Why a Theology Professor Walks Away From a Popular Series
During a recent episode of the Babylon Bee Podcast, African Christian University’s Dean of Theology, Dr. Voddie Bauchel, made it clear he won’t tune in to The Chosen. His reason? He believes the drama breaches the Second Commandment, which forbids the creation of graven images that could become objects of worship. Bauchel, 54, summed his stance up with the shorthand “2CV,” short for “Second Commandment violation,” a phrase that quickly caught the attention of the show’s fan base and its creator.
The conversation started when hosts Sam Greer and Jarret LeMaster asked Bauchel why he avoids the series that has amassed millions of viewers worldwide. Bauchel replied that watching a dramatized portrayal of Jesus and his disciples could blur the line between reverence and idolatry. For him, the commandment isn’t just a historical footnote—it’s a living rule that should shape how Christians engage with visual media today.
His comments didn’t stay in the podcast archives for long. Within hours, Dallas Jenkins, the series’ creator, posted a lengthy response on Facebook. Jenkins praised Bauchel’s dedication but argued the interpretation was off‑base. He pointed to Exodus 20:4‑6, emphasizing that the prohibition targets carved images meant for worship, not fictional reenactments meant for storytelling.
What the Bible Actually Says and How Christians Apply It Today
Exodus 20:4‑6 warns against “making carved images” and bowing down to them, framing the command as a safeguard against rival gods. Jenkins highlighted the phrase “you shall not bow down to them or serve them,” suggesting that a television series—no matter how realistic—doesn’t fit the definition of an idol. He insists that the show encourages viewers to follow Christ, rather than to worship the production itself.
Bauchel, however, sees a slippery slope. In his view, the visual representation of Jesus can become a focal point for devotion that edges toward reverence of the image rather than the person. He worries that frequent exposure to dramatized biblical scenes could desensitize believers to the original intent of the commandment, turning sacred narratives into entertainment commodities.
The split between the two camps mirrors a long‑standing tension in Christianity. From the early iconoclastic controversies to modern debates over religious films, the question of whether visual art can safely coexist with worship has resurfaced again. Some churches today ban statues, while others hang them on walls as teaching tools. The rise of streaming platforms has only intensified the conversation, forcing theologians to reconsider how ancient laws intersect with high‑definition screens.
Both Bauchel and Jenkins agree that the goal is to honor God, but they differ on the method. Bauchel prefers a cautious, perhaps literal, reading of the commandment, while Jenkins adopts a contextual approach, interpreting the text in light of contemporary media culture. Their exchange has drawn comments from pastors, scholars, and everyday viewers, many of whom are wrestling with the same question: can a well‑crafted drama about Jesus be both faithful and permissible?
What’s clear is that the debate isn’t just academic. It influences how churches might approach using video content in worship, how producers consider the theological implications of their work, and how believers decide what’s spiritually edifying. As the discussion continues on social media, podcasts, and church boards, both sides are likely to keep citing the same passage—Exodus 20:4‑6—while drawing very different conclusions.
10 Comments
rao saddam September 27 2025
Look, folks-if we want to keep the Second Commandment relevant, we need crystal‑clear boundaries on what counts as an idol!! Watching a dramatized series isn’t the same as carving a statue, but the line can blur faster than a sunrise over the desert! We have to ask ourselves whether the visual is becoming a focus of worship rather than a tool for education? In churches that already ban statues, why are we suddenly comfortable with HD screens glorifying Jesus?! I say we draw the line early, before the next trend turns Scripture into a Netflix binge! Let’s keep the reverence, not the spectacle!
Prince Fajardo September 27 2025
Oh sure, watching a TV show is basically building a golden calf!
