I remember when Messiah was added to Netflix... I was ignorant, and I didn't care. I like Ruth Wilson who is playing in the series, but still, it didn't attract me. Then I read a review written by @netflixr (which you can find here: @netflixr/messiah-on-netflix-quite-possibly-the-best-series-they-have-for-now) and I suddenly understood, that I need to give it a try.
I am watching the series when I do some cardio training at home on my elliptical trainer, meaning that I am progressing quite slowly, but at least, I am really looking forward to my next training session, simply because of this show.
I had no clue what to expect when I got started, but it didn't last long for me to really "fall in love" with this show.
Is this a religious mess-up show?
I have only seen three episodes, but I have got to say that Netflix has done a great job (so far) in making this a show that doesn't really condemn, judge, or make fun of the religions in the world as we know them today. It is not telling that one is better than the others, instead, it is making a middle way in which the "Messiah" is gathering believers among all groups.
I have read a lot in the Bible and in a way, I could easily imagine Jesus behaving something like what we can see the Messiah character in this series do. He is answering with wisdom, he is often quoting holy scriptures, and he is for sure inspired by the great thinkers, and especially, by the words of Jesus.
However, it doesn't make any attempt on making Jesus the expected Messiah, instead, we are served a new Messiah who just have many similarities.
And yes, it makes me curious, it entertains me, and it has got to be one of the most interesting TV series that I have seen in a long time.
Will this show mess up your faith?
Haha, what a question! I believe it might create an interest in religion for people who haven't cared much until now. It might confuse some believers who haven't managed to find solid foundation at where they are at right now. But, first of all, this is a TV series, a Netflix original series, and their motivation is to make money and to entertain their subscribers. It is important to keep this in mind, and that is why they have made it as "harmless" as possible, making sure not to make subscribers in Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Hinduist, and other "religiouns" countries hurt by what they see.
When I attended school, we learn about the USA as a melting pot in which all religions, people, and everything just melted together and became something new. Well, that is what is happening in this show as well. It mixes everything into soup of everything. Someone might find that to be disturbing, but I just find it to be Netflix's way of making money! And, it doesn't really weaken my faith in Jesus, it just makes me even more curious about what he actually might have been like walking around here on earth 2000 years ago!
Where to watch it?
You can watch Messiah on Netflix everywhere. It has 10 episodes, and the average episode lasts about 35 minutes. I often use SurfsharkVPN to change my Netflix region, but considering that this is a Netflix original show, I don't need to change my Netflix region nor anything, since it is available in all the countries of the world (in which Netflix is available).
Have you seen Messiah? Did you like it? Were you able to watch it purely as entertainment, or did it stir up any thoughts you have had about Christianity, Judaism, or other religions? I would love to hear from you!
And yes, I will be back whenever I have exercised seven more times (which hopefully should be within a couple of weeks) to share my thoughts on the series after finishing it all!