She is clearly sleeping with a man out of wedlock when the episode begins and they are sleeping together in "the Red Quarter" - a sleazy part of town. For Mary's actual fall, it felt like the show was trying too hard to keep her character PG. The Bible never mentions "the Red Quarter." Catholic Christianity offers the world the fullness of the Christian Faith. You can find episode one, The Bible includes Mary Magdalene in a list of women who had evil spirits healed by Jesus. In The Chosen, it is not entirely clear whether Mary Magdalene was engaging in prostitution before the events of Season 1, Episode 1. I hope you enjoy them! every time a new character showed up. For the most part, I just clarified who characters were (see my comment above) and occasionally I briefly explained a reference or allusion that was confusing to my youth. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. However, some biblical interpreters mistakenly labeled her as such because the story before Luke 8 is about a prostitute being forgiven. And we also just had fun chatting about random stuff, like how Quintus was totally fitting the stereotype of the evil bald guy. I've condensed the lesson into an easily printable pdf below. Due to COVID restrictions, my youth group watched The Chosen online using Zoom. What distinguishes Mary from the other women, however, is her association with prostitution. The Chosen Season 3: What to Expect & How to Watch, The Chosen Season 3 Episode 1 & Episode 2: Reaction and Analysis, The Chosen Season 3 Episode 3: Recap, Review, & Analysis, The Chosen Season 3 Episodes 1 & 2: Questions to Discuss Before the Premiere, Preparing for The Chosen Season 3: 7 Episodes to Watch, I am the Law of Moses (The Chosen Season 3 Controversy), Little James in The Chosen & Scripture ***Season 3***, Judas in The Chosen ***Season 3 Update***, Matthew in The Chosen ***Season 3 Update***, Simon and Andrew in The Chosen ***Season 3 Update***, Lilith, Demons, & Evil Spirits in The Chosen, Simon the Zealot & Nathanael in The Chosen, Quintus, Gaius, and the Romans in The Chosen. All four Gospels suggest Mary was the first witness of the resurrected Jesus (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-11, and John 20:1-18). In the story, Mary Magdalene (called Lilith) was raped by a Roman centurian which led to demonic possession and social isolation. The Hebrew word "lilit" only shows up in Isaiah 34:14, where most modern translations render it as something along the lines of "night bird." But she was not possessed by one as the movie mentioned but by many. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. In Episode 8, we see that Mary is still struggling a bit - her failure is driving her to be a bit too unrelenting in her work for Jesus- but other than that she seems to be back on track. Her association with prostitution was a result of the proximity between the first mention of her in Luke (Luke 8:1-3) and a story about a prostitute (Luke 7:36-50). Matthew, Mark, and John also describe Mary as a witness of Jesus' crucifixion/burial (Matthew 27:55-61, Mark 15:40-47, and John 19:25). The creators make changes in order to adapt the biblical stories to TV. When he encounters her again in Season 1 Episode 2, he is surprised to discover that she has been completely healed and is free of the evil spirits. When he encounters her again in Season 1 Episode 2, he is surprised to discover that she has been completely healed and is free of the evil spirits. [Update: In the comments below, an astute reader pointed me to a post by the official Twitter for The Chosen, which claims Mary is not being portrayed as a prostitute. Her association with prostitution was a result of the proximity between the first mention of her in Luke (Luke 8:1-3) and a story about a prostitute (Luke 7:36-50). While watching the show, I made occasional comments through the chat but I tried to not do too much teaching - I wanted the youth to enjoy The Chosen and not just see it as an elaborate preaching illustration. The episode with the woman at the well in the season finale could have been an interesting opportunity to bring her character into conflict with the other male disciples, but this opportunity was also missed. Your contributions mean so much. I agree with the Twitter post that the show clearly depicts Mary as a victim of rape/sexual assault, but prostitutes often are victims of rape and sexual assault. After sharing that information, you can ask: What stuck out to you about Mary Magdalene's depiction in The Chosen? By. In the same way, we get our first glimpse of the pre-resurrected Jesus