Ahead of the start of Pride Month, a self-described “anti-woke” Christian is taking “The Chosen” TV series to task for allowing an LGBTQ rainbow flag to be displayed on set. Turning Point USA contributor Jon Root recently asked series producers to explain the “incredibly concerning” gay-rights flag that’s briefly visible in a season-four promotional video.
Tag @thechosentv in the replies.
We need answers. This is incredibly concerning… https://t.co/SwBNumXuZz
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) May 30, 2023
The show’s official social media account replied: “Just like with our hundreds of cast and crew who have different beliefs (or no belief at all) than we do, we will work with anyone on our show who helps us portray or honor the authentic Jesus. We ask that audiences let the show speak for itself and focus on the message, not the messenger, because we’ll always let you down.”
Should Christians Boycott ‘The Chosen’?
According to a Protestia article, the rainbow imagery belongs to Daniel Fritz, a longtime cameraman for the show. Fritz, who is openly gay and sometimes dresses in drag, often wears gay-pride symbols and places them on his camera equipment.
“The Chosen,” which has received critical acclaim for its exploration of Jesus’ life, is no stranger to being in the crosshairs. But creator Dallas Jenkins, who appeared on “The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast” in February, has defended his storytelling approach.
After the show responded to Root, he tweeted, “BREAKING @TheChosenTV is unapologetically promoting Pride. Christians, avoid this show & keep them in your prayers.” Root also urged: “Dallas Jenkins, do the right thing. Share the truth of the Gospel & fire [Fritz]. This has no place on the set of a show about ‘honoring the authentic Jesus.’”
Root urged Christians to boycott the TV series, “just like we boycotted Target & Bud Light,” because “the promotion of the Pride Flag is never acceptable in church or any form of ministry.” Defending the presence of the Pride flag means that “The Chosen” is “not a Christian show,” according to Root. “You are a production that happens to be about Jesus while catering to the sin of this fallen world. This breaks my heart to see ESPECIALLY on the eve of Pride Month.”
People Respond to Pride Flag Debate
Although some social media users indicated they’ll “never” watch “The Chosen” now, others told Root to calm down. “This is an incredibly disingenuous and misleading tweet,” someone wrote, adding, “Tells me everything I need to know about your reporting style.” Another person replied: “I don’t think [the controversy is] that deep. Whatever it takes to get the message of Jesus across, and maybe those who are wanting those flags can be affected by the show itself.”
Meanwhile, another person wrote:
Jesus worked with Judas and we all know how that turned out. Working with them does not imply or entail bringing pride flags on set – that is not a part of the job. This is deliberate sabotage, and offensive to many people. The authentic Jesus would have told this person to sin no more. You need to take leadership of this, protect your set from blaspheming, and say “NO, we will not allow this theological messaging on the set. If you want to film then film, but leave your sexuality at home.”
