The Peterson Pipeline: How the Internet Is Reshaping Evangelical Theology

A conversation on "The Meaning of Things" myth, and the search for an embodied, symbolic faith.

📺Jordan Peterson and the Gospel: Where Evangelicals Are Headed Next

What happens when archetypes meet the altar? In this longform conversation with Eric Benjamin @meaningofthings we trace how Jordan Peterson's symbolic lens is influencing evangelical theology, confession, and spiritual formation. From the rise of internet spirituality to in-the-trenches church leadership, we explore the hunger for meaning reshaping the evangelical imagination — and why the gospel must remain more than myth, but not less than one.

We wrestle with the question: Is the future of evangelicalism symbolic, sacramental, or something deeper still?

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⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro + The Symbolic World Summit and Evangelical Crosscurrents

Christian reflects on the emerging overlap between Peterson’s ideas and evangelical influencers like Ruslan and “What Do You Meme.”

12:30 – Confession, Collapse, and Archetypal Awakening

A personal story of failure, sacrifice, and how ancient symbols can become painfully real.

24:10 – Are Stories Just Symbols? Evangelical Bible Reading Reconsidered

Eric and Christian examine the difference between moral lessons and spiritually participatory narratives.

34:55 – Jordan Peterson, Ladder Theology, and the Limits of Self-Help Christianity

A critique of archetypal religion that tries to climb to God rather than receiving grace from Him.

46:40 – From Worship Teams to Embodied Faith: Can the Church Recover Participation?

Why worship isn’t just music — and how structure and liturgy create space for real presence.

58:15 – The Role of Communion in Non-Sacramental Churches

What does it mean when even low-church pastors admit “our communion sucks”?

1:10:20 – Discipleship, Gardens, and the Fractals of Worship

From prayer journals to baking bread, how small, embodied acts shape a whole theology.

1:22:40 – Can Peterson Ever Walk Through the Door?

Peterson holds the door open for seekers — but can he ever fully step through?

1:33:15 – Hell, Healing, and Rebuilding Self-Respect After Sin

Christian shares how telling the truth didn’t fix everything — but started the path back.

1:42:30 – The Archetype and the Flesh: Why Jesus Must Be More Than a Pattern

The gospel isn’t just a model to imitate — it’s a person to follow, trust, and be saved by.

🧠 Guests & Mentions:

Eric Benjamin @meaningofthings

Paul VanderKlay

Jonathan Pageau

Jordan Peterson

Tim Mackie (BibleProject)

Michael Heiser

John Vervaeke

Ruslan

What Do You Meme

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