Summary of "The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast" Episode 509: "Retelling the Greatest Story Ever Told | Dallas Jenkins"

Release Date: December 23, 2024

In this compelling episode of "The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast," Dr. Jordan B. Peterson engages in a profound conversation with Dallas Jenkins, the creator, producer, director, and writer of the acclaimed series "The Chosen." The discussion delves deep into Jenkins' personal and professional journey, exploring themes of failure, faith, storytelling, and cultural impact.

1. Introduction to Dallas Jenkins and "The Chosen"

Timestamp: 00:00 – 05:44

Dr. Peterson welcomes listeners from the historical set of Caiaphas's house, a prominent location in "The Chosen," underscoring the show's commitment to authenticity. Jenkins shares insights into the creation of the series, highlighting its expansive sets in Texas and its intricate portrayal of biblical events.

Dallas Jenkins (05:09): "This is the room in which not only Caiaphas and Judas make a deal, but ultimately we'll see Jesus come for his quasi-trial."

2. Overcoming Failure: From "Resurrection of Gavin Stone" to "The Chosen"

Timestamp: 06:13 – 12:13

Jenkins recounts the pivotal moment in his career when his Hollywood-backed film, "Resurrection of Gavin Stone," failed disastrously upon its 2017 release. The immediate financial and reputational collapse left him in despair, questioning his divine calling and the authenticity of his faith.

Dallas Jenkins (07:03): "It was completely failed. The other stories that we were hoping to tell with these companies... they said, 'Nah, nevermind.'"

3. The Feeding of the 5,000: A Metaphor for Jenkins' Redemption

Timestamp: 10:09 – 17:59

Amidst his career downfall, Jenkins and his wife, Amanda, seek solace and guidance through scripture. Amanda feels a divine prompting to focus on the story of the feeding of the 5,000, interpreting it as a lesson that moments of desperation can be precursors to miraculous outcomes. This realization shifts Jenkins' perspective from obsessing over failure to embracing faith-driven storytelling.

Dallas Jenkins (15:35): "Your job is not to feed the 5,000, it's only to provide the loaves and fish."

4. Redefining Success: Moving Beyond Traditional Metrics

Timestamp: 17:59 – 32:14

Jenkins discusses the transformation of his understanding of success. Instead of measuring his work's worth by financial success or Hollywood validation, he begins to evaluate it based on his relationship with God and the authenticity of his storytelling. This shift fosters a sense of freedom and purpose, allowing him to create "The Chosen" without the burden of conventional expectations.

Dallas Jenkins (32:05): "I'm not going to base my success or failure on how well... people see me."

5. Crafting Authentic Biblical Narratives Through Storytelling

Timestamp: 32:14 – 60:12

Emphasizing the power of storytelling, Jenkins explains how "The Chosen" differentiates itself by exploring biblical events from the perspectives of minor characters, adding depth and emotional resonance. This approach humanizes the narratives, making them more relatable and impactful for contemporary audiences.

Dallas Jenkins (46:19): "I'm interested in it from that perspective. But I listen to some of you talk and I go, yeah, that's fascinating."

6. The Role of Imagination and Prophetic Storytelling

Timestamp: 60:07 – 73:11

Jenkins elaborates on the importance of imagination in biblical storytelling, drawing parallels to psychoanalytic dream interpretation. By fleshing out the backstories of biblical figures, "The Chosen" offers viewers a more immersive and personal connection to the scriptures, enhancing both intellectual and emotional engagement.

Dallas Jenkins (61:53): "St. Ignatius, when he says we're to read the Bible with a holy imagination."

7. Faith, Surrender, and Sustained Creativity

Timestamp: 73:11 – 84:33

Reflecting on his journey, Jenkins underscores the necessity of surrendering personal ambitions and embracing divine guidance. This act of faith not only salvaged his career post-failure but also paved the way for the unprecedented success of "The Chosen," which surpassed crowdfunding records by raising $10 million.

Dallas Jenkins (82:11): "It was clear that when people did watch it, there was a transcendent response of some kind."

8. Cultural Impact and Personal Transformation Through "The Chosen"

Timestamp: 84:34 – 99:46

"The Chosen" has resonated with a diverse audience, including non-believers, by presenting Jesus in a multifaceted, humanized light. Jenkins highlights how the series fosters personal connections and spiritual awakenings, validating his approach to faithful yet innovative storytelling.

Dallas Jenkins (99:46): "People tell me, 'I saw Jesus wink,' or 'I saw Jesus look her in the eye,' and it broke me because I realized it's for me, too."

9. The Future of "The Chosen" and Expanding Biblical Narratives

Timestamp: 99:47 – End

Looking ahead, Jenkins plans to explore other biblical narratives, such as the story of Moses, expanding the universe of "The Chosen" and continuing to blend historical fidelity with creative storytelling. This commitment ensures the series remains dynamic and deeply rooted in faith-driven authenticity.

Dallas Jenkins (106:09): "The text is giving me so much to work with."

Conclusion

Episode 509 of "The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast" offers an inspiring narrative of resilience, faith, and the transformative power of authentic storytelling. Dallas Jenkins' journey from a failed Hollywood film to creating a groundbreaking series like "The Chosen" exemplifies the profound impact of surrendering personal setbacks to a higher calling. Through this episode, listeners gain invaluable insights into the interplay between faith, creativity, and cultural influence.

Note: The timestamps referenced correspond to the moments within the provided transcript and serve to highlight significant portions of the discussion.