Pastor & Latter-day Saint: Is THE CHOSEN a Controversy?

[@HelloSaints]

Do you watch The Chosen? If so, what is your favorite moment/episode?

[@SCPN333]

I love the Chosen. it's hard to say which episode exactly is my favorite episode, I do love the sermon on the mount, and I am the law of Moses episode.

[@danieldunbar2956]

Chosen is awesome!

[@SuttonShimai]

I keep going back to the raising of Lazarus.

[@michellecallaway3456]

So many good moments but I love the scene when Matthew decides to leave his job and follow Christ.

[@kaistinakemperdahl9667]

Season 4 ep 2. i rarely cry when watching things. But at the end of that episode, I realised my cheeks were wet. There’s so much there, but I love especially how the Matthew/Simon peter animosity is resolved.

[@iwantcheesypuffs]

Does The Chosen bring you to the scriptures. Absolutely yes. Then for that reason alone it's a great series. Does it compel inter faith conversation. Yes. And for that it's amazing. It's growing testimonies of Christ even for people of no faith. And for that it's truly a blessing.

[@johnhiltoniii]

Yes! thank you.

[@skyblueshaz6023]

I have to agree with you on this. When I first watched The Chosen I didn't agree that Mary Magdalene was possessed and I stopped watching it until a friend recommended it so I prayed and asked the Lord. My answer was that Yes they don't have everything correct BUT, it is bringing my children to Christ. So I have been watching it again and I've seen so many comment's from people saying they have found Jesus Christ and I think that's soul saving.

[@elizabethc5133]

I love love love love love The Chosen !! As a Latter Day Saint, it has absolutely brought me closer to Christ! :)

[@skyblueshaz6023]

That's great! Follow Christ not a false prophet.

[@taylanhorrigan2177]

​@@skyblueshaz6023 Please don't talk to people of different faiths like that... You're wrong for that and the spirit can't be with you.

[@taylanhorrigan2177]

​@@skyblueshaz6023to clarify it can't be with you when your acting like that

[@Elizabeth-rk3do]

​​@@taylanhorrigan2177 Jesus Christ told the Pharisees that they were of their father the devil because they refused to believe that he was God. (John 8) Christ said that their sins would not be forgiven and they would be condemned. Was the Spirit not with Jesus Christ? ****** The LDS Heavenly Father damns people who deny the eternal principle of polygamy. D&C 132 He even threatened to destroy Emma if she didn't abide by her husband's adultery. Walking in the truth means that you must believe things that are sometimes painful. 🕊

[@jeanette850]

As a Latter Day Saint watching the Chosen was the first time I really felt like Christ was being presented to me the way I had always envisioned him. It wasn’t jolting at all to me (as Jeff said some had felt). Christ felt more accessible to me than I had ever experienced before. He was not a cold distant deity, he was my older brother who loves me and advocates for me while at the same time teaching me how to be a better person and to see others through his eyes.

[@kelleenprue5682]

I also, felt that way, Jeannette! I was raised in a faith that made Christ out to be unreachable, judgemental and ready to pounce on me for the slightest mistake or tiniest sin. But that's not how I envisioned Him. I felt He would encourage me and my curiosity, take my hand and pull me up if I fell. Correct me boldly but lovingly if I misused my agency or went against His teachings. I LOVE the way He is presented in The Chosen because He's REAL and TOUCHABLE. He's joyful despite all He knows about His coming mission and He even has an appropriate sense of humor 😊 I thank Dallas and crew for being so diligent in listening to the promptings of the Spirit and introducing people to the Savior of the World AS HE TRULY IS!

[@davidgillis950]

I felt that the Jesus in the Chosen parrarles the Jesus I saw in Finding Faith in Christ and The Testaments. Obviously, The Chosen has been able to develop the picture of a personal Savior more deeply, but I got those same vibes from those other shows.

[@rdancranston]

ANYTHING that brings us closer Christ is a good wonderful thing in my eyes...

[@mjwells100]

I just LOVE Dr. Hilton. His master class series is so amazing! I have learned so much from him.

[@DallasJenkinsOfficial]

Love these conversations...even when people are disagreeing, it's vital for us to explore our faith and the perspective of others, ultimately grounding it in scripture.

[@mtorres9069]

Yes, common ground is Jesus and we can work from there to unite us.

[@johnhiltoniii]

Yes!

[@duane9166]

@@DallasJenkinsOfficial looks like this really is you Dallas, and if so, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for the Chosen. Thank you for all your hard work on it. Thank you for your very, very patient fundraising when so many watch but so few contribute. Thank you so, so much for the very great blessing you’ve provided all Christianity.♥️

[@erich15]

Hello Dallas. Love the series. There is no doubt disagreements exsist. I like to think of it this way. We are all down here and many of us are doing our best and pretty much want the same things. I don't fault anyone that is seeking out God honestly and trying to follow him regardless how difderent their beliefs may be. In the end we are all children of God and he wants us all to come back home. Seeing others the way he sees us will bring true and lasting unity.

