What is the controversy with Mary Magdalene in The Chosen?

The Chosen, a multi-season television drama about the life of Jesus, has captivated millions of viewers worldwide with its fresh perspective and creative storytelling. Among the many beloved characters portrayed in the series, Mary Magdalene stands out as one of the most compelling figures. However, her depiction in The Chosen has sparked considerable discussion and even controversy within Christian circles and among fans. This blog post explores the roots and nature of this controversy.

Who Was Mary Magdalene? A Biblical Overview

Mary Magdalene is a prominent figure in the New Testament. She is introduced as a follower of Jesus from whom seven demons had been cast out (Luke 8:2). Mary is present at many key moments: she supports Jesus’ ministry, witnesses his crucifixion, and is among the first to encounter the risen Christ at the tomb. However, the Bible offers limited biographical detail about her, which has left room for centuries of speculation and tradition, including the mistaken identity as a former prostitute—a notion never explicitly stated in Scripture.

Mary Magdalene in The Chosen: Creative Choices

In The Chosen, Mary Magdalene is portrayed as a woman with a traumatic past, possessed by demons and known in her community by her birth name, Lilith. The series dramatizes her exorcism by Jesus in the first episode, presenting her as one of the earliest and most devoted followers of Christ. Her journey includes moments of deep faith, relapse, redemption, and intimate fellowship with both Jesus and the other disciples.

The creative team behind The Chosen, led by director Dallas Jenkins, has consistently stated that their intent is to remain faithful to the spirit of the Gospels while also employing artistic license to fill in narrative gaps and flesh out character arcs. Mary Magdalene’s story is a prime example of this approach.

The Main Points of Controversy

1. The “Lilith” Backstory

One of the first controversies stems from the show’s use of the name “Lilith” for Mary Magdalene before her encounter with Jesus. In Jewish folklore, Lilith is a figure associated with darkness and demonic influence, but the Bible never refers to Mary Magdalene by this name. Some viewers have expressed concern that this creative choice imports extra-biblical mythology into the narrative, potentially confusing viewers about Mary’s biblical identity.

2. The Depiction of Relapse

A particularly contentious issue arises in Season 2 of The Chosen, where Mary Magdalene, after following Jesus, experiences a relapse into old habits and emotional struggles, even returning briefly to her former life. Some fans and commentators have objected to this portrayal, arguing that it undermines the transformative power of Jesus’ deliverance and sanctification, and is not supported by the biblical record, which does not mention such a relapse.

3. Emotional and Psychological Struggles

The show portrays Mary as a complex, emotionally vulnerable woman who continues to wrestle with the scars of her past, even after her deliverance. While many viewers have found this deeply relatable and realistic, others have voiced concern that it portrays Christian discipleship as fragile or uncertain, rather than victorious and steadfast.

4. Artistic License Versus Biblical Fidelity

Underlying these specific issues is a broader debate about the use of artistic license in biblical storytelling. Some critics believe The Chosen goes too far in inventing backstories and dramatic developments not found in Scripture, while others argue that such storytelling is necessary for a compelling, character-driven narrative.

Responses from the Creators

Dallas Jenkins and The Chosen team have responded to these controversies with openness and candor. Jenkins has emphasized that the show is not meant to be a replacement for Scripture, but a creative exploration that encourages viewers to engage more deeply with the Bible. He acknowledges that certain choices—such as Mary’s relapse—are not found in the biblical record, but explains that these decisions are intended to highlight the ongoing struggles of faith, even among those closest to Jesus.

Viewer Reactions: Praise and Criticism

Praise for Depth and Realism

Many viewers and critics have praised The Chosen’s portrayal of Mary Magdalene for its humanity and depth. They appreciate seeing a disciple who, despite being profoundly changed by Jesus, continues to struggle with her past and must repeatedly rely on grace. For these viewers, Mary’s journey reflects the reality of many Christians, for whom sanctification is a process marked by both victory and ongoing challenges.

