The Chosen Mormon Influence: Separating Fact From Fiction In The Hit Jesus Series
Is the popular series about Jesus secretly promoting Mormon beliefs? This question has sparked intense debate among Christians and viewers worldwide, placing the groundbreaking series The Chosen at the center of a theological and cultural controversy. The show, celebrated for its humanizing portrayal of biblical figures, has become a global phenomenon. Yet, persistent rumors about Mormon influence on its production and message have caused significant concern, confusion, and even division within the Christian community. This article dives deep into the origins, funding, creative control, and theological claims surrounding The Chosen to provide a clear, comprehensive analysis of the Mormon influence question. We will examine the facts, hear from the creator, trace the corporate journey, and equip you with the critical thinking tools needed to watch this compelling series with an informed perspective.
The Phenomenon of "The Chosen": A Modern Media Marvel
Before dissecting the controversy, it's essential to understand what The Chosen is and why its success is unprecedented. The Chosen is the first multi-season series about the life of Jesus Christ, told through the eyes of those who encountered Him—the disciples, the sinners, the skeptics. It combines high-quality historical drama with intimate character studies, aiming to make the Gospel narratives feel fresh and visceral.
- Groundbreaking Format: Unlike traditional films, it is crowdfunded, allowing viewers to become "investors" and partners. This model has raised over $40 million from more than 20,000 individual contributors, making it the highest-funded media project in history at the time of its launch.
- Massive Reach: The series is available in multiple languages and can be streamed for free on its dedicated app, YouTube, and various platforms. This "pay-it-forward" model has led to hundreds of millions of views worldwide.
- Critical Acclaim: Praised for its acting, writing, and production values, it has resonated deeply with both religious and secular audiences, sparking conversations about faith in a new cultural language.
The show's description itself states: "The Chosen is a historical drama based on the life of Jesus and those who knew him. Jesus enters Jerusalem acclaimed as king and confronts corrupt temple merchants. While religious leaders plot against his growing influence, he shares a final meal with his disciples. In the shadows, Judas' treachery sets in motion events that would transform history. The Chosen allows us to see him through the eyes of those who knew him." This focus on transformative encounters with Jesus and his teachings is its core mission.
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The Core of the Controversy: Unpacking the Mormon Connections
The heart of the "The Chosen Mormon influence" debate stems from verifiable facts about the people and entities involved in the show's creation and distribution. These connections are not rumors but documented realities that require honest examination.
The Mormon Ties: A Fact-Based Overview
Several key pillars of The Chosen's production and distribution have direct ties to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as the Mormon church.
- Executive Producer & Creative Leadership: The series was created by Dallas Jenkins, who is not Mormon. However, a significant portion of the early production leadership and key executives at the original distribution partner were members of the LDS Church.
- Distribution Partner - Angel Studios: For its first several seasons, The Chosen was distributed by Angel Studios. This company has deep roots in Mormon culture. It broke away from VidAngel in 2021, rebranding itself with a focus on "family-friendly" and faith-based content. Its leadership and investor base include prominent Latter-day Saints.
- Production Resources: Certain episodes, notably those requiring a large Jerusalem set, were filmed on the "Jerusalem set" in Utah. This set is owned and operated by the LDS Church for its own film projects (like the "Book of Mormon" videos) and was made available to The Chosen production, representing a significant logistical and financial advantage.
- Crowdfunding & Media Expertise: The innovative crowdfunding campaign and the initial media strategy were heavily supported by networks and expertise within the LDS community. Many of the early "video on demand" (VOD) campaigns that helped the show trend were orchestrated by Mormon marketing professionals.
These facts lead directly to the claim: The Mormon influence on The Chosen is considerable in its infrastructure, funding channels, and distribution history.
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The Creator's Stance: Dallas Jenkins on Belief and Influence
Faced with these facts, Dallas Jenkins, the creator and director of "The Chosen," has been consistently clear in his public statements, creating a central tension in the narrative.
"I Have Mormon Friends... But I Do Not Endorse Their Beliefs"
Jenkins, an evangelical Christian from a non-denominational church background, has repeatedly addressed the Mormon influence question. His position can be summarized in two key assertions:
- Personal Fellowship vs. Doctrinal Endorsement: He states he has Mormon friends who love the same Jesus, emphasizing a shared reverence for the person of Christ. However, he explicitly does not endorse their beliefs, particularly the core LDS theological doctrines that differ from historic, orthodox Christianity (such as the nature of God, the Trinity, salvation by grace through faith alone, and the authority of the Book of Mormon).
