The Chosen: Critics vs. Creatives

THE NECESSITY OF BEAUTY AND ART IN RELATION TO TRUTH

When I asked for the public’s thoughts on The Chosen, many wrote it off because "it takes too many creative liberties", while others absolutely adored how it healed their hearts and strengthened their relationship with the Lord.

Is it possible that the critics expect too much out of media? Or that they are maybe expecting the wrong things from art and media?

I think it’s worth noting that nothing will ever replicate Scripture and the school of theology. And it’s known across the board that we have the Bible to turn to for Catechesis and pure Truth. But there is room for art in the realm of Truth too, no?

The beauty of art is that it creates. That it takes the freedom to perceive, consider, and relate. That’s where the beauty lies in The Chosen. It is an absolute truth that the Lord loves us, was a human, felt emotions, and had real relationships...right? The Chosen weaves in the truth that the Lord, although Divine, was also a man walking amongst us many years ago. And it specifically leans into the heart of who we are as people and who He was as man.

The creative freedom considers that the disciples likely had brotherhood banter similar to the men in our lives. And that same creative freedom takes a “leap” to perceive the weight at which Christ’s heart yearns for relationship with us, the moment the hemorrhaging woman reaches out to touch His cloak and tears well in His eyes.

Every artists stroke and decision in piecing together The Chosen wasn’t done in an attempt to create new scripture or theology, but to consider the humanity, the heart, and the lives of those that walked when Christ did. To bring us into greater communion with our very brothers and sisters in Christ, even those from 2,000+ years ago. The goal has always been, to bring us into a more intimate & personal relationship with Christ.

It should not be a one or the other, but a both/and. The beauty of art only enhances or sheds light on the Truth. We mimic our Father the Creator Himself when we too, take to creative play - and that’s exactly why The Chosen resonates with the very child deep within our hearts that yearns to be seen, known, and loved by our Maker.