Concerns About Theological Implications

Others, however, worry that the show’s creative liberties might mislead viewers about what the Bible actually teaches or create confusion about Mary Magdalene’s identity. Some are uncomfortable with the suggestion that someone delivered by Jesus could fall back into old patterns, fearing that it diminishes the power of redemption.

The Broader Context: Mary Magdalene in Tradition and Culture

Mary Magdalene has long been a figure of fascination, debate, and misinterpretation within Christian history. Early church traditions sometimes conflated her with other women in the Gospels, leading to the common—though incorrect—identification of Mary as a former prostitute. Over the centuries, Mary has been portrayed variously as a penitent sinner, a mystic, an apostle to the apostles, and even, in some fringe theories, as the wife of Jesus.

The Chosen enters this long conversation with its own creative vision, choosing to emphasize Mary’s humanity, her need for continued grace, and her prominent role among Jesus’ followers. The controversy surrounding her portrayal in the series is thus part of a much larger debate over how best to interpret and represent biblical figures in art and media.

Faith, Fiction, and the Power of Story

The Chosen’s creators have repeatedly encouraged viewers to read the Bible for themselves and to use the series as a springboard for deeper study and discussion. The show’s willingness to tackle the complexities of faith—even at the risk of controversy—may be one reason it has resonated so strongly with audiences around the world.

FAQ: Mary Magdalene Controversy in The Chosen

1. Who is Mary Magdalene in The Chosen?

Mary Magdalene is portrayed as one of Jesus’ earliest and most devoted followers. The show dramatizes her past struggles with demonic possession, emotional trauma, and her transformative encounter with Jesus, drawing on both biblical accounts and creative storytelling.

2. What is the main controversy about her character in the show?

The controversy centers on the show’s creative liberties with Mary Magdalene’s story—particularly the use of the name “Lilith” for her pre-conversion identity and her depicted relapse into old habits after following Jesus. Some viewers feel these elements go beyond what the Bible records.

3. Why does The Chosen call Mary Magdalene "Lilith"?

The show uses “Lilith” as a dramatic device to signify Mary’s dark past before her encounter with Jesus. While “Lilith” appears in Jewish folklore, it is not a biblical name for Mary Magdalene. The creators wanted to highlight her transformation and the depth of her deliverance.

4. Did Mary Magdalene relapse after following Jesus according to the Bible?

No. The Bible does not mention Mary Magdalene relapsing into her former life after meeting Jesus. The Chosen introduces this plot point to explore the ongoing struggles of faith and sanctification that many believers experience.

5. Why did the show depict her relapse?

The creators aimed to portray Christian discipleship as a journey that can include setbacks, emphasizing grace, forgiveness, and the process of healing. They believe this makes Mary’s character more relatable and human.

6. How have viewers responded to her portrayal?

Reactions are mixed. Many viewers appreciate the depth and realism added to Mary’s story, finding it inspiring and authentic. Others are concerned that these creative additions could mislead viewers about the biblical account or diminish the power of Jesus’ deliverance.

7. What does The Chosen say about its use of artistic license?

The creators have stated that the series is not meant to replace Scripture and encourages viewers to study the Bible themselves. Artistic license is used to fill in narrative gaps and develop characters, but the show aims to remain faithful to the spirit of the Gospels.

8. Is the depiction of Mary Magdalene as a former prostitute biblical?

No. The Bible never explicitly describes Mary Magdalene as a former prostitute. This is a later tradition that conflates her with other women in the Gospels. The Chosen does not explicitly label her as such but does explore her troubled past.

9. Why do controversies like this matter to viewers?

For many Christians, portrayals of biblical figures influence beliefs about faith, redemption, and discipleship. Deviations from the biblical account can be meaningful or concerning, depending on personal convictions about Scripture and artistic storytelling.

10. What is the takeaway from this controversy?

The Chosen’s portrayal of Mary Magdalene highlights the tension between creative adaptation and biblical fidelity. The series invites viewers to deeper engagement with Scripture and open conversations about faith, grace, and the complexities of following Jesus.