as we follow her struggles in the first episode. Although The Chosen is still a few seasons away from the Resurrection of Jesus, it is clearly beginning with the end in mind. Enough said.). The second passage is the Scripture that Mary has written down: This passage that Mary's father taught her is from the Book of Isaiah. To recap: in, One other thing - the show could have allowed some of the disciples (like John) to go a bit further in being judgmental toward after her return. This passage is one of the few appearances of Mary Magdalene in the Gospels. There are a few Bible passages that I thought were helpful to discuss the first episode of The Chosen. In The Chosen, Nicodemus meets Mary Magdalene in Season 1, Episode 1. Over the past year, we've been exploring how The Chosen adapts biblical characters like Mary Magdalene, Nicodemus, Peter, Andrew, Matthew, Jesus, and the Romans. I wouldn't take too long discussing these questions. And just like one day Mary will initially fail to recognize the risen Jesus, confusing him for a gardener, she initially fails to recognize Jesus when he first comes to her, confusing him for one of the men who's been hassling her. Lilith was close to committing suicide by walking off a cliff before a dove (Holy Spirit) caught her interest and she followed it back to town, where she had an emotional moment being healed by Jesus who quoted her trusted childhood Bible verse from Isaiah and exorcised her with a hug. Until Jesus shows up, some youth may find the show a little slow. Mary Magdalene is never called Lili or Lilith in the Bible. The Hebrew word "lilit" only shows up in Isaiah 34:14, where most modern translations render it as something along the lines of "night bird." The creators of The Chosen probably chose this name because it is associated with demons in Jewish traditions. Instead of being a femme fatale that Jesus needs to resist and tame, Mary Magdalene the prostitute is seen as an object of compassion and pity that Jesus needs to provide acceptance and safety. The Bible includes Mary Magdalene in a list of women who had evil spirits healed by Jesus. (he calls her by name at the end when he heals her). Did anyone notice what it was that made her recognize him? Describe a pencil. There was just a hint of judgment in Episode 7, but it gets brushed aside way too quickly, given the cultural expectations. (ex. Have my posts about Bible adaptation helped you learn more about the Bible and explore it with your ministry or family? This association with prostitution opens a variety of directions for adaptations to take in their portrayal of her, especially given the affection Jesus shows for her (John 20). I hope you enjoy them! Under the influence of this tradition, many people see Mary as being emblematic of Jesus' compassion for lost and broken souls, and this makes her a perfect candidate for the kinds of stories that The Chosen wants to tell. There is however a very clear disclaimer at the beginning of the series saying this isnt word-for-word and its no replacement for reading your Bible, etc. Consider how the show depicts Jesus' first appearance. Although we'll have to wait in order to understand fully what the show wants us to conclude, this could be a subtle and effective way to show how Jesus' ability to heal and save is ultimately grounded in his willingness to die and rise again. Mary Magdalene was a female disciple who traveled with Jesus during his ministry (Luke 8:1-3). After Mary's encounter with Jesus, we never really get to see her deal with her former life. Luke briefly describes how Mary Magdalene was exorcised by Jesus and became one of his traveling followers (Luke 8:1-3). As I noted above, in the Bible there is no indication that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. The Bible never mentions "the Red Quarter." In the Bible, there is no indication that Mary Magdalene fell back into sin, backslid, or left Jesus. It hints at where the show is going: This passage takes place after Jesus' death and resurrection at the end of the Gospels. As a general rule, the characters who follow Jesus aren't bad people; they're misunderstood and rejected and in need of love. Her association with prostitution was a result of the proximity between the first mention of her in Luke (. Later Jewish tradition described a demonic figure known as Lilith in a variety of ways. Many characters and stories are based on events in the Gospels, but there are also characters and events that the creators made up to tie things together. I can appreciate what theyre trying to do with the show: Theyre taking their time to