Christianity is filled with beautiful stories of love and grace, but it also carries a darker side. The judgmentalism, abuses, and distortions of Jesus’ original message are well-documented. As a Christian myself, I know we have not always lived out his teachings in ways that are compelling or life-giving.
It’s no wonder that many people today find Christianity unappealing. If Christians had truly lived by the radical love Jesus taught, perhaps the world would look different—less war, less poverty, less division. But the reality is that Christianity, like every religion, is made up of flawed human beings. And humans—whether Christian or not—struggle with selfishness, fear, greed, desire for power, hypocrisy, and prejudice.
Still, I believe these flaws can be overcome. The antidote is love—love for our families, our neighbours, the marginalized, and even our enemies.
Where The Chosen Fits In
You might wonder what any of this has to do with The Chosen (click on the link to see the trailer).
The Chosen is a TV series that tells the story of the public life of Jesus of Nazareth—the very person Christianity is built upon. And that’s the key: Christianity as we know it does not always represent who Jesus really was or what he actually taught. History shows us countless failures—from the Crusades to the defense of slavery to modern-day mistreatment of marginalized groups. Yet, in every generation, there have also been followers of Jesus who focused on his central message: love one another, even your enemies.
That message often gets buried under the noise of human failure. The Chosen helps clear away the clutter and bring us back to the heart of it all: the person of Jesus.
Why This Series Is Different
I’ve been learning about Jesus for over fifty years, and I can honestly say The Chosen is one of the most effective portrayals I’ve seen. Unlike earlier attempts that relied on stiff, word-for-word recitations from Scripture, this series feels alive.
It presents Jesus as a real, relatable person—with humour, humanity, and deep compassion. It also shows his challenges and the struggles of people around him, like Mary Magdalene, Matthew the tax collector, and Nicodemus the religious leader wrestling with doubt and faith.
This isn’t just a retelling of ancient words. It’s a story that breathes.
An Invitation
If you’ve been turned off by Christianity—or if you’ve simply never had much interest—I understand. But I invite you to watch The Chosen not as a study of Christianity, but as a way of exploring who Jesus of Nazareth was. Historians agree he lived; the real question is who he claimed to be and why people were drawn to him.
Give the series time. Let it draw you in. You may discover not religion, but a person—a person whose teachings on love, grace, and forgiveness still have the power to change lives.
If you want to know what Christianity is supposed to be, start with Jesus.
And if you want to get to know Jesus, watch The Chosen.
Photo credit: TV Guide
