'The Chosen' is back and better than ever
✝️ This season's middle chapter is the strongest yet
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
“The Chosen,” the show based on the life of Jesus that’s now in its fifth season, has become a household name — particularly in the world of faith-based entertainment. It’s undoubtedly a touchstone of Christian media, and it has the box office numbers to prove it.
In today’s top story, critic Joseph Holmes unpacks those numbers and the continued success of the show, both culturally and narratively. After reviewing the first chapter, he says that this week’s installment sets the show up for a home-run finale — and if it lands, he says this season “will truly be the best season of the show to date.”
Check out Holmes’ reviews so far, and stay tuned for further installments as the rest of the episodes release.
‘The Chosen: The Last Supper Part 2’ The Best Middle Chapter Of The Series Yet
(REVIEW) A few flaws aside, “The Chosen: The Last Supper Part 2” is easily the strongest middle chapter of the popular series by far. This only makes me more excited for the final episode just as Easter approaches. If they can land that, “The Chosen: The Last Supper” will truly be the best season of the show to date — and another sign that the faith-based film industry has truly come of age. by Joseph Holmes
⬆️ And while you’re at it, check out our latest podcast that features a discussion of “The Chosen” and even more Jesus movies!
Some Conservative Protestants Spark Debate By Embracing Lenten Traditions
Although a recent study reveals that Lent is largely ignored by many Christians in the United States, there is a trend among members of some conservative Protestant denominations to incorporate it in their Easter observances. Some who are members of conservative Presbyterian denominations have even taken up Lent in a break from tradition. by Clemente Lisi
Decades-Old Disputes Over LGBTQ Clergy: What Next For US ‘mainline’ Presbyterians?
(ANALYSIS) The Presbyterian Church (USA) is nearing the latest turning point in its half-century struggle over same-sex clergy and marriage that could give liberals powerful new leverage against traditionalists — if they choose to exercise it. The coming clash would pit the liberals’ anti-discrimination principles against the evangelical minority's freedom of conscience claims. by Richard Ostling
Coat of Hopes’ Endless UK Pilgrimage: Spreading Messages Of Climate Action
An endless pilgrimage around the U.K. involving an object rather than a person has attracted considerable attention in every place it visits. Known as the Coat of Hopes, it has traveled over 1,500 miles. Along the way, the loose blanket style robe has been covered with ever increasing numbers of colorful patches bearing the hopes and dreams of those who encounter it. by Angela Youngman
Disgraced Ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Accused Of Sexual Abuse, Dies At 94
Theodore McCarrick — once one of the Catholic Church's most influential figures in the United States who was later defrocked following a Vatican investigation that found he had abused both adults and minors — has died at age 94. McCarrick, who served as the archbishop of Washington from 2000 to 2006, remains one of the highest-ranking U.S. prelates accused in a sexual abuse scandal. by Clemente Lisi
‘Crisis Of Colonial Anglicanism’ Examines The Legacy Of The British Empire
(REVIEW) The book boldly gives a brave, honest and forceful account of the realities of the effect of colonialism on Anglicanism past and present, Percy critically examines how the Anglican Church, which served as both a spiritual arm and a moral justification for British imperial expansion, is now struggling with the enduring legacy of complicity in slavery and colonialism. by Cyril Zenda
Word for Word Bible Comic Brings Scriptures To Life For A New Generation Of Christians
The Word for Word Bible Comic is not trying to reinvent the Bible. Rather, it is a genuine attempt to represent the scriptures as accurately and as faithfully as possible for a new generation of readers for whom images hold the key to a greater understanding of the world’s best-selling book. This is not the first project that has transformed the Christian scriptures into a comic. by David Trigg
On Religion: Why Is Lent In America No Big Deal?
(ANALYSIS) The bridge between Ash Wednesday and Easter is the penitential season of Lent. However, Lent is “not on the radar” for most Americans, according to a new Lifeway Research study focusing on Catholics, Protestants and the unchurched. Most who observe Lent find their own ways to mark the season, with some form of the “give up one thing for Lent” pattern as the norm. by Terry Mattingly
At An Uncertain Time, Federal Workers And Ministers Keep The Faith
As executive orders from President Trump, budget slashing by tech billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and cuts enacted by Cabinet secretaries or the Office of Personnel Management reduce the federal workforce, area Christians and congregations feel the impact. by Hamil R. Harris
Snow White And America’s Niche-Culture Wars
(ANALYSIS) The math is bright red: The “Snow White” reboot was a box-office bomb in week one and things went straight downhill in week two. It’s possible that, if Disney gets honest about the production and promotion costs, this movie could be the biggest and most painful elite Hollywood bust of all time. by Terry Mattingly
‘The Score’ Highlights Bach’s Faith And The Divine Power Of Music
Under the direction of Trevor Nunn, “The Score” serves up a fascinating dynamic between the king, who harbors his own musical ambitions, and Bach. Over time, despite their contrasting personalities and roles, a mutual respect does develop — despite their religious differences, lifestyles, ambitions and motivations — between the men, culminating in Bach composing a musical offering inspired by Frederick. by Clemente Lisi
🤖 #RNA2025: What The Nation's Top Religion Writers — And AI — Are Talking About 🔌
Religion News Association members gathered this week just outside the nation’s capital for their annual meeting. They discussed topics ranging from AI to reporting on religion in small markets. by Bobby Ross Jr.
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Thanks again for reading!
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