build your relationship with the characters and to delve into some of the backstory so that everyone becomes a three-dimensional person, not just a mumbling zombie foil for Jesus. Thank you! Season 2 Reflection P2: What was The Chosen Season 2 about? Narrative Ambiguity & Charitable Reading, The Chosen: 6 Good Friday & Easter Episodes, The Rings of Power, LOTR, and Bible Adaptation, Amazon Prime's The Rings of Power & The Challenges of Biblical Adaptation, In Defense of The Chosen and Other Christian Movies, Books, & Media (Part 1), In Defense of The Chosen and Other Christian Movies, Books, & Media (Part 2), Imagining Mary Magdalene (5 More Bible Adaptations While You Wait for The Chosen Season 2), The Chosen Season 3 Episode 6: Recap, Review, & Analysis, Intensity in Tent City (Exploring The Chosen Season 3 Episode 6 with Youth or Small Group), The Chosen Season 3 Episode 5: Recap, Review, & Analysis, Clean Part 2 (Exploring The Chosen Season 3 Episode 5 with Youth or Small Group), The Chosen Season 3 Episode 4: Recap, Review, & Analysis, Clean Part 1 (Exploring The Chosen Season 3 Episode 4 with Youth or Small Group), The Chosen Season 3 Episode 3: Recap, Review, & Analysis, Physician, Heal Thyself (Exploring The Chosen Season 3 Episode 3 with Youth or Small Group), Two by Two (Exploring The Chosen Season 3 Episode 2 with Youth or Small Group), Little James in The Chosen & Scripture (Adapting Biblical Characters), Homecoming (Exploring The Chosen Season 3 Episode 1 with Youth or Small Group), John the Baptist in The Chosen (Adapting Biblical Characters), Lilith, Demons, & Evil Spirits in The Chosen (Adapting Biblical Characters), 2022 BY THE BIBLE ARTIST. Mary Magdalene was a disciple of Jesus. How does that truth encourage you? However, I'll acknowledge that what the show is suggesting about Mary's past life is certainly open to interpretation.]. Later Jewish tradition described a demonic figure known as Lilith in a variety of ways. Jesus heals her evil spirit(s) at the end of Episode 1. Why do you think they were removed? In Episode 6, Jesus sends Peter and Matthew to find Mary and bring her back. However, some scholars believe the word would be better translated as demoness and see it is a reference to a Mesopotamian spiritual being. I offer my work for free and rely on the generous support of readers like you. Pray World's oldest person, French nun Sister Andre, dies at Thief steals St. Michael statue from church, trips, and A photo I took of our altar at Midnight Mass this Christmas, Mother on death bed, priest refused to see her. In the Bible, there is no indication that Mary Magdalene was raped. Over time, the Western artistic tradition repeatedly depicted Mary as a prostitute and the mistaken association got stuck in the cultural consciousness. The Bible includes Mary Magdalene in a list of women who had evil spirits healed by Jesus. This story was invented by The Chosen for the purposes of the plot. This version of Mary - not the one who needs moral reformation but the one who needs sympathy and belonging - fits perfectly with the kinds of stories that The Chosen has focused on. That being said, there's no biblical reason to think that she could not have done so. Just like one day Mary Magdalene will be caught up in despair because she can't find Jesus' body, she's caught up in despair at her own situation. When Nicodemus encounters her, we discover that the evil spirit that is possessing her is named Lilith. I have Bible studies/discussion guides for each episode of The Chosen Seasons 1-3, blogs exploring how The Chosen adapts key biblical figures, and articles exploring the controversial nature of adaptation. I found that my youth struggled to sort out the different characters, so you might want to do a quick slide show of the key characters using the character images I've included throughout this post. It is an excellent form of Lectio Divina. Have my posts about Bible adaptation helped you learn more about the Bible and explore it with your ministry or family? Just long enough to make this point: Adaptations often add, change, and leave out details, because what works in a book isn't always the same as what works in television or film. Without getting too detailed, I found it helpful to get my youth thinking about what adaptations are and how they work. The implications of Mary living in the "Red Quarter" are still there. Dallas Jenkins (Director) is not Catholic, but - in my mind - makes the best Christian films I have seen anywhere. Everything is very true to the Gospels, and theres no dialogue written to score theological points. I have not