Reacting to More Chosen Controversy...

Today, we're reacting to a new video from ‪@JordanRiley‬ about The Chosen. Let's talk about it lol
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[@AgainstTheCurrentPodcast]

What do you think about the controversy surrounding The Chosen? What do you think of this video? Let me know! 👇

[@ValerieFulmer]

Thank you for this video. Jordan Riley needs our prayers that God will soften his heart and see all of us as Jesus does. That we are all God’s children. And that we are doing the best we can with what we know and have experienced.

[@julieclark9173]

I love the Chosen. But I couldn't listen to that guy, his fake voice annoys me.

[@Highland-Gaming1]

It's dumb

[@donnastorey3830]

i am a 64 year old, who enjoys watching the Chosen. It encourages me to read my Bible more. I see nothing wrong with the show it's encouraging.

[@hedydoyful]

My response for Jordan and other religious people who criticize The Chosen is found in Acts 5: 38-39 "stay away from these men and leave them alone; for if the source of this plan is of men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God."

[@kimshaver697]

And the show has gone much farther than just the small reaching that was planned in the US. It is an international hit and has helped many people, me included, as I was lost. I know there is backstory. Dallas has said this repeatedly. He encourages us to read our bible. So your verse is spot on and so are you. If it wasn't or didn't have the touch of God it wouldn't have gotten through all the challenges it has faced. God Bless.

[@__.carolyn]

Initial impressions are that Mr Riley's videos are excellent audition tapes for the role of "Pharisee #1".

[@AgainstTheCurrentPodcast]

🤣🤣🤣

[@ValerieFulmer]

As LDS I’m so grateful to you and Dallas and all those who have been so kind. We may have some profound differences in our religious views but we can still love and respect one another. That’s one of the many incredible teachings of Jesus Christ. Regardless of our differences, we can still love one another. Thank you 🙏

[@AgainstTheCurrentPodcast]

Thank you so much for watching! 🤗 Very thankful that we get to engage in conversation through the show! Appreciate the support.

[@ValerieFulmer]

@AgainstTheCurrentPodcast Your reply just made my day. I’ve been feeling a little down. Thank you so much. 🙏🙏🙏

[@EmMiller-wu3dy]

I’m a visual learner and The Chosen has really supported my personal devotion and study. This year I took a deep dive into Matthew and in my mind I could see the sets, people and backgrounds. I think Dallas is a true believer and testifies with his art. There are people who think anyone to the left or right of them are heretics, and it’s always been this way. Eli, your channel is uplifting and I trust your reviews and thoughts are authentic. This guy? Only God can judge his motivations but I’m rolling my eyes.

[@chaispricemusic7849]

The exact same thing happened to me. I too am a visual learner and it motivated me to open my Bible and I could visually see the set as I read.

[@freddurstedgebono6029]

4:50 his first criticism of Dallas is that Dallas admits his past sins? Some people just want to hate on the show because they sniff their own farts

[@COOL_GUY_Studios_OFFICIAL]

8:31 guess I ain’t Christian then 😂😂😂😂 Great job defending the chosen, all of your points are very valid

[@COOL_GUY_Studios_OFFICIAL]

22:24 I appreciate him doing that it was very nice to meet him and made me feel like he appreciated me being apart of his show.

[@esthersearcy2876]

Thanks for sharing with discernment in regards to people who do their own judgments and opinions

[@bakograce5817]

I love the chosen!!!! And i can't wait season five!!!!!! Any of he's philosophy is blah blah blah

[@HistoryDwarf]

He actually sounds like Schmuel in the show, one of Jesus’s fiercest criticss in the show. Which is probably why he doesn’t like the show.

[@EmMiller-wu3dy]

@@HistoryDwarfThat’s a good point.

[@ladybugmom10]

I’m glad you are reacting to his video. I came across it a few days ago and asked if they’re so against The Chosen, does he also refrain from watching just regular Hollywood movies? Yet to have that answered. So tired of people bashing the LDS faith and acting like they can’t be involved at all in anything Christian. Dallas won’t do certain things that made Jesus different from us such as the transfiguration because he didn’t know how without dishonoring what actually happened. Agree 💯 with what you’ve said.