[@janetspiritofthelivinggod6328]

@DallasJenkinsOfficial just want you to know that I realize what a cultural catalyst you and your team have been as I hear yet again in a message or conversation "you've seen the chosen, right?..", as a point about God is being made. Thank you thank you! To God be the glory, great things He has done.

[@cynthiaabsher9069]

When Jesus first invites Nicodemus to join him. The part that makes tears stream down my face is when Nicodemus bends down and kisses his hands. Then Jesus has him stand and embraces him and holds his head. It wasn't just a friendly hug. It's a loving, long embrace.

[@SREprep]

That was my favorite scene of all time!

[@julienne2463]

I ❤ the Chosen! I’m LDS and immediately connected with the Jesus Dallas Jenkins gave us. As I have spent my life developing a relationship with Jesus Christ, this is the one I’ve come to know and it has made it easy to know that even if I was the only person on earth, Jesus Christ still would have suffered in Gethsemane and death on the cross for me. 🙏🏼♥️

[@johnhiltoniii]

Thanks for sharing this perspective!

[@sampson1952]

I am one who stopped watching the Chosen because I did not like the way they portrayed the Savior in a more "human" way. It felt too disrespectful. But after watching this discussion I have new eyes to be able to watch it with a less judgemental attitude. Thank you (both of you).

[@johnhiltoniii]

Thanks for this perspective! I'm glad you're giving it another chance.

[@Kevin.Parkin]

I have news for you; Jesus was and IS human. Welcome to the party.

[@randydouglass8872]

​@@Kevin.ParkinYes God and Jesus Christ are both human only glorified and perfected. At least that's the way they were described.

[@jmark986]

I've always felt Jim Caviezel was the best depiction of Christ on screen. There was a real sense of authority in how he carried himself and he had a regal appearance and stature to him.

[@bball84095]

I love that you were open enough to listen and change your mind from something that was pretty set in stone. That is one of our purposes of mortality, be open to inspiration from divinity and soften your heart as he obsessed to understand who he is and what his plan is more and more. Keep it up!

[@lennym.s5453]

John Hilton iii is awesome , great speaker, you should invite him very often , for very specific and spiritual topics, but today’s episode was great,thank you for inviting him

[@beckypitcher]

I am LDS with Lutheran grandparents. It has always been very difficult to discuss faith with them. The Chosen has been a beautiful way for us to connect and discuss Jesus and the Bible together! We all truly love Jesus and can bond over that love without any of us feeling defensive or trying to convert the other. 😂

[@shishsquared]

I'm curious as to why you don't feel the need to convert each other

[@beckypitcher]

@@shishsquared Honestly, for most of my life my Grandmother told me that I was going to hell. It didn’t matter to her that I loved the Bible or that I worshiped Jesus and was baptised in his name and tried to follow Him. Unlike my other cousins, who were raised Lutheran or Catholic, I am still following Jesus as an adult. I think her desire to discuss the Chosen with someone else who loves the Bible helped my grandma change her perspective and realize that we could discuss this show together, because we both know the stories and care about the teachings of Jesus. I do not feel a need to convert her, as I believe that she is following Jesus and maybe she’s just given up trying to convert me. 🤣🤷🏻‍♀️

[@timmiestabrnak]

You point out that you both care about the teachings of Jesus. I’ve always been curious as to why the Mormon church is so opposed to the top two commands of Christ. Why the Mormons push so much racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and antisemitism. Why does the LDS church commit so much csa and goes above and beyond in extensive efforts to hide said csa from law enforcement?

[@johnhiltoniii]

What a powerful example of the chosen making a way to talk about Jesus Christ. Love this!

[@brb5506]

@@beckypitcher Wonderful answer. By watching The Chosen, you and your grandmother are both being converted to Jesus Christ.

[@nataly140]

A convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of 26 years. Love the Chosen. Brings me to Christ every time I watch even a little clip. Thank you for the show ❤

[@joeljorgensen9657]

Chosen S1E1. At the end of the when Jesus meets and hugs Mary -- it was so emotionally moving. I was sucked into the show from then on. I love The Chosen!

[@BGCflyer]

…yep! Me too. My wife and I just loved that part.

[@brb5506]

S1E1 is my favorite episode. It contrasts dark and light very powerfully.

[@sadlittlesnail6424]

I had the wonderful blessing of being in a "stake" (geographic division) where Dr. Hilton was a member of the stake presidency (this was at BYU). He's incredible, and I loved being able to learn from him. Pretty amazing guy!

[@cindye9996]

I love to listen to Dr. Hilton! He is so knowledgeable and I learn so much from him.

[@jamesbroughton7870]

We love John Hilton he’s amazing and as far as people getting upset over the chosen sometimes I think we can get a little bit too stuck in our righteousness. I think it’s a fantastic project that will bring a lot of people that would normally not be interested in Jesus Christ to learning about him. This is a great conversation loved it. We love you too Pastor Jeff

[@creativejuicebyloni]

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I will say I was beyond grateful for the way the Chosen depicts Jesus, for it is the way I've always "seen" Him...as someone who is approachable and loving, as well as my Savior. This is "my" Jesus (though I know it's a show). Also, I was introduced to the Shepherd before the Chosen began filming and have been a supporter since then!