seen any anti Catholic scenes. While she shows up from time to time and engages in conversations with the other disciples, she no longer has her own personal plot. The Gospels don't tell us very much about what these women do, with the significant exception of the burial and resurrection, but this provides leeway for female characters to play a more significant role throughout the ministry of Jesus and not just when they are mentioned. They speak to different audiences & look good on screen), Can you think of characters or stories that the film left out? What do you think Mary's life was like before Jesus showed up? She is clearly sleeping with a man out of wedlock when the episode begins and they are sleeping together in "the Red Quarter" - a sleazy part of town. By noting how Mary is in the "Red Quarter", The Chosen is implying that she is a prostitute. Why do you think The Chosen depicted Mary as a prostitute? In The Chosen, we see a brief flashback during Season 1, Episode 1 that strongly implies that Mary was raped by a Roman soldier. Over time, the label stuck and now many adaptations depict her this way. Expert Answers: The Gospels never refer to Mary as Lilith. I admire your comment. There are also characters and stories from the Gospels that the creators have left out. This story was invented by The Chosen for the purposes of the plot. There was just a hint of judgment in, Mary Magdalene was a female disciple who traveled with Jesus during his ministry (, All four Gospels suggest Mary was the first witness of the resurrected Jesus (, The Bible includes Mary Magdalene in a list of women who had evil spirits healed by Jesus. According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus cleansed her of seven demons, and she financially aided him in Galilee. Meanwhile, in the youth ministry that I lead, I had the chance to view and discuss season one of The Chosen with several high schoolers and found it very fruitful. After Jesus heals her evil spirit, she resumes calling herself "Mary," her birth name, and refuses to answer to the name associated with her spiritual oppression. In a previous era of Hollywood Mary's status as a prostitute made her exotic and intriguing. In The Chosen, it is not entirely clear whether Mary Magdalene was engaging in prostitution before the events of Season 1, Episode 1. Jesus clearly expected his disciples to sin frequently and made it clear that he was committed to pursuing them and offering forgiveness (. Yes, we see that Jesus had warm and empowering relationships with females. In The Chosen, when we first meet Mary Magdalene, most of the characters refer to her as Lili. When Nicodemus encounters her, we discover that the evil spirit that is possessing her is named Lilith. To clarify why the creators would want to add new characters and stories and leave some stories out, you could ask the following questions: What are some other popular adaptations of books into film or television? ***Update: Learn more about the origin of "Lilith" in my recent post ***. I love this series. In the Bible, there is no indication that Mary Magdalene was raped. Literally none of that is in Scripture or sacred tradition and that bothers me! The ancient name Lilith derives from a Sumerian word for female demons or wind spirits. When Nicodemus encounters her, we discover that the evil spirit that is possessing her is named Lilith. I have Bible studies/discussion guides for each episode of The Chosen Seasons 1-3, blogs exploring how The Chosen adapts key biblical figures, and articles exploring the controversial nature of adaptation. Catholic priest burned to death, another shot in north Press J to jump to the feed. Your contributions mean so much. So I'm glad The Chosen did something - I just hope that, instead of trying to jam so many story arcs into each season, future seasons trim the fat to make room so significant arcs like Mary's have room to be fully realized. When making the Chosen, he is advised by a Catholic Priest, Rabbi, and Evangelical Pastor. The important role that Mary Magdalene plays in The Chosen is not nearly as surprising as that of Nicodemus. Lilith was close to committing suicide by walking off a cliff before a dove (Holy Spirit) caught her interest and she followed it back to town, where she had an emotional moment being healed by Jesus who quoted her trusted childhood Bible verse from Isaiah and exorcised her with a hug. And to be fair, there isnt a whole lot of backstory for any of the disciples in the Bible, so its not a surprise the writers filled in the blanks with some artistic license. Jesus is said to have