The Ultimate Map of Meaning in Times of Suffering
I want to know Christ — yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. Philippians 3:10 NIV
I approached Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief by Jordan B. Peterson with anticipation and a weary brain. The academic writing style was dense and certain intersecting concepts difficult to grasp. This tome filled with small print and mysterious “maps” and symbols, written by a controversial and unfamiliar author was rather daunting. I needed background information. I watched YouTube videos of the author speaking and giving interviews and discovered a documentary about Peterson’s wife Tammy and her journey with cancer.[1] Her story struck a chord about the transformative beauty of suffering. Being the Lenten season this presented an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of suffering. Jesus’ passion offers a story that anchors my life in multiple ways that hard facts and science can only complement.
At the heart of the book is the premise that we need belief to navigate life, particularly when unexpected or unpredictable things occur.[2] The author chronicles his own journey of discovery that “the world-that-is-belief” is orderly, “there are universal moral absolutes,” and how the meaning of the “most profound belief systems are comprehensible, fascinating, and necessary.”[3] Peterson asserts, “The great religious myths state that continued pursuit of meaning, adopted voluntarily and without self-deception, will lead the individual to discover his identity in God. This revealed identity will make him capable of withstanding the tragedy of life.”[4] Myths, stories, faith traditions, and rituals become maps that guide our journey, though we may not be consciously aware of them or believe in the power of their influence.
The Role of Story and Myth
Human beings seek meaning. We look for connections and tell ourselves stories that create meaning. Stories help us make sense of life and our place in the world. Stories help us discover our unique identity and either support or distract from our development. Peterson states, “We all tell ourselves stories about who we are, where we would like to be, and how we are going to get there.”[5] What happens when our stories no longer fit our circumstances and desired outcomes? Peterson explains how a build-up of negative inconveniences can lead to a catastrophe that unravels our stories. We either adapt and resolve the catastrophe which in turn rejuvenates us, or we are destroyed by it.[6] When a major life-altering experience of suffering descends upon us the stories we tell ourselves may no longer fit offering little hope. This is where belief, the stories, and myths that have been passed down come to our aid guiding us through uncharted waters to find deeper meaning and purpose.
Suffering cannot be avoided, only embraced. We need maps of meaning to navigate them. One map from the book was particularly helpful. Figure 15: Bounded Revolution, depicts how the unbearable present causes a descent into the chaos of the unknown, eventually resulting in ascension towards an ideal future.[7] With deep suffering there may be no ideal future available to us, only an altered one. Yet, there is a gift within the suffering when we are willing to embrace the journey and the certainty of a triumphant ascension in Christ.
Suffering as a Threshold Space
I find connection to the descent into chaos within Meyer and Land’s concept of threshold spaces. They write, “A threshold concept can be considered as akin to a portal, opening up a new and previously inaccessible way of thinking about something. It represents a transformed way of understanding, or interpreting, or viewing something without which the learner cannot progress.”[8] Suffering viewed from this perspective seems purposeful even while simultaneously unfair, painful, and overwhelming. This threshold space of suffering presents a challenge to reflect upon the stories we tell ourselves. One of the most common “stories” I hear in my counseling office is, ”This [suffering] isn’t supposed to happen because I follow Jesus and did everything right.” Schemas like this can shatter faith and hope. Faith supports us in times of suffering but cannot prevent it. I’ve been re-evaluating my schemas of suffering to become one of acceptance and invitation that deepens my faith, draws me near to Jesus, allows him to enter my suffering with me, and his will to be done in my life. Suffering opens up a new way of seeing and being in the world. It has not been an easy journey.
Suffering as a Hero’s Journey and a Sacred Calling
Jordan Peterson utilized myth and story in the same way as Joseph Campbell highlighted how the ancient stories, myths, and religious belief tell the struggles of life and provide guidance to resolution. Campbell’s Monomyth of the hero’s journey is a call to self-discovery which begins by traversing a threshold into the unknown, surviving various trials, receiving aid from the amulets and advice of a supernatural helper or guide.[9] Phil Cousineau described pilgrimage in similar terms as, “A transformative journey to a sacred center” and asserts “a journey without a challenge has no meaning; one without purpose has no soul.”[10] Jesus’ suffering and resurrection presents me with a story that grounds my suffering in him and his suffering within me. Suffering is a sacred, transformative journey and calling.
Conclusion
I have by no means mastered the art of suffering, but I have accepted it as part of life. I’m ever so slowly welcoming it as a gift that moves me closer to my savior, his transformative power, and a deep fellowship that comes only through surrender. I’m grateful for the ultimate story that offers meaning and purpose to my suffering as the uncovering of my true identity in Christ.
[1] “Tammy Peterson: Rosary Testimony,” accessed March 19, 2024,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4uWemSfpwk
[2] Jordan B. Peterson, Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief, (New York, NY: Routledge,1999), 43.
[3] Jordan Peterson, Maps of Meaning, xx.
[4] Ibid., 468.
[5] Ibid., 20.
[6] Ibid., 21.
[7] Ibid., 86.
[8] Meyer, Jan, F.H and Ray Land., eds. Overcoming Student Barrier to Student Understanding: Threshold Concepts and Troublesome Knowledge. (London, UK: Routledge, 2012), 3. https://georgefox.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9780203966273
[9] Joseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, (Novato, CA: New World Library, 1949), 81.
[10] Phil Cousineau, The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seeker’s Guide to Making Travel Sacred (Coral Gables, FL: Conari Press, 2021), xxix.