- Source Material Primacy: He stresses that the show's content is based on the Bible and not influenced by any faith tradition. Jenkins argues that the creative team, primarily composed of evangelical Christians, consults biblical scholars and sticks to the Gospel narratives. Any perceived "Mormon influence" is, in his view, a result of logistical partnerships, not theological direction.
This stance is further illustrated when he directly addressed claims about the show using a quote from the Book of Mormon. He clarified that while some crew members may personally appreciate certain literary parallels, the writing team does not source dialogue or narrative from LDS scriptures. The show's scripts are built from the four canonical Gospels.
The Biography: Dallas Jenkins
To understand his perspective, it's helpful to know the man behind the vision.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dallas Jenkins |
| Born | circa 1975 (Illinois, USA) |
| Education | Graduated from Moody Bible Institute; attended Trinity International University |
| Primary Profession | Film Director, Producer, Writer |
| Key Prior Work | Director of "The Resurrection of Gavin Stone" (2017); former creative director at Harvest Bible Chapel |
| Faith Background | Reared in a pastor's home; identifies as an evangelical, non-denominational Christian |
| Role in The Chosen | Creator, Director, Executive Producer (through his company, 4&20 Productions) |
| Notable Statement | "The Chosen is not produced by Mormons. It is produced by Christians who love Jesus." |
The Angel Studios Split: A New Chapter, Old Questions?
The corporate landscape shifted dramatically in 2024 when Dallas Jenkins & The Chosen parted ways with Angel Studios. This separation was amicable but significant, marking the end of the original distribution partnership. Jenkins' new company, The Chosen, LLC, now handles distribution directly.
This development leads to a critical question: Does the Mormon influence question become a moot point now?
Why It's Not That Simple
While the direct financial and distribution ties to Angel Studios' Mormon ownership are severed, the issue is more nuanced:
- Legacy of the Early Seasons: Seasons 1-3 were produced and distributed under the Angel Studios umbrella. The Mormon influence on those seasons' funding, marketing, and even certain logistical choices (like the Utah set) is an indelible part of their history. Viewers analyzing those seasons cannot ignore that context.
- Ongoing Angel Studios Content:Angel Studio’s Mormon ownership and content in their new production ventures remain a reality. Their catalog includes other faith-based projects. The broader question of how LDS-owned media companies shape the Christian media landscape is still relevant.
- The Precedent Set: The success of The Chosen was undeniably amplified by networks and resources within the LDS community. This model of cross-communal support for "Jesus-centered" content, despite doctrinal differences, has been established.
Therefore, while the current production of new seasons may have cleaner lines of control, critical thinking consideration must still be given to the show's origins and the complex ecumenism it represents.
Theological Heart of the Matter: Which Jesus?
Beneath the corporate and personal details lies the most profound question: Are the biblical Jesus and the Mormon Jesus the same?
This is not a minor doctrinal quibble. Historic, orthodox Christianity (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox) and Mormonism present fundamentally different portraits of Jesus Christ.
| Aspect | Biblical/Orthodox Christian View | Mormon (LDS) View |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Jesus | The eternal God, the second Person of the Trinity, fully divine and fully human. | A created being, the spirit son of God the Father, and the spirit brother of all humanity. Not eternally God. |
| Atonement | A finished, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross for the sins of the world. | Includes a suffering in Gethsemane in addition to the cross. Emphasizes personal effort and obedience for full salvation. |
| Salvation | By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. | By grace, after "all we can do." Requires faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. |
| Scriptural Authority | The Bible (66 books) is the complete, authoritative, inspired Word of God. | The Bible (as interpreted by LDS prophets) + The Book of Mormon + Doctrine & Covenants + Pearl of Great Price. |
The Chosen, as a series based on the Gospels, portrays a Jesus who aligns with the biblical Jesus: He is the Son of God, forgives sins, claims divine authority, and His death and resurrection are central. The show does not explicitly teach Mormon-specific doctrines like pre-mortal existence or eternal progression. However, critics argue that the emphasis and interpretive lens can sometimes subtly reflect a more moralistic, "example-focused" Jesus (common in LDS thought) versus a substitutionary, divine Savior.