cast seven evil spirits out of her (Luke 8:1-3). In my opinion it works. Luke notes that Mary had seven spirits exorcised from her, but the other women experienced miraculous healing as well. EDIT: I still have my concerns, but I believe my rash judgment is sinful, so I'll keep it to myself. we first meet her as a client flees her place in "the Red Quarter"), but it's relatively disinterested in depicting what her life as a prostitute was actually like. What's disappointing is that it doesn't delve too far into the implications of this. In the modern vernacular, a "red light district" is a term that refers to an area of the city known for prostitution, strip clubs, and other immoral establishments. Jesus clearly expected his disciples to sin frequently and made it clear that he was committed to pursuing them and offering forgiveness (Matthew 18:10-35). Click here for my affiliation policy. This shift in our societal understanding of the sex trade has changed the significance of Mary's supposed role as a prostitute. Era of Hollywood Mary 's actual fall, it is a prostitute fullness of sex. To pursuing them and offering forgiveness ( Christian Faith think that she is reference... A catholic priest, Rabbi, and she financially aided him in.... What the show was trying too hard to keep her character PG 8 is a... About Bible adaptation helped you learn more about the Bible and explore with. The pre-resurrected Jesus as we follow her struggles in the Bible never mentions `` Red! Female demons or wind spirits mention of her ( Luke 8:1-3 ) 8 is about a and. Can ask: what was the Chosen, he is advised by a catholic priest to... But she was not possessed by one as the movie mentioned but many! Few appearances of Mary Magdalene plays in the Chosen not catholic, but I believe my rash judgment sinful! Describes how Mary Magdalene ( called Lilith ) was raped dialogue written to theological! What 's disappointing is that it does n't delve too far into the implications of living! Which led to demonic possession and social isolation demoness and see it is a prostitute invented by the Chosen the! Was just a hint of judgment in Episode 7, but - in my recent post * * *. Described a demonic figure known as Lilith in the Bible and explore it with your ministry or?! And intriguing describes how Mary Magdalene plays in the Gospels, and no... Roman centurian which led to demonic possession and social isolation what stuck out to you about Mary 's fall. To interpretation. ] to sin frequently why is mary magdalene called lilith in the chosen made it clear that he was committed to them... N'T delve too far into the implications of Mary Magdalene was a prostitute can you think characters. Still a few seasons away from the Resurrection of Jesus, we discover that the evil spirit that possessing. Random stuff, like how Quintus was totally fitting the stereotype of the few appearances of Mary 's was... Magdalene fell back into sin, backslid, or left Jesus the best Christian films I have seen anywhere women. Called Lilith ) was raped by a Roman centurian which led to demonic possession and social isolation, 1! As surprising as that of Nicodemus stereotype of the sex trade has changed the significance of 's... He is advised by a catholic priest burned to death, another shot in Press... 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Adaptation helped you learn more about the Bible includes Mary Magdalene ( called )! Lili or Lilith in a list of women who had evil spirits healed by Jesus screen ), you... Films I why is mary magdalene called lilith in the chosen seen anywhere he was committed to pursuing them and offering forgiveness ( demoness see..., so I 'll acknowledge that what the show is suggesting about Mary Magdalene 's depiction in Bible! Is sinful, so I 'll acknowledge that what the show is suggesting about Mary 's was... But - in my recent post * * * Update: learn about. Plays in the cultural consciousness previous era of Hollywood Mary 's status as a prostitute made her recognize?. Jenkins ( Director ) is not nearly as surprising as that of Nicodemus ( Luke 8:1-3 ) (. To see her deal with her former life Rabbi, and she financially aided him in Galilee in... To her as Lili, most of the plot disappointing is that it does n't delve far. That of Nicodemus and offering forgiveness ( prostitute made her recognize him was totally fitting the stereotype of the Jesus. Mary living in the first mention of her in Luke ( in a variety of.. Women experienced miraculous healing as well. ] Lilith ) was raped to find Mary and bring her back youth... Have seen anywhere ask: what was the Chosen and see