[@ltinfpr2j247]

We really enjoy watching the Chosen. We have donated to the show and support the cause. We really believe Dallin is acting under the inspiration of God. We absolutely feel the Spirit testifying of the truth that is being portrayed through this tv series.

[@tamaraatkinson364]

Hi Jeff. I love your channel. I'm LDS, and through your channel, it has strengthened my testimony as to hearings your prospects of each topic you discuss with LDS guests and hearing your take on it I find we are not much different. When I was younger, my parents allowed me to attend other faiths a couple, for example, Lutheran, Bible study, and Catholic. I tell you this just so you have a chuckle after reading this. As I went to the Catholic faith, I had not been paying much attention to the people as they walked in as I was looking around amazed at the beautiful stained glass windows. As I was ready to enter in my friends asked if I'd like the Holy Water, and I said yes. Can you imagine the horrified look on everyone's face when I picked it up and took a sip. Then imagine my horrified shocked face when I watched those coming in after me and they put their two fingers in the water to make the Holy Cross....! I also want to tell you how much I love your wife Joy. I can feel her gentleness, her loving spirit, and sweet voice. I sure wish I could meet you both in person. Love you both and love what you are doing. We are all cherished children of God, and he does want us all to return to him no matter what faith we are. I know he is very pleased with what you are doing and that is bringing all faiths together to see how similar we are and that we should accept and respect one another and their beliefs in Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you again! ❤ Tammy - Clinton, Utah PS: I'm sure you already have this but I wanted to know if you have downloaded the app later day saints. Org?

[@IvyWood-b9w]

I will start watching the chosen . Thank you. I learn a lot from Dr. Hilton from his show. Thank you both .

[@paulagraves6517]

Sense we are relying on our faith to believe in Christ, since we have for the most part not seen Him, our imagination is key to feeding our faith. I am sad for those that are so literal that they miss the point that the chosen is there to make people aware of Jesus Christ and help them to turn to Him. He is the Savior of the world and this series helps to bring Him to life. Thank you to much for sitting down together and joying in your love of the Lord.

[@johnhiltoniii]

Amen!

[@ericpond4488]

Hello Jeff, thank you for producing this episode with John Hilton. I love The Chosen. I love every moment portrayed that features an intimate, one-to-one, eye-to-eye conversation between Jesus and the people he encounters, especially the scenes derived directly from New Testament passages. I love the historical fiction too. The writers have brought new flesh to the plausible interactions between characters, including undertones of 21st Century concerns. Dallas and his team have drawn me into new considerations about the historical human element, and more importantly, how I react to the invitations Jesus Christ has directed to me. Their creative story line provides a perfect focus and power to the scriptural passages I love so much. I love how you have followed the Lord's admonition, "Come now, let us reason together..." Isaiah 1:18. You have developed a wonderful model of dialogue leading with love and respect. I pray for opportunities just like this conversation. May God continue to bless you. Thank you.

[@savannahsdad1966]

This is a great conversation. I need to develop more tolerance for Christians who get angry at elements of The Chosen

[@NateWoodbury]

I was excited to learn about John Hilton's website containing links to The Chosen content on KZbin. I was shocked and disappointed to learn that he had copied the content and put it on his own KZbin channel. This is a very bad practice and not cool. He should know better. The only proper way to do this is to link directly to the official "The Chosen" KZbin channel or other places where the show can be found, such as BYU TV. KZbin allows you to create a link with the desired start time.

[@johnhiltoniii]

Hi Nate--we emailed about this earlier today. As I explained to you, I received permission from The Chosen to do this, which includes not just start times but edits to keep the clips focused on the scriptures.

[@NateWoodbury]

@@johnhiltoniii Thanks for responding like you did!

[@lisaw.1601]

I love Dr Hilton. This conversation was great!

[@kristinanoall]

Absolutely love Brother Hilton! Thanks for having a conversation with him!

[@leilettesartoga7276]

YES! Everyone should be watching The Chosen!! It's such a beautiful show and it makes for great date nights. I love that protestants, catholics, latter-day saints and Jewish people have advised or collaborated. Even more variety of folks have been supporting by purchasing, investing in and sharing episodes.

[@gibbssanchez5492]

I love The Chosen, I am a reborn again Christian, was raised Catholic, lived 25 years in SLC UT, grew up with some Mormom friends.

[@johnhiltoniii]

Thank you for sharing this perspective!

[@kellythayer3679]

I have been captivated by the chosen and have watched it multiple times season one through season four. And it’s almost like scriptures, I get something new from every episode watching it over and over. You talked about the scene with little James wanting to understand why he hadn’t been healed, and the interesting part about that scene was how Jesus already knew he was feeling this way but the way Jesus walked little James through this question. When he gave little James his vision of when Little James is out ministering to the gentiles and healing them, How much more powerful will it be for the person little James heals to see the power of the Priesthood and the miracle that they are healed and then they realize that Little James is still crippled. It then becomes a testimony of little James taking care of others before himself. Immediately little James understood and saw the power in the way the Lord was seeing it, and the Lord, letting little James know that his day would come and little James accepted that and moved on. Of course we understand that the resurrection will take care of all of that because of the atonement. But little James and the rest of the apostles have no concept yet of what’s to come!! … the Faith of little James!

