You Can’t Boycott Jesus

The television show "The Chosen" has been met with absurd and disproportionate reactions from specific viewers due to the presence of a miniature Pride flag. The flag appeared in a behind-the-scenes photo, not as an element in the show. The overreaction, calling for boycotts or bans, undermines the show's primary purpose of depicting the life of Jesus Christ—a figure known for preaching love, tolerance, and acceptance. In examining this incident, it is crucial to reflect on the core teachings of Jesus and the need to foster understanding and compassion in our society.

The overreaction stems from a flag so small it barely registers. And unless you are looking at the behind-the-scenes photos, you will never know it was there. This disproportionate reaction raises questions about the rationality of penalizing institutions for a perceived association rather than an actual association. The Pride flag is everywhere. It can be purchased at Walmart, yet there is no call to boycott Walmart. There are no headlines espousing the collusion of Walmart with the Gay Pride movement. Because "The Chosen" deals with any already controversial topic, Christianity, the response is disproportionate to the offense. Agree or disagree, Christianity is under assault. It is the one religious institution you can assault without fear of repercussion. What is not talked about and not mentioned is that Christianity is also under assault from within.

There are the fundamentalists (Westboro Baptist, for example) who preach a hateful version of Christianity, and there are the progressive Christians (Joel Osteen, for example) who preach self-help Christianity. It serves both these factions to erode faith in a show like "The Chosen," which does not preach hate or exclusion (unlike Westboro) yet is still beseeching and stern (unlike Osteen). Each of these factions is invested in propagating their philosophy, but each faction serves a Godless master. It is essential to recognize that the symbol of the Pride flag in this context does not erode the tenets of Christianity or detract from the message of "The Chosen."

Rather than fixating on trivial symbols, it is crucial to challenge narrow perspectives and promote an environment of tolerance and acceptance. The Bible calls on believers to embody love and acceptance, regardless of differences. Romans 15:7 states, "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, to bring praise to God." By embracing diverse viewpoints and fostering dialogue, we can bridge divides and create a society that reflects the teachings of Jesus.

When judging this event and the strong reaction it has received, it is essential to reflect on the core teachings of Jesus, so we do not succumb to a false narrative. Jesus consistently preached love, compassion, and understanding, inviting all to come to him without discrimination. John 13:34-35 emphasizes, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know you are my disciples if you love one another." Rather than judging others, we should strive to embody these values in our own lives and extend acceptance to all.

"The Chosen" provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus, transcending divisions and promoting understanding. It is crucial to redirect the focus from a small flag to the significant lessons the show seeks to impart. Instead of advocating for boycotts or bans, we should use the series as a platform for introspection, growth, and the embodiment of values that Jesus preached—love, tolerance, and acceptance.

Christians must remember that the judgment of actors and actions ultimately rests with God. In matters of judgment, Romans 14:10 reminds us, "For we will all stand before God's judgment seat." Our role is not to determine what constitutes an offense against God. This assumes a position of moral superiority, a counterpoint to true Christian nature.

Furthermore, Christians believe that humans endure a constant onslaught of corruption and temptation, known collectively as spiritual warfare. If you believe that the devil seeks to corrupt you through ordinary and extraordinary means, then you must be aware of how the devil corrupts. Operating under the assumption that "The Chosen" reflects the true word of God, something like this flag should be seen as an attempt at corruption. Again, the judgment of sin belongs to God alone, so the corruption is not the flag or what it represents, but rather the corruption is the reaction to the flag.

"The Chosen" has reached millions of people and has compelled many to turn to Christ, so the devil would seek to derail it. The problem lies in the misguided concept that Christians cannot be used as instruments of the devil by virtue of being Christian. False. The Christian is more susceptible to corruption because when you seek to corrupt and destabilize a faith, organization, or nation, the best way to do that is from within. Luke 6:26 says, "Woe to you, when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.” In other words, beware of those assumed to be good Christians because they are in leadership roles or are well-liked. They too can bring you false teachings and separate you from your faith.

The call to boycott or ban "The Chosen" by Church leaders or the so-called "Pillars of the Faith" may be a roadblock to revival, something Christians are encouraged to promote, not subjugate. The Christian mission is the same mission that Jesus undertook when He chose to live among us, return lost sheep to the fold, and offer salvation to those considered beyond redemption.

We must also remember that movies and tv shows offer equal opportunity employment, and to not hire someone because their beliefs are incongruent with the message of the film or show is a Civil Rights violation. "The Chosen," though it does deviate from the Gospels for narrative purposes, has never relayed a message that did not align with Scripture, so even if there are gay and lesbian people working on the show, they are doing so in good faith and not subverting the message. Christians who expect Gestapo tactics on the set of this show, such as rooting out and purging those who do not align with the ideology, are not good stewards of the faith. They are not even Christians by the standards set forth in the Bible. Those who believe the Bible lacks diversity of kind have never read it.

The disproportionate reaction to a tiny flag on the set of "The Chosen" highlights the need, more than ever, to embrace the teachings of Jesus and foster a society grounded in love, tolerance, and acceptance. By challenging narrow perspectives, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and redirecting the focus toward the show's purpose, we can create an environment that reflects the principles Jesus espoused. Christians must remember that our role is to embody these values in our lives rather than judging others, leaving the final judgment to God.

• Ephesians 6:12 - "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
• John 13:34-35 - "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."
• 2 Corinthians 10:4 - "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."
• Romans 12:16 - "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."
• 1 Peter 5:8-9 - "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of suffering."
• Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law."

Author’s Note: Do not come after my show. The Chosen has seen me through the most trying times of my life. Being limited in my expressions of faith due to my disability, The Chosen represents a conduit for my faith. It has taught me to do everything in love and embrace uncertainty, living my life in a way congruent with the idea that we never know what will happen from one minute to the next, for tomorrow is not guaranteed.