Exodus (2022 - 2023)

The second chapter of Exodus. Themes explored include: Moses's openness and willingness to respond to God's call, the possibility of transforming evil to good, being, and man's relationship with the divine.

Jordan and his round-table of religious scholars, writers and artists pour over the third chapter of Exodus. Topics discussed include-God's transcendent unity, order and chaos, God's necessity and freedom.

In Exodus Part 4, Jordan engages with religious scholars, writers, and artists to review chapters seven through nine. The primary topics discussed include power, desire to change, the heart (seat of the will and mind), a life of freedom, the good, suffering, the plagues, and resentment.

In Exodus Part 5, Jordan and the roundtable discuss chapters nine through twelve. They address the key themes of free will and sacrifice, along with the topics of tyranny (Stalin, Jong-un, Putin and Hitler), having children in today's climate, and the COVID-19 lockdowns (state above church).

In part six of Jordan Peterson’s Exodus series, the table discusses chapters twelve through fourteen, specifically how the storyline of the Bible compares to other pieces of literature, Passover, and the importance of ceremonies. They debate whether or not the Jews are called to have compassion for the Egyptians and…

In part 7 of Jordan Peterson’s Exodus series, the table discusses chapters fifteen through eighteen, specifically, God parting the Red Sea, Moses leading the Israelites out of tyranny, Pharaoh’s Egyptian army dissolving, the influence memorizing the Israelite song had on their perspective, and God providing mercy and nourishment through manna in response to hunger with the exception of the Sabbath. The scholars address the right hand of God, study of science as an apprenticeship, crossover of order and chaos, freely chosen consent, plagues brought about by tyranny, prayer and daily remembrance, and the human condition.

Jordan and the roundtable discuss chapters eighteen through twenty: Moses acts as judge for his people, he reconciles with his family (especially his father-in-law, Jethro), Jethro instructs Moses to see God as the true judge, and Moses teaches a select few the laws to allow them to rule over the people. Additionally, they review the initial events of Mount Sinai when God revealed himself to Moses, Israel as the sacrificial first born nation, and God’s presentation of the Ten Commandments. The scholars address the importance of sacrifice, compassion, and the relationship between justice and mercy, problems with unconditional love, and the fundamental structures of reality as the first half of the Exodus seminar comes to a close.

What impact did Moses's descent from the mountain with the Ten Commandments have on the Judeo-Christian tradition? In the second part of the Exodus series, Jordan and the scholars begin by delving into the pivotal moment when God shares the ten commandments, explore the first five in great detail, and wrestle with what might be the most challenging one: Remembering the Sabbath day and keeping it holy. They lay out fundamental rules which guide the Judeo-Christian tradition. These rules provide a balance between tyranny and excess freedom, allowing for a more organized society.

What are the religious laws that God gave to the Israelites after they were freed from slavery in Egypt? Jordan and the group discuss how God wants us to stay loyal to him and not turn to other gods. He also doesn't want us to make idols or use his name in a disrespectful way. We should take one day a week to focus on him and keep it holy, setting aside our usual work. God is a jealous God and shows mercy to those who love and obey him.

What is the purpose of God's laws in establishing a moral order? Jordan and the scholars (joined again by Douglas Hadley) unpack the significance of God’s laws contained in Exodus 21-24 and how they established not only a moral order, but binary boundaries preventing mankind from either becoming like a God, or reverting to an animal state with no morals at all.

What are the consequences of not taking sacrifice seriously in religious practice? Jordan and the roundtable (now joined by Gregg Hurwitz and Ben Shapiro) continue their exploration of Exodus 24, focusing on the details of sacred space, ritual and worship with specific emphasis on the ideal of sacrificing in order to live up to the highest ideal—and the disunity that comes from disregarding the importance of sacrifice as a result.

What are the potential negative impacts of idolatry in modern society? Jordan and the scholars explore Exodus 29, versus 43-46. They discuss the perils of choosing idolatry over the divine, in both Biblical and contemporary times, as well as Moses’ role as intermediary between God and the Israelites.

Jordan and the scholars finish their reading of Exodus, reestablishing the covenant and uniting the Israelites in their vision of the promised land, restoring law and order. This episode also includes supplemental readings from Leviticus.

Jordan and the scholars discuss the Israelites' stubbornness and Moses' frustration. They highlight the importance of shared vision, gratitude, and avoiding resentment.

Jordan and the scholars trace Moses' journey from Numbers to the end of Deuteronomy. Despite being able to see the promised land, Moses is unable to enter it before his death, but his name becomes a symbol of Israel and God's promise to His people.

In the conclusion of Exodus, Jordan and the scholars recap the story of Exodus and the Israelites’ escape from tyranny to freedom. This episode also features a summation from each of the scholars as they share what has been illuminated for them through this discussion.