About the Author
Jenny Dooley
Jenny served as a missionary in Southeast Asia for 28 years. She currently resides in Gig Harbor, Washington, where she works as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Spiritual Director in private practice with her husband, Eric. Jenny loves to listen and behold the image of God in others. She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family which include 5 amazing adult children, 3 awesome sons-in-law, a beautiful daughter-in-law, and 8 delightful grandchildren.14 responses to “The Ultimate Map of Meaning in Times of Suffering”
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Hi Jenny,
You wrote: I have by no means mastered the art of suffering, but I have accepted it as part of life. I’m ever so slowly welcoming it as a gift that moves me closer to my savior, his transformative power, and a deep fellowship that comes only through surrender. I’m grateful for the ultimate story that offers meaning and purpose to my suffering as the uncovering of my true identity in Christ.
AMEN….
I wonder at the value of Peterson….I read…
Romans 5:3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
I am wondering what Peterson adds to this?
I feel that Peterson oscillates between belief and unbelief. He uses scripture a lot but I sense a lack of the Holy Spirit guiding him.
How has he lived out his faith? We don’t get to see that.
Sigh… I don’t see his value.
Hi Russell, Thanks for your response. Peterson is quite challenging to understand and very philosophical in his speech, at least in the interviews I watched. He stands out to me as a person who is seeking. I was touched by his emotion in several of the videos. He seems to be very empathetic towards humanity and also not afraid to speak his mind. A very unique human being for sure. He also strikes me as a man who has known suffering.
WOW, Jenny, you did it again, with your deep introspection. I loved the phrase, “I’ve been re-evaluating my schemas of suffering to become one of acceptance and invitation that deepens my faith, draws me near to Jesus, allows him to enter my suffering with me.” I picture opening the door of suffering, looking at it and responding, “Come on in like a plumber to accomplish your work. And Jesus will be right be your side as you accomplish your purpose. Thank you Jenny for this picture!
Hi Todd,
Thanks for your kind words. I think the very nature of suffering requires us to rewrite our schemas. It’s important to invite God into that process and that isn’t always an easy journey. Suffering isn’t something I’m looking for but knowing, as you said, that Jesus is right there in the midst of it and feeling my pain offers a very different perspective. I’m headed to Cambodia in a few days for a glorious celebration, though there are tender places of pain for me personally, there was a greater experience of Jesus’ love and grace that is/was greater. I am very grateful to God for that!
Wow! Cambodia. I will definitely pray for a glorious celebrate time for you! When are you leaving?
And I also like your response about suffering requires us to rewrite our schemas. That is a good word to remember. Thanks again, Jenny!
Thanks Todd, I leave Thursday and return Monday. I hope my brain can make as quick of a turn around as my body.
Thanks for letting me know Jenny! I’ll be praying. It’s a good thing you have a big brain!
Oh man! I feel better knowing that I may have understood Petersons book better then I thought. You, Todd and I all wrote found parallels with Campbells book and you and I brought the topic of suffering forward. I didn’t read your post before writing mine! This phrase is a healing and transformative phrase that you wrote: “I’m ever so slowly welcoming it as a gift that moves me closer to my savior, his transformative power, and a deep fellowship that comes only through surrender. ” Thank you Jenny!
Jana,
I’m quite sure there were many connections to other reading we have done, but my brain couldn’t get there. I think Spellbound, by Dr. Lieberman, would have been another great source of connection with the archetypes and Carl Jung. The idea that stories and myths are a way for us to see ourselves and sort out life’s challenges is intriguing. I get the impression that they can both be descriptive and instructive, if one is discerning. I think stories of suffering help me move through my own. I am glad someone else wrote about suffering as well, as I wasn’t totally sure of my own connections:)
Hi Jenny!
Your writing is very enlightening for me. You can summarize your interpretation of Peterson’s thoughts into the context of human suffering. What is more interesting is that you place the concept of suffering in the Christian concept, namely human suffering borne by Christ. I think what Peterson is trying to describe in his writing is a pattern that seems similar to many religious narratives. However, in my opinion, each narrative has its own characteristics. Especially the Christian narrative which places great emphasis on love and sacrifice.
Hi Dinka,
Thank you for your kind words. I do think the Christian narrative of suffering offers us and the world a different perspective from other religions in that we have a Savior that suffered for us and with us. I’m grateful for the narrative of God with us.
Jenny,
This is a beautiful, well written post. I had some of the same feelings that you expressed as I approached this book. I pressed forward knowing that I would miss some important themes. I was so moved by your conclusion. On suffering, you wrote,
“I have by no means mastered the art of suffering, but I have accepted it as part of life. I’m ever so slowly welcoming it as a gift that moves me closer to my savior, his transformative power, and a deep fellowship that comes only through surrender. I’m grateful for the ultimate story that offers meaning and purpose to my suffering as the uncovering of my true identity in Christ.” Seeing suffering as a gift that moves us closer to Christ is powerful and humbling. Thank you for the reminder, my friend.
Hi Jonita,
Thank you for the response. Suffering is inevitable in some form for all of us. I think we need maps and faithful guides to help us navigate suffering. Denial or running from suffering, at least in my experience, tends to make it worse. Suffering is not an experience that should leave anyone feeling more isolated and alone. I have been comforted and given a road map by those who have suffered well and stayed close to Jesus!
It’s so interesting that you say, “Suffering is not an experience that should leave anyone feeling more isolated and alone.” I think the most commonly held belief is that suffering is a solitary experience that is done in isolation. I think that we have been conditioned to privately deal with our issues and pain. The idea of “suffering well” and staying close to Jesus is a roadmap for renewal. Thank you for stating it so beautifully.