[@johnhiltoniii]

Thanks so much for sharing this!

[@kellythayer3679]

@@johnhiltoniii thank you Dr Hilton for your insights. I really enjoyed this episode. I have been following Pastor Jeff on Hello Saints for almost two years. He does an amazing job keeping his channel friendly and without contention! I Look forward to your second part on Hello Saints. 🙏

[@natedawg2020]

I like John Hilton. He seems smart and humble.

[@lairofmedi3421]

He's awesome. I know him and Tyler Griffin (who he had on previously) from institute/university classes. Both fantastic, smart and genuine guys. I've thoroughly enjoyed their visits with Jeff and Jeff has been more than fantastic to them in return. Would love to get more. Jared Halverson as well.

[@KyChristensen]

He's awesome...we were in the same ward our Freshman year at BYU

[@penstu1967]

Totally!!! He sounds very humble. And not charging for his research and videos on the chosen.

[@monicracinskas3295]

I have so many but the woman at the well had me in tears! Her exuberance was so tangible and so moving! Declaring that Jesus is the Christ so fully was refreshing! The woman who was bleeding was also incredible as she touched his tassel but probably my favorite was when Peter forgave Matthew. This truly was pivotal in teaching us about apologizing and forgiveness! What a touching life lesson! I'm a latter-day saint and I really appreciate the dialogue you're having with so many LDS members/professors. Thank you for opening the interfaith dialogue and helping us to see that we have so much in common regarding our conviction/testimony of Jesus Christ. You are an inspired man!

[@johnhiltoniii]

That was such a powrful scene!

[@zionmama150]

27:23 ironically, this is also the reason for the purpose of the Book of Mormon, not to add to, but to help people understand Christ

[@janetspiritofthelivinggod6328]

After reading the BoM I would have to disagree with you.

[@alancrookston5906]

Two people that I respect. Thanks for the dialogue brothers.

[@TomorrowsChild86]

Loved this episode!! I love John Hilton .. I watch his Master Class and I am always moved by it and learn so much… Pastor Jeff I look forward to your Podcast every week and always am so happy when you post.. Thank you for all your efforts !! God Bless you and your Family! ♥️

[@aguyinavan6087]

There's a part of us that wants social harmony, but its good to remember that although Christ was the Prince of Peace, he said that he was not here to bring peace, but the sword. It's completely fine that people are wrestling with this and one another. That's what makes Israel Israel. Matthew 10:34, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword”

[@paracosmic4124]

Yay professor Hilton! he's my bom teacher and he's great

[@DeadeyeDaily]

12:45 I resonated DEEPLY with that episode, myself. I was trying not to die from COVID, and, paradoxically, trying to will myself not to give up on life! I felt as if the virus was a demon that had possessed my body, or that it had left a hole in my soul where demons were getting in! (I don't know what the reality of my situation was, but that's how it felt to me in that moment). It was a dark autumn morning. I was sitting up in bed, pitching a fever, shivering, feeling miserable and drained, and I knew I had COVID, the same thing that was killing people around me. It was one of the "realest" moments of my life... and I started watching The Chosen Series. Near the end of the first episode, Lilith is seated at the bar asking to get drunk, begging to "escape" her reality, when and unknown figure approaches her to -intervene- intercede. She leaves. He follows, and calls her by name- a name only he (and she) knows. I sobbed as I heard the words: "Fear NOT, for I have redeemed you... You are mine!" The intensity talked about was indispensable for me to get the divine experience that I got... and set me on a path that has transformed my life!

[@wendyholmes9807]

I love this, as LDS the dialogue between faiths is beautiful, both respect each other and it's refreshing. I haven't seen an episode of the Chosen, now I do. Everyone has to remember Christ was also a human, one with power, however human, he laughed, loved, got mad, sad, I believe he was "Chosen" because he was born human. He saw ,knew and felt real life. Thank you

[@natedawg2020]

I really hope you plan on doing another video with Dr. Hilton about his book. Maybe you could get him in a room with Rabbi Joe Charnes and have a three way conversation about the likelihood of whether the BoM’s Hebraisms are contrived.

[@dansherwood9851]

I love the eps of Jesus at the pool. Every character could be us in some way throughout our lives. Every one. Take up your bed and leave this place. Christ never wants us to be victims, but victorious, and to help others to be the same. I love it and have used it several times in EQ discussions. It’s awesome!!!❤️

[@tinaurbanik8484]

I LOVE the Chosen and it has most definitely brought me closer to the Savior.

[@chadmay3656]

I started to watch the Chosen after hearing people talk about it. And since I knew the Bible, it helped me draw closer to the Lord. Can't wait for the season dealing with Jesus passion.

[@johnhiltoniii]

Me too!

[@gibbssanchez5492]

When people say they don't watch The Chosen, I ask myself why? With all the junk TV shows out there and everything on TV, we are lucky to have a show like the Chosen, even if it's not completely accurate in some things. Who cares keep watching your other non related Jesus shows, sports, etc. I Love The Chosen!

