The character of Jesus (Jonathan Roumie) is shown with his disciples during a Season 2 episode of the TV series “The Chosen.”
A recent national media story proclaimed the latest good news of the Christian faithful with the following headline: “Jesus Christ Streaming Star.”
Such seems an appropriate summary for the wildly growing popularity of the online and TV multi-season series, “The Chosen,” a beyond-the-Hollywood-mainstream, crowd-funded show about the impact of Jesus of Nazareth on a host of Bible characters, from the disciples to religious leaders of his day.
Columbus resident Glory Kulczycki understands all the buzz and stir. She is launching her second free, no-homework study group on “The Chosen” second season, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays from Jan. 9 to Feb. 20 at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 1306 27th St. in Columbus.
The gatherings will include viewing an episode and discussing it.
She was drawn to the show, one with no name actors but with a near-supernatural number of positive reviews for its cast, a couple of years ago after a story in The Criterion, the Indianapolis-based, weekly Catholic newspaper. Other than single-sheet handouts with elements such as Scripture references and terminology, Kulczycki uses no other supplemental materials in her study sessions.
“The richness is in the show itself,” she said.
The series’ third season just began in November in theaters, and then online and on TV last month.
The Rev. Chris Wadelton, pastor at St. Bartholomew’s, sees significant value in the show that has been viewed by at least 100 million people, according to analysts, and hit 400 million totals views worldwide last summer.
“‘The Chosen’ is an inspiring program that is shining a new light on the gospels, which the world needs to see,” Wadelton said.
It also presents an everyday Jesus starkly different from Hollywood’s offerings: a Jesus who brushes his teeth as anyone would, a Jesus who patiently and humorously answers a litany of rapid-fire questions from curious children who inquire what he does all day, and a Jesus who first and foremost lovingly embraces others’ flaws and imperfections.
Moreover, unlike almost any other biblical epic, this son of God waxes wise without even the hint of a British accent. Plus, many scenes depict this Christ not as stoic and superhuman, but one with palpable feelings. In the series’ opening episode, Jesus’ (actor Jonathan Roumie, who happens to be Catholic) simple but dramatic first meeting with Mary Magdalene unfolds with little dialogue but considerable emotion — so much so that some viewers posted online that they wept over the dignity he quietly afforded her.
“’The Chosen’ gives us all an opportunity for what is known as Ignatian contemplation, which is imaginative prayer where you place yourself in a gospel story, imagining the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures as well as all the people encountered,” Kulczycki said. “The show presents some of the challenges that the early Christians surely faced.
“I think of what (gospel writer) John says in John 21:25 that ‘the world itself could not contain the books that would be written’” about Jesus.
Show creator Dallas Jenkins takes that idea and expounds on it, taking creative license to form stories and scenes to fully flesh out biblical characters to a relatable degree. That includes the aforementioned scenes of Jesus with no-filter youngsters peppering him with every imaginable inquiry.
“Dallas Jenkins has only one goal, and that is to get people into Scripture,” Kulczycki said.
Clearly, she has heard of viewers binge-watching the shows. But she hardly recommends that. In fact, she told her last study group and will tell this one: “Watch one episode per week and give it time to sink in.”
And then, she advises, consider ways of incorporating the show’s lessons into everyday life. She would love to see believers of all stripes in her new group, and even nonbelievers curious about the show or the Christian faith.
“As Dallas Jenkins likes to say: ‘Come and see,’” she said.
You can join
To sign up for “The Chosen” study group, organizers ideally request that people sign up through St. Bartholomew Catholic Church’s adult faith formation office at 812-379-9353 ext. 1240, or email to kdavis-shanks@stbparish to make sure there are enough light refreshments. The study is open to all Christians, Catholic or Protestant, and those curious about the faith or the show.
To watch the show: angel.com/watch/the-chosen.