[@ValerieFulmer]

I’m LDS and appreciate your kindness. We are all doing the best we can. 🙏

[@MaryAnnEvans-z9h]

Eli, I always enjoy your videos. Please don’t listen to this guy anymore. He doesn’t deserve your time.

[@TemDoutoraNaFaxina]

Hypocrisy… that’s a name for all that this guy does. Keep up the good job, Eli!

[@trayevans6004]

For a filmmaker to only show what is 100% Bible, he'd have to just read the Bible, with NO voice inflections. No viewer would want that.

[@AgainstTheCurrentPodcast]

Exactly. Great point.

[@ValerieFulmer]

Jordan Riley needs our prayers. His words remind me of the highly critical words of the Pharisees and Sadducees. And those who looked down on and didn’t want to associate with Samaritans, Romans who looked down on Jews, Jews who looked down on and didn’t want to associate with other Jews like the “unclean”, the poor and the meek. Jordan Riley is doing the opposite of what Jesus Christ has taught us. But maybe he’s not aware. Maybe he’s forgotten that Jesus taught us to love one another! To associate with sinners and those we didn’t agree with. Jesus taught us to Pray for them, to pray for our enemies that their hearts might be turned to God. To give people a chance! To give one another the benefit of the doubt. Hopefully in time his heart will be changed. I am still a work in progress myself and I’m so thankful for the prayers of others. 🙏

[@hedydoyful]

I agree with you completely. It's Jordan and others like him who are in need of Christ's love. It's very clear in the gospels that Jesus hung out with sinners and prostitutes and was condemned by religious people for doing so, and Jesus even said in Matthew "It's not the healthy people who need a doctor, but the sick." When I hear so much judgment and condemnation of something God is doing, I feel scared for that person. So much scripture comes to mind, like "let those without sin cast the first stone" and "People judge by outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16) and the whole book of 1 John about loving each other.

[@Tuff_E_nuf72]

Jordan Riley needs a good swift kick in the pants! And a new hat , this one is so tight his eyes are bugging out and it’s restricting blood flow to his brain. If he has one.

[@ValerieFulmer]

@@hedydoyfulthank you for your reply. God bless you.

[@ValerieFulmer]

@@hedydoyful it’s like the parable of the lost sheep and the son who chose wickedness for a time but then came back. God wants us to be instruments in His hands to help and pray for one another. Especially those who hate or don’t believe in Him. It’s not easy, but with God all things are possible.

[@kimshaver697]

Enjoy you. You're a very intelligent young man. You are spot on and fair minded. You have discernment and are a good follower of our Lord. God Bless.

[@danielmalinen6337]

Also people who say it is blasphemy to see Jesus crying and weeping for Lazarus have not read the Gospel (I am referring to one of the latest The Chosen controversies at the moment). The Gospel of John says that Jesus was touched upon hearing that His good friend had died and therefore burst into tears and groaned deeply. But apparently, experiencing any emotion when it comes to Jesus is considered blasphemy in modern times, whether it's biblical or not. That's pretty sad

[@susansmiley2738]

It's the shortest sentence in the Bible. Jesus wept.

[@EmMiller-wu3dy]

@@susansmiley2738 So poignant 😢

[@terrfomp92]

Are you serious?! That is ridiculous!

[@amerbur]

The purpose of the gospel is to bring the lost to Christ!!

[@suiko2fan2]

The Chosen is a TV SHOW, not the Bible. If people are so bothered by what Dallas is doing, they can go make their own production company and Jesus show. More importantly, in all my conversations with other Christians and non about the Chosen. I have NEVER heard one of them say, "I am just taking my theology from it now and throw my bible away." Of course, not! The show helps many folks want to open up their Bible and read it more and draw nearer God. Do these purity critics think Satan is behind that too? ....lol.

[@DelMcAlpine]

Yes - a TV show and not the Bible. Then why does Mr. Jenkins, others in the TV show, the Come and See foundation - claim they are bringing the “authentic” - meaning real - Jesus to a billion people? Perhaps they need to clarify that. Or go back to using the word “plausible” to define the TV show. Funny that after all the comments from Mr. Jenkins about his TV show being 95% storytelling - that the star of the show - Mr. Roumie - states they use “slight creative license”. Which is it?

