chosen” continues to grow in popularity, its creators are exploring new ways to expand its reach. This includes translating the series into more languages, partnering with additional distribution platforms, and engaging with diverse communities worldwide.
Conclusion
“The Chosen” is not produced by Mormons, despite some misconceptions stemming from its association with VidAngel. The series is the brainchild of Dallas Jenkins, an evangelical Christian, and is produced independently through crowd-funding efforts. Its ecumenical approach and commitment to authenticity have enabled it to resonate with a diverse audience, earning acclaim from viewers and critics alike. By addressing concerns and fostering community engagement, “The Chosen” continues to inspire and connect with people around the globe, offering a fresh and compelling portrayal of the life of Jesus Christ.
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