Voices from the Front Lines: Christian Concerns
The controversy is not just an online debate. It has surfaced in real, significant Christian spaces.
As reported by journalist Mark Ellis, at the most recent National Religious Broadcasters’ convention held in Nashville, one evangelical leader pulled me aside and proceeded to castigate the highly popular drama series The Chosen, because of the influence of a number of Mormons in its creation and distribution. This sentiment is widespread.
Several Christian bloggers have recently claimed that The Chosen... is “produced by Mormons.” Their readers have used social media to spread that rumor widely, often simplifying a complex situation into an alarmist warning. Conversely, many other Christian leaders and laypeople passionately defend the show, citing its biblical fidelity and spiritual impact.
This divide highlights a larger tension: How should Christians engage with media that has collaborative ties to groups with whom we share core beliefs about Jesus but differ on essential doctrines? Is pragmatic cooperation for evangelism permissible, or does it inherently compromise truth?
A Prophetic Connection? A Unique Mormon Perspective
Interestingly, the Mormon influence conversation takes another turn from a specific LDS viewpoint. Some Latter-day Saints see The Chosen as fulfilling prophecy.
One LDS writer stated: "I believe The Chosen may well be, in small part, the fulfillment of a little recognized Book of Mormon prophecy." They point to passages in the Book of Mormon (e.g., 1 Nephi 11:24-25, 2 Nephi 26:9) that speak of the Gentiles (non-Israelites) bringing forth the gospel and the words of Christ to the remnant of Israel. The idea that a globally popular, gentile-produced series about Jesus could be seen as a divine instrument is a powerful narrative within this community, further complicating the ecumenical dynamics.
Practical Guidance for the Concerned Viewer
If you're a Christian wrestling with whether to watch or support The Chosen due to the Mormon influence concerns, here is actionable guidance:
- Watch with Eyes Wide Open: Acknowledge the show's history. Know that Seasons 1-3 were distributed by a Mormon-owned company and used Mormon resources. This doesn't automatically invalidate the content, but it is a factor.
- Compare with Scripture: The best test is always the Bible itself. As you watch, keep a Bible handy. Do the portrayals of Jesus' character, teachings, and identity align with the Gospels? Be alert for any softening of His divinity, the nature of sin, or the cost of discipleship.
- Understand the Difference Between "Influence" and "Control": Much of the "influence" was financial and logistical (money, a set, marketing savvy). The creative control—the writing, directing, and final cut—resided with Dallas Jenkins and his primarily evangelical team. Distinguish between a partnership of convenience and a theological takeover.
- Engage in Graceful Dialogue: If someone is deeply troubled by this issue, don't dismiss their concern. Explain the facts you've learned here. Similarly, if someone is a passionate fan, don't condemn them. Discuss the nuances. The goal is faithful discernment, not tribal victory.
- Make Your Own Informed Decision: Based on your study, decide your level of support. Some may feel comfortable watching for free on the app, believing the content is sound. Others may choose not to support it financially due to the precedent set. Both positions can be held with integrity by sincere believers.
Conclusion: Discernment Over Dogma
The story of The Chosen and its Mormon influence is a complex tapestry of faith, entrepreneurship, ecumenism, and modern media. The facts are clear: Mormon individuals and companies played a considerable role in the show's early funding, distribution, and production logistics. The creator, Dallas Jenkins, affirms the show is based on the Bible and not on Mormon belief, while personally disavowing LDS doctrine.
The split with Angel Studios changes the corporate future but does not erase the past. The core theological question—which Jesus is portrayed?—must be answered by comparing the series to the biblical text. For many, the Jesus of The Chosen is recognizably the Christ of the Gospels. For others, the collaborative origins leave a lingering concern about subtle theological shaping.
Ultimately, this issue calls for more than rumor-spreading or blind defense. It calls for critical thinking. It asks viewers to be like the Bereans, searching the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so (Acts 17:11). Whether you decide The Chosen is a powerful tool for evangelism or a compromised project, let your decision be rooted in careful research, prayerful consideration, and a commitment to the transformative encounters with Jesus that the series seeks to portray—encounters that, in the end, must be measured by the standard of His Word.
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