Subhashree Das September 27 2025
That dramatization isn’t just harmless entertainment; it turns sacred narrative into a product for mass consumption. By reducing the mystery of Christ to a scripted scene, you erode the awe that should accompany his story. Audiences start treating the Messiah like a character you binge‑watch, not the living Savior we’re called to follow. The danger lies in the subtle shift from worship to admiration of the production itself. When the story is packaged for ratings, theological nuance is sacrificed on the altar of viewership. This isn’t a mere academic squabble-it reshapes how believers internalize the Gospel.
jitendra vishwakarma September 27 2025
i think the whole idolatry thing is overblown. people can watch a show and still keep their faith strong. besides, not evrybody is going to start worshipping the actors. it’s more about how we teach the story than the medium. so why not use modern tools?
Ira Indeikina September 27 2025
When we parse the Second Commandment, we must distinguish between a tangible image intended for veneration and a narrative device meant to illuminate truth. The commandment addresses the worship of carved idols, objects designed for adoration, not the incidental portrayal of sacred events. Visual media can serve as a hermeneutical bridge, translating ancient texts into the language of contemporary culture without demanding reverence for the medium itself. However, the danger emerges when the audience substitutes the narrative for the narrative‑source, allowing the dramatization to become a surrogate for the Christ we follow. To safeguard against this, churches should frame such content within robust discipleship, emphasizing that the story points to the living Christ, not the production value. Moreover, the intent behind the creation matters: a series aiming to edify and point viewers toward Scripture differs fundamentally from a cult of personality around actors. Yet, we cannot ignore the psychological impact of repeated visual imagery, which can, over time, shape devotional habits in subtle ways. The prudent path lies in discernment, teaching believers to engage critically, appreciating artistic merit while maintaining theological fidelity. If we allow every cultural artifact to pass unchecked, we risk diluting the weight of doctrinal boundaries that have historically protected the faith from syncretism. Therefore, a balanced approach-embracing media as a tool, yet anchoring it in exegesis and communal accountability-honors both the spirit of the commandment and the mission to communicate the Gospel effectively.
Shashikiran R September 27 2025
Discerning use of media is indeed vital, but the emphasis should remain on the message, not the medium. When a series like this sparks conversation, it can actually reinforce doctrinal teaching if guided properly. The risk you mention is real, yet many congregations already use films without falling into idolatry. The key is pastoral oversight and clear teaching that the show is a supplement, not a substitute. If we hyper‑control every visual, we might lose an effective outreach tool. So, let’s keep a watchful eye while not discarding helpful resources outright.
SURAJ ASHISH September 28 2025
Another day, another drama that claims to be "faithful" while turning Scripture into a Netflix binge. It’s all hype, no depth.
PARVINDER DHILLON September 28 2025
🤔 We can enjoy good storytelling while staying grounded in Christ! 🙏
Nilanjan Banerjee September 28 2025
One must appreciate that the artistic endeavor behind such a series is not merely commercial but also a cultural artifact reflecting modern spirituality. The cinematography, costume design, and narrative pacing aim to resurrect the epochal weight of the Gospel for a visual‑savvy audience. Yet, this very sophistication can mask theological shortcuts, presenting a sanitized version of the contentious moments of Jesus’ ministry. Critics argue that the sanitized portrayal trims the edges of the radical nature of the message, making it palatable rather than provocative. Proponents counter that accessibility is a virtue, allowing the uninitiated to grasp core truths without being overwhelmed. In the final analysis, the series operates at the intersection of evangelism and entertainment, a delicate balance that demands vigilant theological critique. While some will find inspiration, others might simply be entertained, losing the transformative spark intended. It is thus incumbent upon the church to shepherd viewers, ensuring that aesthetic appreciation does not eclipse doctrinal fidelity.
sri surahno September 28 2025
The push for such series is part of a larger agenda to dilute biblical authority, subtly reshaping believers' perception through visual manipulation. By presenting a curated, sanitized narrative, producers align the Gospel with mainstream cultural values, eroding its counter‑cultural edge. This is not a coincidence; it's an orchestrated effort to render sacred texts more digestible, ultimately compromising doctrinal purity. Vigilance is required to prevent this insidious shift from becoming normative within the church.