[@johnhiltoniii]

Preach! :)

[@edwinphilips5212]

Indeed. People seem to forget, not even the Bible or the Book of Mormon are "completely accurate". They are the thoughts and memories and writings of men. Inspired men, prophets even, but still imperfect. Even if you were present yourself, you couldn't relate the events with perfect accuracy. It would be skewed by your perspective, and by limitations of spoken and written language. But with each perspective, we can gain new insights, deepen our own understanding, and draw nearer to the savior, and each other.

[@craigsmith6909]

Well said.

[@tammimeade8109]

I LOVE how personal He is in the chosen. It has made me feel so connected and loved. He isn't unreachable. The Chosen is incredible and a powerful took tool to bring people into conversation and conversion. My teens love it and that makes my heart happy.

[@charlescresap4451]

Why not? While it may not be an LDS production, it is filmed at the LDS film production facility in Goshen, Utah with LDS approval. If it were not approved, no permission would have been given to use the church property. I have family that work there and he says it is a great production. I recently heard a pastor respond to the question, "How do you know if your church is a true church?" His answer was, "If it seeks to get us to follow and bring glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, it's a true church". That would also apply to a production that teaches about the Savior. In our Doctrine & Covenants 29:42 the Lord promised Adam and his seed, who would be all of us, that he will send angels to declare repentance and redemption. Repentance is to know our Lord God and rejoice in Jesus Christ, our redeemer (Alma 37:9) Redemption is about knowing and following our redeemer, Jesus Christ. This program, which is a serious Christian endeavor, is another fulfillment of that wonderful promise. It is a serious effort on the part of serious Christians.

[@daveyshmavey]

I love your comment and totally agree with it and am LDS. I don’t know who your responding too though… haha!

[@melissapratt3545]

This is the most interesting and fascinating talk/video I've seen. And I'm gonna be honest, I haven't watched EVERY episode fully until now! Thank you so much for this conversation! I love the back and forth questions that focus on Jesus Christ.

[@Robprina]

I really enjoyed listening to this excellent discussion. Thank you for having the courage to have this kind of conversation in this context. I appreciated what you said about Jesus being the personification of provocation, or something to that extent. I think that is something that many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints could, and perhaps should, develop a broader perspective of. Keep up the good work!

[@jenneferc8768]

Everything that is good in this world is part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We should follow the teachings of Jesus and try to be better and more like Him Article of Faith 13: We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. My Family love to watch the Chosen together and have spread the wonderful news to anyone who would love to know more about Jesus. It's a great a powerful series!!! ❤

[@nancylowe2692]

My daughter loves the Chosen & always wants me to watch it with her. I like it as entertainment, but Jesus is nothing like I pictured Him. I loved the old Jesus of Nazareth mini-series with Robert Powell as Jesus. And Jim Caviezel is probably my favorite in Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ." To me, they look like Jesus would have looked. I don't know where I read it, but descriptions of His eyes being "like the ocean" in color & in expressiveness. Hard to explain. I guess everyone has a different Jesus experience.

[@adamrelf22]

I really enjoyed watching "The Chosen"! My favorite scene was the depiction of the woman with the issue of blood. That narrative became vivid for me in a way it never had before. I was moved by her faith in Jesus and her inner conflict over her perceived uncleanliness. This resonates with how many of us sometimes feel unworthy of his love and redemption.

[@shebamaree9026]

read the Bible please! it has nothing to do with uncleanliness!

[@adamrelf22]

@shebamaree9026 I wasn't calling her unworthy, I was taking the same feeling she had by being "unclean" and relating it to a very common feeling in my opinion of feeling unworthy. Both "unclean" and unworthy are welcome to approach and be healed by Christ.

[@johnhiltoniii]

This scene is so powerful!

[@janetspiritofthelivinggod6328]

​@@shebamaree9026as far as I know this woman had to shout "unclean" if she went into public, like someone with leprosy.

[@Megsymop]

The first episode of The Chosen is my absolute favorite. The beauty of the extreme of the darkness that Mary was in and then Jesus healing her by calling her name and saying she was His. It 100% fits exactly what I experience with Jesus.

[@kennythomsonjr5553]

Well done, gentlemen. We all need the Savior to be front of mind. He has changed my life forever

[@ShaunaOakeson]

I have loved watching the Chosen and I pray it will open eyes and hearts around the world for those who do not yet know the Christ.

[@chadholbrook4236]

Thanks for the authentic discussion. I appreciate both of your insights and perspectives. Regarding the Chosen, I enjoy it primarily because it provides me with a potential realistic context for the circumstances described in scriptures. I love Jesus Christ and His life is very important to me. The Chosen provides a perspective.

[@johnhiltoniii]

Amen!

[@theodelphia]

Y'all are awesome! Thank you for doing this channel. It's so strengthening and refreshing to hear about the shared love and faith that we have in Jesus Christ.

[@beckybanks8445]

My favorite moment is when Nicodemus is grieving because he doesn’t have the strength to go, and Jesus is aware Nicodemus ' struggle and has the compassion for him.