[@kelsin8854]

@@DelMcAlpine It seems that there’s a bit of confusion around the term “authentic” in this context. When Mr. Jenkins and others use it, they likely mean “authentic” in the sense of representing Jesus in a more human, relatable way, rather than a literal, historically precise portrayal. It’s about making the character feel real and emotionally complex, rather than simply a divine figure with little depth or personality. The “slight creative license” comment by Jonathan Roumie could be his way of acknowledging the artistic liberties taken to bring these characters to life. The Gospels provide the skeleton, but the show’s creators flesh out those bones to make them resonate with viewers. It’s a tricky line to walk, especially when it comes to a figure as significant as Jesus. The show isn’t claiming to be a documentary, but rather a dramatization that strives to feel grounded and relatable-just enough to evoke real emotion, but not necessarily to be a verbatim historical account.

[@AmyN7]

​@@kelsin8854Couldn't have said it better myself 👏🏻

[@DelMcAlpine]

@@kelsin8854 I suggest you look up the meaning of “authentic”. And perhaps ask Mr. Jenkins to go back to using the word “plausible” - which would explain your thought in your last sentence. And perhaps not be so much of a “tricky line to walk”. Doesn’t seem to bother them that they are being tricky - fans have given them permission.

[@kelsin8854]

@@DelMcAlpine Perhaps you need to consider that words can have different connotations depending on the context. ‘Authentic’ in this case refers to a portrayal that’s emotionally genuine, not a literal, historical replication. But for argument’s sake, how does The Chosen’s portrayal of Jesus (specifically His character and personality) come off as inauthentic to you? Please provide examples with the full context of the show alongside the Bible.

[@Deirdrebondbreaker]

Paul went into places like Greece for the purpose to share Jesus and to reason with them who worship many gods. You can't go into all the world and share Jesus if we don't go into ALL the world!

[@ronijackson2053]

I think Dallas's character speaks volumes as you say- transparent, loving, open, a man of integrity and operating out of a desire to bring the Good News in the media space where so many are engaging. Of course he'll be targeted with such a big reach. But so many have been set on fire for the Lord reminding themselves of who Jesus is by watching the Chosen. And I definitely think Jesus was friendly with a sense of humour- not holier than thou and unapproachable. The 'sinners' and the poor loved Him and felt safe with Him and were the ones who had their lives turned around because they knew they didn't have it all together.

[@mikeblast7507]

When I talk to people in "real life," I'm always shocked by how little they actually know about just about everything. It's not their fault entirely, as they're victims of our public eductation system, and ongoing endoctrination in college. This really hit home when a group of 11-12 year old girls asked to pet my dog, and while we were talking, I mentioned something about a contemporary topic and none of them knew anything about it. I asked one of the girls, what are they teaching you in school? Her response: "Nothing."

[@ZumbaKimbo]

And one more thing...Dallas says at episode one, this is entertainment, read your bible!

[@edjazz39]

I really like your show brother!!! Keep up the great work. You speak with balance which God is a God of balance. I would like to ask you if you can do a podcast on Chosen graphic novel comic book since faith based comic books are booming. Peace

[@randallsunderland4331]

If you don’t beleieve in church hierarchy from the first millennia like the Orthodox Faith and maybe Catholics (although I think they went astray but I still see them as brothers) then everything you interpret from scripture is solely your opinion.

[@Steveturnel-nh3ig]

Deuteronomy 4:2: “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commands of the Lord your God which I command you.”

[@audgester]

I have no idea who Jordan Riley is, but he is so off base I can hardly take him seriously.

[@audgester]

Also, great arguments by you. I am enjoying your channel!

[@AgainstTheCurrentPodcast]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your comments. 🤗

[@snowman6199]

when the Fuel Project talked about why he stopped watching and what he liked and disliked he gave a reasonable response he didn't judge and condemn everyone who watches it and recommends it

[@snowman6199]

can't wait for season 5 next year

[@Mj-ph1ox]

All I heard from him is…Blah Blah Blah!

