The Chosen and Politics (Thematic Viewing Guide and Discussion Questions)
Updated: Sep 17
In the midst of a season of deep polarization and political turmoil, many churches are looking for healthier and less divisive ways to discuss politics. While there are many useful resources that are designed specifically for the purpose of fostering godly political discourse, not a lot of attention has been paid to the politically-formative power of one of the most widely-used resources in the contemporary church: The Chosen.
The Chosen does not have a political agenda - at least not in a conventional sense. While the show sometimes engages with anachronistic modern issues (e.g. family planning), so far it has kept Jesus out of the modern culture war. Perhaps that’s one reason why Christians from all across the political spectrum have been able to come together to enjoy and discuss The Chosen without getting distracted by their differences.
Although The Chosen isn’t interested in modern political debates, that doesn’t mean that the show isn’t political in a broader sense. The show sheds light on the spiritual and moral dynamics at work in the political arena and it also explores important philosophical tensions and debates. By starting with The Chosen, churches can explore some of these more basic matters - without immediately getting bogged down in debates over contemporary hot button issues.
If you or your church are interested in using The Chosen to reflect on politics or to generate constructive political discussions, here are seven episodes that you may want to watch - along with some simple questions that you can use for either personal reflection or group discussion.**
*Note: I’ve tried to not reference specific policies, events, etc. and focused instead on more fundamental attitudes and virtues. I’ve also tried to keep the guide neutral with respect to specific political parties, campaigns, figures, etc. I believe most questions and concerns that I raise have relevance (in varying manners and degrees) to most political parties, campaigns, etc. I'm not interested in sharing or advocating for my own voting or policy preferences in this space.
*Another Note: I wouldn’t suggest this type of reflection/discussion for people who have never watched The Chosen before. It’ll be hard for someone who is new to the show to understand what’s going on in some of these episodes if they’re taken out of context. If you’re looking for episode by episode discussion guides, you can find mine for free (in blog format) - or join my Buy Me a Coffee ($5/month or $50/year) and receive access to printable pdfs for Seasons 1-4.
Discuss the Way of Jesus with The Chosen Season 3 Episode 1
The clearest statement on how God calls his people to engage with their political opponents is given in the Sermon on the Mount. Although we’re tempted to limit our application of Jesus’ words to only interpersonal conflict or religious opponents, the staging of the Sermon on the Mount in The Chosen Season 3 Episode 1 helps drive home its political significance. When Jesus says, “Love your enemies,” he’s speaking to a crowd that includes bitter political enemies: poor Jewish peasants and the wealthy Roman soldiers who oppress them, former tax collectors and former zealots who once dedicated their lives to killing them. Season 3 Episode 1 also shows us what it looks like to apply Jesus’ teaching on anxiety, anger, and reconciliation - topics that are all very relevant to the relational dynamics that result from politics.
Discussion Questions
When Jesus talks about loving your enemies and turning the other cheek, he is speaking to a crowd that includes opposing political factions: both Romans and Jews, former tax collectors and former Zealots. Why would Jesus’ teaching have been difficult to embrace?
Today, people often talk about how politics have become so divisive and polarizing. Do you think political conflict today is more or less intense than in Jesus’ day?
In the show, John the Baptist says that any time Jesus speak, there’s always something for each one of us. What teaching is Jesus calling you to apply today?
Discuss Obedience vs. Pragmatism with Season 4 Episode 5
Episode 5 of The Chosen Season 4 puts flesh on the bones of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. If you live in a modern first world country, you’ve probably never even contemplated what it would be like to be forcefully impressed into the service of your (political) enemy and so it’s hard to appreciate the full significance of what Jesus means when he calls his disciples to go the extra mile. This episode makes that reality concrete and real. We see the disciples struggle with the deep shame and hardship of forced impressment - and with Jesus’ decision to help the enemy even more than required. Christians in our time tend to sensationalize their own suffering and sometimes feel like they’re justified in disregarding Jesus’ commands, so it’s good for us to realize that the political opposition that believers faced when Jesus first gave his commands was actually greater than anything we encounter.
Discussion Questions
What was your reaction to the scene where the disciples were forced to carry the supplies of the Roman soldiers? What would you have felt if you were in a similar situation?
How does the political opposition faced by Jesus’ original followers compare to that faced by Christians in our nation? If we face a difficult political context, does that mean we can ignore Jesus’ teaching about loving our enemies?
Have you ever felt like Jesus’ teachings were impractical or counterproductive? What should we do when we feel like Judas does in this episode?
Discuss Violence vs. Healing with Season 2 Episode 4
As a Millennial, I grew up in a time when political violence between Americans was extremely rare. The rise of violent political activity in America has been particularly strange and troubling for me. But Jesus grew up surrounded by political violence - especially between Jewish Zealots and the Romans or their Jewish supporters. Episode 4 of Season 2 gives us an in-depth look at what it would have been like to live in a world where political violence was normal. Simon Z’s story gives us insight into the types of experiences that contribute to radicalization and helps us empathize with the perpetrators of violence. At the same time, the show also exposes us to the futility of seeking salvation in political violence and points us to something greater - the gracious healing that’s offered in Christ.
Discussion Questions
Episode 4 begins by following the struggles of Jesse and Simon Z during childhood. In what ways could you sympathize with Simon Z’s decision to participate in the political violence of the Zealots?
Although Simon Z is a sympathetic character, in what ways does the show make it clear that seeking salvation through political violence is misguided? What alternative are we pointed to?
Today, how should Christians respond to violent rhetoric and actual political violence? How can we point others to the healing, hope, and peace found in Christ?
