An Open Letter to Dallas Jenkins

If you’ve been following the development of our company for very long, you know that we’ve regarded The Chosen as sus.  The LDS influence is well documented as are Dallas Jenkins’ strange statements about Jesus Christ being the same “Jesus” as the one in the Book of Mormon (something he has never adequately answered).

A video and still shot of a scene on the set of The Chosen was released the other day, just in time for “Pride” month (June-in case the rock you’re living under is more like a bomb shelter—and who could blame you?) showing a pride flag of the rainbow variety in the background.  It has released a very predictable Twitter storm.

So predictable, in fact, that it’s like betting on snow in Buffalo, NY in January.  

Let’s Talk

Now, I know that the Utah contingent of those who have been involved with this series think we are their enemy.  I think it’s important to point out the doctrinal compromises they have made in order to get this project done. If I have become their enemy for telling them the truth, so be it.

Dallas, let’s talk like professionals.  And I will try to be somewhat pastoral as I do so. I know, out of character for this space, but this matters more.  

Here is some basic, Biblical, advice on how to handle something like this.  

You chose to respond through the Twitter account, “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.”  

As a guy who has co-produced several projects and is a streaming exec I understand the reality that not everyone in the cast and crew is going to be a Christian. You hire the best available talent for the job that must be done. The average church lady or church dude does not understand that, and that’s another blog for another day.  I’ve dealt with it and can relate.

However, there’s something else going on here and you and I both know it.  

Combining this other issue of unbelieving cast and crew with what amounts to a Jesus-juke is not speaking truth to power.  

And truth sets people free—Someone we both know who IS the truth said so.  Further, spiritual battles are fought, in part, with the belt of truth. You lose that battle if you do not speak it when you find yourself in satan’s crosshairs.  You will be a statistic.

The real power in the industry is the unions.  We both know that if you buck against the unions, you are likely to lose cast and crew.  If you hire non-union labor you lose all of the people who think they must be in a union in order to get the better gigs.

We also both know that when you are dealing with union talent you cannot stop rainbows from being vomited all over the set if some of the same activist talent gets together to make a statement on the eve of “Pride” month. And they just used your conservative, faith-based platform to do it.

Now, you’re fielding PR rather than focusing on the film.  You can claim it’s a spiritual attack and I would agree.  But you are fighting a spiritual battle with fleshly weapons—Jesus-juke notwithstanding.  

They know what they’re doing. They’re going after your Hallmark demographic.  Even though the series is funded to the end, you will lose support. That’s their play.

So what do you, as a filmmaker, do?

Speak the truth—tell the world that the unions have you over a barrel. Stop catering to the cultural shift and give the world the truth.  Expose evil with the light of truth.  

It would be better to finish this season (only because your contracts likely say you have to) and then tell them you’re canceling next season.  

And next time? Use Red Balloon for your hiring.  

You have no obligation to employ people who are trying to destroy your project in the name of a fake inclusivity.  Especially when a very vocal minority wants exclusivity to use your platform  to further their agenda.  They’ve done it to Disney (and a host of others) and now they’re doing it to you.

They are trying to break you. You can break their stranglehold on the industry by exposing a tyrannical minority flexing their muscle over and against creators.  This is a hill to die on.  God has given you the platform to do it.

I am praying for you and all of the producers.  More importantly, we have an Advocate seated at the right hand of the Father who prays for us. He's watching and praying.  Coram Deo.