[@kathyhardt6012]

Eli, I agree with you on all points. Mr. Riley is way off the mark on his opinions. I love The Chosen and enjoy watching it very much. But I also read and study the scriptures and know the series is not a replacement for the Bible. Thank you for all your videos, I enjoy watching them. Keep em' coming 😊

[@Highland-Gaming1]

Fun fact The Chosen was Created to encourage people to read The Bible.

[@amerbur]

What is the difference between your Pastor giving examples from his personal experience or life and then explaining, through scripture how that applies to the people in the Church?

[@ZumbaKimbo]

You think he talks so slow?? I don't hear as fast as you talk!! Lol!😂 And Dallas has issue listening to the Duck Dynasty family, but he ❤️loves them dearly!!

[@annme7638]

It’s a pretty safe bet that this guy has never watched the Chosen and all he has ever seen are clips. He’s like the rest of those “Chosen hater KZbinrs” who think it’s their life’s mission to make people to stop watching the Chosen. It’s all about selectively edited out of context video and interview clips, guilt by association, and reading people’s minds and hearts. They also all repeat the same thing, it’s like they all got the same talking points memo. And they all claim that they’re right because they have “discernment” and anyone who doesn’t agree with them aren’t real Christians. I truly believe that while the Chosen is drawing people to the Lord with what they are doing, these people are putting up barriers to people knowing Jesus.

[@DelMcAlpine]

Whose Jesus do you want people to know?

[@annme7638]

@ What do you mean “who’s Jesus”? There is only one Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God, fully God and fully man, the only one for salvation, He was in the beginning with God, He is the Word, the Resurrection and the Life, the Good Shepherd, the Light of the World, the first and the last, the I Am, He and the Father are One, He is compassionate and speaks with authority, He has the power to heal, cast out demons, raise the dead, calm the storm, and has the authority to forgive sins. Do you know some other Jesus? This is exactly who the Bible says Jesus is, and it’s exactly how the Chosen has portrayed Jesus.

[@DelMcAlpine]

@@annme7638 Not according to Dallas Jenkins. His portrayal of Jesus is 95% storytelling. And some of that storytelling - blending the Biblical miracle of Lazarus with the Ramah/Thomas fiction - showed Jesus to be cruel and hypocritical. Perhaps your last statement shows what the problem might be - that 95% of the writers creative, emotional, mostly beautifully acted, PLAUSIBLE- storytelling/fiction - is now being looked at as the truth and the “authentic” Jesus. Just like the writers and their supporters want it to be. Again - whose Jesus - because there are plenty of interpretations and thoughts on the authentic Jesus - do you want people to know. I guess you answered that.

[@annme7638]

@ “Plenty of interpretations and thoughts on the authentic Jesus”? Really? Have you not read the Bible? Because it clearly tells us who the authentic Jesus is, and He is everything that I mentioned in my comment. The topic here was Jesus and about how the Chosen is portraying Him. Are you trying to tell me that Jesus is not the things that I listed? If so, I suggest you actually get to know Him. From your reply it’s pretty clear that you haven’t actually been watching the Chosen, you most likely are just relying on out of context clips and the narrative that others are telling you. And just so you get your facts straight, Dallas never said that his portrayal of “Jesus” is 95% storytelling. What he said was 95% of what is on screen wasn’t direct from the Bible. When you consider that the Chosen is a historical drama based on the Bible and not actually the Bible, that it’s a show about people of the first century, and that the Bible stories are only a part of a show that also contains historical and cultural context, and that there are dozens of characters, that 95% isn’t actually the big deal that you guys seem to think it is. Sorry to burst your bubble.

[@DelMcAlpine]

@@annme7638 No bubble burst. I suggest you go back and listen to Mr. Jenkins about the 95% - and about how they are telling a story. But your excuses for him are quite humorous. You spin them like he does. And your assuming is the same. You have proven my points. And I thank-you.

[@marvahardage5147]

This man (Jordan Riley) isn't worth your time, Eli. Please don't give him the pleasure of sharing his views!