Discuss Anxiety vs. Prayer with Season 2 Episode 7
Episode 7 of The Chosen Season 2 provides another concrete picture of the challenges of applying Jesus’ teachings - specifically with regard to worry and anxiety. Although Christians living in modern Western countries rarely have to worry about having their leaders detained, the relationship between the state and the church can still create a lot of anxiety and fear. Episode 7 shows us some of the challenges and temptations that accompany anxiety and fear. More importantly, it points us to the greatest tool that Jesus gives us to combat our fear: prayer.
Discussion Questions
After Jesus is detained, the disciples struggle with anxiety and fear. What are some of the unhelpful ways that they deal with their anxiety and fear?
New developments in politics and culture often fill Christians with a sense of anxiety and fear. Do you ever find yourself (or someone you know) dealing with anxiety and fear in some of the unhealthy ways that the disciples do in the episode?
What does Jesus tell his disciples to do when they are struggling with fear and anxiety? What would it look like for contemporary Christians to respond this way to changes in politics and culture?
Discuss Status and Power with The Chosen Season 4 Episode 2
When discussing politics, Christians tend to focus on issues/policies. But political battles aren’t just competitions to determine policy; they’re also competitions for power and status. Episode 2 of Season 4 explores the conflicts and temptations that can arise due to differences in status and power. Shmuel’s status gets an upgrade when he joins the Sanhedrin, but he’s disappointed that his peers seem much more interested in vying for more status than they are with serving God and the people. Simon also has his status elevated when he is dubbed Peter, but he soon realizes that with greater status comes greater responsibility to deal with interpersonal conflict. Meanwhile, the other disciples struggle with resentment and envy over Peter’s new status. At the end of the episode, when Yussif learns about the edict against Jesus, he decides to finally take up the status he has inherited from his father - though he’s wary of the fleeting nature of wealth and power.
Discussion Questions
During the episode, we see several characters who hold higher status or power, including Shmuel, the Pharisees, and eventually Simon. What are some temptations that come with holding greater status or power that we see in the episode?
We also see some of the other disciples struggle with envy and resentment over Peter’s increased status. Do you ever struggle with envy or resentment when people from another political tribe or movement get more power or status?
If Yussif has always had the ability to join the Sanhedrin, why has he been serving in a town like Capernaum? Why does he finally take up his father’s influence? What can we learn from Yussif’s relationship to status and power?
Discuss Ambition vs. Servant Leadership with The Chosen Season 4 Episode 4
Most Christians are familiar with Jesus’ teaching on servant leadership, but that doesn’t mean they actually put that teaching into practice. Followers of Jesus can be just as prone to exercising worldly leadership as people in the world - and some people who haven’t yet trusted in Jesus can still practice humility and lead like he did. We see these dynamics at play in Episode 4, as James and John pursue leadership out of selfish ambition, while Gaius uses the authority that he has received in humble service to others. It’s a great starting point to discuss why God gives us authority and what it looks like to exercise true servant leadership.
Discussion Questions
What’s the difference between the type of leadership that Jesus teaches (and models) and the type of leadership that he associates with Gentiles? Why is the way of the Gentiles more common?
Compare Gaius’ view of leadership and authority with that of James and John. Who’s approach seems closer to that of Jesus? Why do you think that is?
Some people will say that Jesus’ vision of leadership works within the church, but we need a different kind of leader for the world of secular politics. Compare the fate of Quintus and Gaius. What are the results of Quintus’ approach to leadership? What are the results of Gaius’ approach to leadership?
Discuss Belief vs. Cynicism with Season 4 Episode 8
Episode 8 of The Chosen Season 4 draws a sharp contrast between the beautiful - and powerful - belief of Jesus’ followers (and the Jewish people more broadly) and the ugly cynicism of the Roman and Jewish elites. Pontius Pilate and his fellow leaders may be curious about the reports about Lazarus’ resurrection, but they seem totally unconcerned about finding out the truth for themselves. They’re only concerned about the political ramification of what the Jewish people believe and protecting their own power. Likewise, most leaders in the Sanhedrin seem completely unconcerned about discerning the truth about Jesus’ identity. They’re only concerned about the political ramifications and protecting their own power and status - even if it means sacrificing the life of a fellow Jew. By contrast, followers like Joanna and Mary are willing to act in ways that are costly but powerful - all because they are driven by their sincere belief. It’s a great episode to generate conversations about the power of belief - and the dangers of cynicism - in contemporary politics.
Discussion Questions
Consider the way that Pilate’s inner circle and the Sanhedrin respond to the news about Lazarus’ resurrection. What do they seem most concerned about? What do they not seem to be concerned about?
In contrast, what are some occasions in the episode where we see the power and beauty of belief and sincerity?
Today, why is it important for Christian to be driven by belief and sincerity? What are the dangers and temptations of cynicism and the pursuit of power?
Did you enjoy the thematic approach of this viewing guide? Let me know in the comments below. I might do similar guides for other salient topics (e.g. The Chosen & Prayer, The Chosen & Forgiveness, The Chosen & Suffering) if it seems like there’s enough interest. Please also let me know if you think there’s another episode that you think is particularly relevant to the topic.
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Game nights are a favorite rhythm of youth ministries and small groups across the world. As a former youth minister, I've always appreciated how games provide a fun but safe space for old friends and new acquaintances to deepen their relationships and have fun.
As a creative, however, I've always longed to see more games that reward imagination and ideas. While "hardcore" games tend to reward those who have the most knowledge of the game mechanics, casual games tend to reward those who have the most relational knowledge of the other players.
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