[@JonJohnson-fv8jp]

Beautiful conversation. Thank you both. Your hearts and minds are in the right place.

[@redrock5939]

This is my favorite video of yours so far! This conversation is a model for discussions for those who do not agree on everything to exchange ideas. Can you imagine a conversation similar to this one on national policy?

[@danny6758]

The Chosen has done so much to spread Christ’s message and life to the world it’s amazing. I always loved the idea and purpose of The Chosen absolutely, though admittedly I didn’t like watching it when I watched the first season because like others have also commented I think I judged the way Jesus was portrayed too harshly. Definitely will have to give it another go with a better perspective

[@evenspor]

One of my favorite things about the Chosen is the depiction of Jesus. Even if not everything in the show 100% matches my views of the Old Testament, I feel like Dallas Jenkins is doing a really good thing, just like I think you are doing some good things with your channel, helping us all understand each other better. My favorite episode is the end of Season 3. I can watch it over and over. Too many things to list that I love about that episode.

[@johnhiltoniii]

Amen!

[@southwestrunner6384]

Both of these guys are AWESOME !!!! Looooovvvvveeee the Chosen!

[@anitabergman9711]

I am so crying. I love this discussion

[@johnhiltoniii]

The Chosen makes me cry too!

[@namewithheld8704]

The thing I like about The Chosen's portrayal of Christ is that he is happy, not stoic. When something sad happens he weeps. He is loving.

[@johnhiltoniii]

Amen!

[@Graham-mv6zo]

Hey Jeff. I Love watching your podcast. I'm L D S by the way ;) God bless brother X

[@debralowe5343]

Regarding the "I AM the Law of Moses" line, the pharisee said earlier that the Law of Moses *is* God. Jesus in that scene was just being clear who He is.

[@mccaf87]

Before Moses was, I am.

[@wylldflower5628]

First the Summit replay sounds like a great way to keep our minds focused on the principles Jesus taught over what’s likely to be a rather tense few days. I’m in the process of watching The Chosen, I’m near the end of season 3.. The last few years that have been stressfully and I wanted to watch it when I could focus on it better. I always have a bit of difficulty with modern people putting voice to biblical characters as I’ve seen quite mixed results. Given that we have difficulty translating the Bible clearly and with zero disagreement, I’m okay if most denominations have quibbles here & there. I can’t take from it what I think is best without worrying over what I disagree with.

[@SenorHomeslice]

This show has been so powerful for me specifically because it shows Christ’s humanity. So often the divine is the focus and understandably so. But it makes it feel like Christ is turned into a stained glass window. Christ condescended to mortality so He would know how to succor His people. If Christ never gets frustrated, never has to manage disagreements among apostles, never has to wrangle with an overbooked schedule, then i might feel justified in saying “But You don’t understand MY burden.” Seeing the human side helps me connect to Him in a way that trying to through His divinity alone caused me to struggle. I am not saying it must be that way for everyone, but I know it has answered a prayer in my heart I didn’t even know I had.

[@jonahnicoll1058]

Hello Jeff! It took me a bit to get used to the Chosen's storytelling I had a few reservations but I appreciate the respect it shows the source material even if I don't agree with how everything is portrayed. Speaking of cultural stories, this week volume 4 of the Saints series is coming out, it would be interesting to see your reaction, it is an official narratively written Church history series that I have really enjoyed

[@mlg74]

To me, it brought Him to life in my life. Fact is that He came to earth to become one of us. Sinless of course, but He didn’t just say you guys got it down there and I’ll stay in heaven and watch. He is the ultimate walk the walk

[@VickiRasmussen]

I'm an LDS lover of all art reflecting Christ's teachings. It was also interesting to hear Jeff argue (40:06) for the cultural need for actors to preserve the truth in our stories by passing them on to others - cuz that's exactly why we participate in the temple drama. ♥️

[@janetspiritofthelivinggod6328]

So why all the secrecy then?

[@frankbrady1568]

This was a fantastic conversation. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a fan of the Chosen and Dr. Hilton. I'm looking forward to your next conversation with him. My two favorite moments in the Chosen are regarding faith. The woman with the issue of blood and Giaus asking Jesus to heal his son. I can not watch them without crying. What I like the most about the Chosen is that it can place you there as a disciple of Jesus. There is something that just about anyone can relate to in one of the apostles or other followers.

[@johnhiltoniii]

I love these scenes too!

[@frankbrady1568]

@ Thank you for your weekly Come Follow Me videos. I’m teaching seminary this week for my wife while she is out of town and she recommended watching your videos. She finds them very helpful and so do I.

[@paintwithcaleb]

I have absolutely LOVED watching this video. I felt the love of Christ from both of you. That’s a beautiful thing - to see so clearly people of different religions conversing in such a positive, calm, yet also delightfully passionate way. I am confident you both love and strive to follow Jesus. I do too, and watching this not only inspires me to be more devout in following Christ, but also to use my creative abilities and teaching abilities to facilitate uplifting interfaith dialogue and interaction. After all, the point of what we strive to do as believers in Christ, is come closer to Him and invite others to do so along with us. That’s a truly beautiful thing! Glory be to God! He is so good!

