Gregg Hurwitz, a bestselling author known for his Orphan X series and work with Jordan Peterson, discusses his journey through faith and storytelling. He shares insights from the Gospels project, explaining how the Gospel accounts reflect high-stakes narratives. Hurwitz dives into themes of morality, identity, and the psychological complexities of his characters. He reveals what fans can expect from his latest release, 'Nemesis', and teases upcoming projects, leaving listeners eager for more thrilling adventures.
Gregg Hurwitz discusses his experience collaborating with Jordan Peterson on the Gospels project, emphasizing the complexity of exploring faith narratives without a personal religious affiliation.
The podcast explores the moral conflict between Evan and Tommy, showcasing how their contrasting values highlight the ambiguity inherent in human relationships and personal choices.
Through the examination of the Gospels, Hurwitz articulates how engaging with enduring narratives can provide essential moral and philosophical insights relevant to contemporary life.
Deep dives
The Journey of Faith and Inquiry
The discussion delves into the experience of a liberal secular Jew exploring the themes of the Gospels alongside prominent thinkers, illustrating the intricacies of navigating religious narratives without a definitive faith affiliation. This journey highlights how engaging with sacred texts can foster a deeper understanding of Western civilization's moral and cultural underpinnings. The exploration of the relationship between personal belief and the narratives in the Gospels also raises questions about identity and the role of spirituality in shaping one's worldview. The speaker reflects on their experiences during these discussions, emphasizing the transformative nature of grappling with profound texts through multiple perspectives.
The Tension of Moral Codes
The podcast addresses the complex relationship between two characters, Evan and Tommy, and the moral codes they embody as they confront personal dilemmas. Evan's background as an assassin contrasts sharply with Tommy's adherence to community values, leading to a conflict between their respective codes of conduct. This tension highlights the broader theme of moral ambiguity in human relationships, as both characters navigate the consequences of their choices and the societal pressures they face. The resulting clash forces them to confront their beliefs and the meanings of loyalty, friendship, and duty.
The Weight of Sacred Narratives
There is an emphasis on the significance of narrative in shaping human experiences and understanding, particularly through the lens of the Gospels. The podcast examines how these narratives endure through immense societal pressures, suggesting that the survival of such stories speaks to their intrinsic value. The discussion asserts that the Gospels, whether viewed as divine truth or merely powerful stories, offer moral and philosophical grounding amidst the complexities of modern life. This perspective encourages listeners to reflect on the deeper meanings embedded within religious texts and their relevance in contemporary society.
The Complexity of Human Emotion
A poignant moment in the conversation arises when Evan holds a baby, catalyzing an exploration of his emotional landscape amid his assassin persona. The experience highlights a transformative moment where Evan faces vulnerability and the rawness of human experience, prompting him to reconsider his capacity for empathy. This interaction serves as a metaphor for innocence and potential, contrasting sharply with Evan's violent background and illuminating the struggle to retain humanity amidst darkness. The narrative reflects on how such moments can ignite introspection and catalyze personal growth, even for those seemingly lost in moral ambiguity.
The Envy of the Dead
A profound introspection reveals the dangers of envying the dead, encapsulating a moment of existential reflection for Evan as he grapples with his choices and the burden of existence. This thought serves as a reminder of the allure of escape from pain and struggle, especially during dark moments in life. The conversation touches on the societal implications of such feelings, particularly concerning how individuals process suffering and the consequences of wanting to succumb to those feelings. This sentiment underscores the importance of understanding the value of life and resilience in facing adversity rather than yielding to despair.
In this episode, we welcome Gregg Hurwitz back to the show. He is a novelist, screenwriter, and comic book writer. He is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over 20 thrillers to include the wildly popular Orphan X series. In this interview, we discuss what it was like working with Jordan Peterson on “The Gospels” project, why there was not an Evangelical Christian included in the roundtable, why he thinks the Gospel accounts are akin to a story with “maximal pressure applied”, his personal faith, his thoughts on Jesus and the Resurrection, what fans of the Orphan X series can expect from the latest novel “Nemesis”, the psychological and moral underpinnings of the newest thriller, what he is working on next, and much more. Let’s get into it…