[@GiliyahNetzach1991]

Good luck with that controversy but remember to be supportive and Encouraging good behavior and life and Blessing as the Speech spiritually seasoned with salt

[@amandawilliams8647]

Great show

[@ryanpmcp]

I’ve seen this guy on formerly known as Twitter before. And I tell you he comes off as so self-righteous and arrogant it is not even remotely funny. He’s someone who needs to be avoided

[@snowman6199]

Spencer Smith is also like Jordan Riley

[@LWYHWH]

Thanks for this video. I watched one of Jordans videos a month or so ago out of curiosity because of the click-bait thumbnail. I was about 5 seconds in and couldn't keep watching. Well, I forced myself to keep watching and I got the worst feeling from that man. I felt the same way about how hypocritical he was and doing the exact same thing about the thing he was criticizing (which thankfully I can't even remember cause I had to let it go). I try not to judge people by their looks but to me it seems that his "fruits" ooze from him and the man just looks demonic. I tend to be very cautious of the KZbinrs out there that their whole channel is based on criticizing and proving others wrong. Jesus never did that. Yes, he called out people and stood up against false doctrines but his teaching wasn't based wholly upon proving others wrong and attacking others. He very rarely called out the pharisees except for when they came after him. Again, there are times when he did, but from what I remember it was more him preaching his Gospel and not tearing others down. He tore false doctrines down by preaching HIS TRUE doctrine AND LIVING IT!!!! I love how you pointed out the biggest pharisaical thing of Jordan which is that he's making money and asking people to pay him for his tearing people down.

[@anda1anda2]

Just 4 things : 1) I agree with much more of your content than Jordan; 2) Catholics do not have temples. They have churches. 3) Much of what has been left in many protestant services comes from the traditions originally established by the Catholics millennia ago. And 4) the fact that the Catholic Mass includes parts of scripture might surprise some Protestants. I could go on about the problem of many faiths that have everyone reading Bibles and feeling fully competent to explain Bible TRUTH - but unfortunately it wouldn't automatically be "truth", but rather the belief of that that individual has that they have the t real truth and will fight to proclaim their truth. And so denominations split and splinter all proclaiming their truth.... even though the actual form of the word came in part as oral traditions /+ oral retellings and perhaps some hand written copies of letters. And much of what has been kept comes from the same Catholics who preserved the original documents in safety, and later who copied each document word for word page by page, book by book, until the invention of the printing press in the 1600's.

[@Divinewillfountain]

Sectarian Pharisee Jordan Riley. It is lost on him that he sounds like the enemies of Jesus.

[@MatiasSancho-x9m]

I need more content 8 days ago is too far I need a video a day 😊

[@AgainstTheCurrentPodcast]

Haha I hear you! It’s hard to keep up. Stay tuned for more.

[@joangalt6270]

My husband REFUSES to watch The Chosen BUT he's watch all of the negative reviews of it!! I DO watch it, love it, and I am TRYING to get him to watch it as well. He acts like it's going to send him to hell or something and it drives me nuts!! And my thoughts about "90% of the content (not) coming from the bible". HOW could they make a show that was entertaining if they didn't add dialog to characters who didn't have a dialog in the bible? That would make for a very boring show indeed. As long as The Story is told, and the story of Jesus is still there then...what's the problem? There have been MANY movies made about biblical characters that are beloved to this day, sans controversy. Remember The Ten Commandments? I bet that OVER 90% of the dialog didn't come from the bible!

[@ZumbaKimbo]

This guy is a jerk and NOT ecumenism! I was raised Catholic, but was saved as a Baptist, and have been protestant for 50 years!

[@kathybj]

Why is the dialogue being sped up?

[@chrisinolympiawa9295]

I wonder what he thinks of other forms of art that portray Jesus? Paintings, sculpture, music (hymns, worship songs), etc. None of them do it perfectly. There are always assumptions to be made. There are some churches that will only sing hymns using scripture. That is fine. But historically, art has always taken some creative license. Pastors who preach sermons use imagination, examples, stories, and parables to get across their points. I just think he goes too far. If he doesn't like the way Jesus is portrayed in The Chosen, fine. But to make it sound like it is worse than all the art that has ever portrayed Jesus is just too much.

[@drkarenhanson]

Criticising The Chosen is a way to get clicks for sure!

[@brandonwheaton1081]

Oh no look out! He has a messianic rabbi. A messianic rabbi is a rabbi that has recognized jesus as Messiah just as a messianic jew is a jew who recognizes Jesus as Messiah. Its another word for christian.