[@johnhiltoniii]

Thanks for this comment!

[@gaymichaelis7581]

Really enjoyed this!!!!! I’m a Latter-day Saint… and I am a fan of Pastor Jeff, if I may!? And also of the Chosen! Thank you very much!!! 👌🩷❤️🙏✝️😇🇺🇸✡️🇮🇱

[@jameschristensen1658]

After watching the chosen, I was excited and invigorated to study the New Testament, to read it again with a better image in my mind of how things looked and were. Growing up LDS, there’s just not enough focus on the Bible. One of the things I intend to change when I raise my kids, I love all the scriptures and I think more LDS members need to learn that love. The chosen brought me closer to Christ. Therefore it’s good. Imperfect, but it’s a TV show, doesn’t need to be perfect, just needs to be good.

[@Dian2u]

I like how we can see a more comprehensive view of Christ, more complete and well informed view than most faith traditions can consider on their own. Christ is so much more than a man's interpretation can convey. It takes perspective from many to even come close.

[@jvyoung1258]

I like the way Jesus is portrayed in the Chosen. He was half mortal. I have to believe this is a good thing.

[@bowen324]

14:30 It's always made more sense to me that the Savior would be humanized, because, while He was divine, Isaiah told us that, at least while he was mortal, "...he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him." (Isaiah 53:2)

[@stevenhorne]

The thing I love about the chosen is that it helps pull you into the culture in which the scriptures were written. One of my favorite examples of this is the woman with the issue of blood who touched the hem of Jesus garment. I'd never thought about the connection of the story to the Old Testament law that she had been unclean for all those years and therefore "untouchable." What would it be like to go those many years and not have physical contact with other people? I also understood why she only wanted to touch the hem of the garment. Knowing she was unclean she didn't want to physically touch him. There are many things like this which make the Biblical stories feel more alive, including the points you touched on about raising Lazras from the dead. These were real people experiencing supernatural things that often confused them because what they were seeing was shaking up their view of God, the world, and the scriptures. It's good for us to also be shaken up from time to time and take a fresh look at these things.

[@sama.scraps]

I agree. It helps the watcher to empathize with the people Christ associates with. It helps me to understand the background and culture. Jonathon humbly portrays Jesus and is a responsible and respectful example outside the show.

[@BobSmith-lb9nc]

Haven't seen the Chosen, but do appreciate this discussion.

[@kenneththompson4578]

39:44 I enjoy the way you all expressed both the concern and the opportunity. As a teenager in Seminary, I found myself reflecting on things I had learned from family and teachers over time and wondered if the way they taught was the right way or not. The next thing that came to my mind was the idea of a bridge. When you build a bridge, it connects two points and enables smoother travel across what otherwise would have been a difficult distance. But the thing about bridges is that it allows people to pass both ways - onward or backwards. It seems to me that whenever I encounter someone who is concerned with the fact that someone can go backwards over a bridge, I want to tell them "don't take out the bridge!" Simply because there are so many opportunities for them to be able to cross over the right way too. The work shouldn't be to dismantle the bridge, it should be to redirect the traffic. Adjust the rear view mirrors, turn on the headlights, put up road signs. The bridge can bless and help people get to the right destination - life with God- where otherwise they might not have even tried, the path leading them through a dense forrest, across a river and through haed switchbacks up a mountain. If a bridge is built, don't remove it! Life is already hard enough to point us to Christ, we dontt need to make it harder to find Him. In an age with so much darkness and isolation, lets make the way to Christ clearer and help pave the way so others can find His rest more quickly. It would be so much easier to teavel the wrong way across a bridge, only to realize they were wrong and turn back to cross the right way than it would to trudge through the wilderness both ways. I greatly appreciate that this is such a common theme in this interview. Thank you!

[@scottsoward]

Love Brother John Hilton iii!

[@richelleb2996]

Absolutely love The Chosen. The apostles have become so much more real for me and also my children. This show has sparked a desire in all of us to connect more deeply with Christ. If it is bringing people to Christ, we should seek after these things. I believe in the admonition of Paul in Philippians 4:8, "...whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

[@johnhiltoniii]

"By their fruits ye shall know them..."

[@UtahKent]

Great conversation. Love the Chosen and see it as a vehicle to touch the lives of many who would not be approachable in other ways. Yes, we see things WE think Jesus should have done because we haven't learned the lesson that the Lord may have a reason and needing a result only this action would eventually bring to pass. "We see through a glass darkly..."

[@tiffanyericksondesign]

I have been a fan of the chosen since The Shepherd aired and before any episodes had been filmed. I watch The Shepherd multiple times each year. I just love it so much!

[@TravisGrant-q9f]

It is for folks lookin for more LIGHT 😇❤️😇❤️😇❤️😇

[@ThoseOneGuysInc]

Im one of those that watched 3 episodes and quit. Came back a year later and started with episode 4 and I’ve loved the show ever since. Excited for the next season.

