Did "The Chosen" make their own Gospel? 10 Qs with Mike Winger (Ep 29)
Sep 13, 2024
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Mike Winger, a prominent theological commentator, dives into the complexities of 'The Chosen's' portrayal of Gospel narratives. He critiques the blending of these stories and the implications it has on their original meanings. Winger discusses the joy Christians can feel from good works, addressing divine uniqueness without biases. He also clarifies misconceptions about the relationship between Christ and the Holy Spirit and emphasizes self-care as essential to serving others. Finally, he explores the universal priesthood and its role in personal evangelism.
The podcast clarifies that 'The Chosen' book uses the Christian Standard Bible text and does not create its own Gospel version.
Despite potential benefits in increasing Bible readership, blending Gospel accounts can obscure unique themes and messages from individual authors.
The speaker advocates for balanced Scripture engagement, emphasizing the importance of context and discernment to avoid misunderstandings.
Deep dives
Understanding the Controversy Around 'The Chosen' Bible
The podcast discusses the misconceptions surrounding the book associated with the popular show 'The Chosen', specifically questioning whether it is a unique version of the Bible. The speaker clarifies that the book utilizes the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) text rather than presenting its own version or interpretation. It is emphasized that claims of the book being a rearrangement of biblical texts to fit the show's chronology are unfounded, as it retains the original scriptural content without significant modifications. By addressing these misunderstandings, the podcast aims to provide clarity on how the book connects to the TV series without altering or misrepresenting the canonical Scriptures.
Pros and Cons of the Blended Harmony of the Gospels
The podcast outlines the benefits and drawbacks of the blended harmony of the Gospels presented in the book. One notable pro is that the book is not a direct narrative of the TV series, which helps to preserve scriptural integrity as it features direct quotes from the Gospels. Another advantage mentioned is the potential increase in Bible readership among fans of 'The Chosen', encouraging them to engage with Scripture. However, the speaker warns about the limitations of this format, stating that blending the Gospels can lead to confusion and a lack of deep understanding, as the nuances individual authors presented may be lost in this approach.
The Nature of the Text and Its Impact on Understanding
The podcast emphasizes that the blended harmony does not achieve a seamless narrative, as claimed. Instead, it is comprised of various excerpts from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, meaning readers might encounter disconnection and awkward transitions. The speaker highlights how combining phrases from different accounts can obscure crucial thematic elements that are unique to each Gospel. This reiteration of the importance of maintaining the context of biblical texts suggests that readers might miss significant truths if the Gospels are overly conflated into a single narrative.
Expressing Concerns about Merging Gospel Accounts
Further concerns arise regarding how merging Gospel accounts can distort the original messages each author intended to convey. For instance, the podcast describes situations where key elements from the respective Gospel writers are omitted or altered when blended, leading to potential misinterpretation by readers. This concern underscores that individual Gospels provide distinct portrayals of Christ's life and ministry, which can enrich one's understanding if viewed in their original context. The speaker advocates for appreciating each Gospel's unique structure and themes rather than relying solely on a harmonized rendition.
Promoting Engagement with Scripture
Despite raising concerns about the blended harmony, the podcast acknowledges the positive aspect of piquing interest in biblical texts among a wider audience. The speaker asserts that any effort that encourages individuals to read the Bible should be viewed favorably. Reflecting on the book's purpose, it is noted that it aims to create a bridge for fans of 'The Chosen' to explore the Scriptures more deeply. The notion that readers might discover the richness and depth of biblical teachings as they engage with the text is presented as a valuable outcome.
The Path of Spiritual Growth Through Diverse Perspectives
The podcast ultimately advocates for a balanced approach to studying Scripture that respects individual interpretations while prioritizing accurate representation of biblical texts. The speaker notes that exposure to various perspectives can aid in spiritual growth but cautions against relying solely on simplified narratives that might lead to misunderstanding. Emphasizing the importance of deep, thoughtful engagement with Scripture, the podcast encourages listeners to wield discernment in their reading habits. Such an approach aims to foster a greater appreciation for the Word of God, enabling believers to more accurately reflect on their faith journeys.
1. 0:10 {The Chosen’s New Book} Did The Chosen make their own Gospel? 2. 29:00 {Our Attitude when God Works Through Us} Is it sinful for a Christian to be pleased when God enables them to do a good work (Isaiah 64:6, Galatians 6:4)? 3. 34:27 {Is YHWH Biased?} How do we know YHWH isn't just BIASED with His Word (as one would be in any form of competition), when God says "There is no other, beside Me there is no God" in Isaiah 45:5 or "I know not any" in Isaiah 44:8? 4. 43:27 {Did Christ Become the HS?} Does 1 Corinthians 15:45 mean that Christ became the Holy Spirit? I was taught this growing up, but it seems like Modalism to me now. I can’t break from this reading of the verse since I left that group. 5. 54:30 {How to Love Your Neighbor As Yourself} What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? Do I put their needs equal to mine, or above mine? 6. 58:48 {Are Believers “Priests”?} What are the implications of believers being called to be "A Holy Priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5)? Does this mean we need to view ourselves as priests? 7. 1:04:00 {Typology = Eisegesis?} Is it eisegesis to interpret the Old Testament as depicting Jesus? I commonly hear this objection from Jews who say Christians are "inserting their theology into our book." 8. 1:10:29 {Tongues = Vain Repetition?} Would it be fair to consider the way some churches use tongues in opposition to 1 Corinthians 14 as a form of "vain repetition" (Matthew 6:5-8)? 9. 1:19:23 {How to Know if We Should Marry Someone} What are some biblical ways to help you decide if you should marry someone? 10. 1:24:24 {Why Evangelize?} Why should we evangelize, other than because God tells us to? If it would be God's will for someone to hear about Him, wouldn't God's will happen anyway? And based on Matthew 10:14-15, wouldn’t they be worse off?
Links that may interest you...
A playlist of videos teaching through the Gospel of Mark from start to finish: Click Here
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