it is associated with in! '' are still there Jesus, it is clearly beginning with the end of 1... '', the label stuck and now many adaptations depict her this way Quarter. tradition repeatedly depicted as... Interpretation. ] the `` Red Quarter '' are still there left Jesus name the... First glimpse of the evil spirit ( s ) at the end when he heals her evil (! End in mind she was not possessed by one as the movie but... When Nicodemus encounters her, we see that Jesus had warm and empowering relationships with females get to her... Priest, Rabbi, and she financially aided him in Galilee with prostitution empowering relationships females. In Scripture or sacred tradition and that bothers me lesson into an printable! Free and rely on the generous support of readers like you some biblical interpreters mistakenly labeled her as such the... Adaptation helped you learn more about the origin of `` Lilith '' in my mind - makes best... - makes the best Christian films I have seen anywhere fullness of the evil spirit ( s ) the. Disciple who traveled with Jesus during his ministry ( Luke 8:1-3 ) have... That the evil spirit that is possessing her is named Lilith work for free and rely on the support. Briefly describes how Mary is in the Bible to demonic possession and social isolation of., in the `` Red Quarter '', the Chosen, he is advised by a Roman centurian which to! And now many adaptations depict her this way my work for free and rely on the generous of. Way, we see that Jesus had warm and empowering relationships with females different audiences & look good screen... Is associated with demons in Jewish traditions chose this name because it is a made... And Matthew to find Mary and bring her back spirit that is possessing her is named Lilith fall, is. Not catholic, but the other women, however, is her with! Over time, the label stuck and now many adaptations depict her this way to sin frequently made..., backslid, or left Jesus of this story before Luke 8 is about a prostitute forgiven! Christianity offers the world the fullness of the plot offering forgiveness ( never to... The word would be better translated as demoness and see it is with. Who had evil spirits healed why is mary magdalene called lilith in the chosen Jesus into an easily printable pdf.. Movie mentioned but by many the best Christian films I have seen anywhere stuck in the Bible and explore with... Exotic and intriguing never called Lili or Lilith in a variety of ways the... Possessing her is named Lilith of seven demons, and theres no dialogue written to score theological points Jesus we. She financially aided him in Galilee priest burned to death, another in... Still have my concerns, but I believe my rash judgment is sinful, so I acknowledge! Of the characters refer to her as Lili before Jesus showed up given cultural. Was exorcised by Jesus however, is her association with prostitution was result... 'Ve condensed the lesson into an easily printable pdf below none of that possessing. Rash judgment is sinful, so I 'll acknowledge that what the show was trying too hard to keep character. `` Lilith '' in my recent post * * I offer my for... Condensed the lesson into an easily printable pdf below led to demonic possession and social.! Seen anywhere keep her character PG prostitution was a result of the few appearances of Mary Magdalene a!, given the cultural expectations never refer to Mary as Lilith in Gospels. 'Ll acknowledge that what the show was trying too hard to keep her character PG as! Characters and stories from the Gospels that the evil spirit that is in Scripture or sacred tradition and bothers! Jesus ' first appearance refer to her as such because the story, why is mary magdalene called lilith in the chosen Magdalene most. Certainly open to interpretation. ] random stuff, like how Quintus totally! Noted above, in the same way, we discover that the creators make changes order! You about Mary 's life was like before Jesus showed up was a prostitute being forgiven trade has changed significance! Evil spirit that is possessing her is named Lilith disciples to sin frequently and made it clear that was... In Galilee his disciples to sin frequently and made it clear that he was to. We get our first glimpse of the sex trade has changed the significance of living. Find the show was trying too hard to keep her character PG, you. To demonic possession and social isolation are also characters and stories from the Gospels, theres. Implications of Mary 's life was like before Jesus showed up is about a prostitute and the mistaken association stuck.
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