[@johnhiltoniii]

Yes, episode 4 is where I really started getting into it.

[@CONDACOCLIPS]

At the maximum the book of Mormon needs to be purged of its outrageous errors and what us left become a solely personal devotional book

[@5boyzrus]

I never had a hard time accepting Jesus in the chosen. I love how He is portrayed. I also don't know any other LDS person who has struggled with how He is portrayed.

[@janeeyre8241]

What a wonderful conversation! I have avoided The Chosen after watching the first episode as, despite observing it is a quality production, I didn’t want it replacing my interpretations and imaginings of Jesus’ life prompted by my own scripture study. After watching this perhaps I’ll give a few more episodes a go.

[@johnhiltoniii]

Start with season 1 episode 3 or 4!

[@kaceyfclc1]

I love this type of interfaith dialog from an LDS perspective. I think "The Chosen" is a great tool to build common ground with each ever!

[@magapefarmshomestead6453]

Anyone who doesn't understand that there is artistic license used in the show "the Chosen" does not understand how motion pictures are made. It is a given and your responsibility is to search out truth with the help of His Spirit.

[@KristenH.]

I am a Latter-Day Saint and I love the Chosen! Like I follow pretty much everything they do (there's livestreams, fan pages, social media posts, etc.) And I have some of the merch (or gifts as they call it). I am a pretty big fan haha (but there are a lot more intense fans than me 😆). So, I was a little worried when I saw this title of this video that y'all were going to be against it haha. Pastor Jeff, if you haven't seen the Pool of Bethseda episode, go watch it! It's a good one! The Chosen has and will continue to bring people closer to Jesus Christ! 😊

[@micheleh3851]

@KristenH - Hello. I haven't watched much of The Chosen but just today I happened to come across the scene of the healing at the pool of Bethesda. The actor that played the man to be healed was especially amazing! I was absolutely blown away! I loved the script and it made me appreciate that Biblical passage as I never have before.

[@johnhiltoniii]

@@micheleh3851 YES! That scene is SO POWERFUL!

[@zionmama150]

I LOVE the Chosen. I do see that many things are portrayed from an Evangelical lens, but I can sift through that well enough it isn’t an issue for me.

[@SuperJ213]

The way Jesus is portrayed in The Chosen resonates so much with me. I’ve seen so many types of Christ portrayed in video format throughout my life (and they’re great in their own right), but what I see in The Chosen seems so….realistic to me.

[@Steelblaidd]

I thought it was really cool that this came out the same day as Dallas Jenkin's talk at BYU.

[@bball84095]

Thanks for another great episode! I’m a little shocked though pastor Jeff… With how much you are getting to know members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, you said that this was the first time you had heard a member mention our belief of Christ being 100% divinity and 100% human. That’s definitely one of our core beliefs! Anyway, keep up the good work and always stay open to inspiration of the spirit.

[@Elizabeth-rk3do]

Joseph Smith said that Jesus Christ was a created being the brother of Satan. Brigham Young said that Christ was married, fathered children, practiced polygamy, and was crucified because he practiced polygamy. (It's in the Journal of Discourses, which they realize is offensive to Christians. It's been discontinued.) Anyway, the church must be getting away from these teachings. God bless.

[@janetspiritofthelivinggod6328]

Evangelicals believe that Jesus is and always has been 100% God, including before He came to earth as 100% human. An LDS commenter told me about His purpose as a "God advocate" which biblically we would disagree with.

[@bball84095]

1 John 2:2 says, “And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous”

[@Elizabeth-rk3do]

@@bball84095 Joseph Smith said that Jesus Christ was a created being the brother of Satan. Apparently they no longer believe this.

[@jlewis8145]

Here are the original teachings of the church. The first spirit to be born in heaven was Jesus, (Mormon Doctrine, p. 129). Jesus and Satan are spirit brothers and we were all born as siblings in heaven to them both, (Journal of Discourses, vol. 6, p. 8; Gospel Through the Ages, p. 15). Jesus’ sacrifice was not able to cleanse us from all our sins, (murder and repeated adultery are exceptions), (Journal of Discourses, vol. 3, 1856, p. 247). “Therefore we know that both the Father and the Son are in form and stature perfect men; each of them possesses a tangible body . . . of flesh and bones,” (Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, p. 38). “The birth of the Saviour was as natural as are the births of our children; it was the result of natural action. He partook of flesh and blood-was begotten of his Father, as we were of our fathers,” (Journal of Discourses, vol. 8, p. 115). “Jesus was begotten by his Father as literally as he was conceived by his mother” (Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary 1:144). “Christ Not Begotten of Holy Ghost . . . Christ was begotten of God. He was not born without the aid of Man, and that Man was God!” (Doctrines of Salvation, by Joseph Fielding Smith, 1954, 1:18).

[@mdsagould]

I love John Hilton. I’ve been to many of his classes and he has broadened my spiritual knowledge.

[@sonjawright518]

I love the chosen but haven’t watched it in a while. My favorite episode is the pool of Bethesda

[@BGCflyer]

…ohh I love that scene

[@southwestrunner6384]

Both of these guys are AWESOME !!!!