Christianity is Simple — Why Symbolism Fails

A Biblical Reply to Curt Jaimungal’s Conversation with Matthieu Pageau

 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16

Christianity is not a rabbit hole. It is not an endless descent into symbols, archetypes, and paradoxes. You don’t have to decode hidden mysteries or follow philosophy into darker and darker tunnels. The gospel is plain: Christ came to save sinners.

Yes, it’s fine to see philosophy in Scripture, but we must never create mystery where God has already spoken clearly. The gospel is not a puzzle to be solved — it is a gift to be received.

And yet, in this interview, Matthieu Pageau spends over two hours redefining Christianity into symbolic categories — while never once presenting the gospel in the plain sense.

This article walks through his major claims and contrasts them with Scripture.

1. Identity and Authority — [0:02–12:00]

Pageau’s claim: Identity comes from roles, society, and external confirmation — like how a police officer has authority only when others recognize it.
Biblical truth: Our identity is given by God, not society. We are made in His image, and our worth does not depend on human recognition but on His divine design.
Verse: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” (Genesis 1:27)

2. The Nature of Satan — [12:00–30:00]

Pageau’s claim: Satan is not always fallen. Sometimes he is just “doing his job” — a tester, an accuser, even necessary. Job proves this, he says.
Biblical truth: Satan is always the adversary. While God may permit him to test, that only shows God’s sovereignty, not Satan’s neutrality — the devil’s nature is rebellion and destruction.
Verse: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

3. Abraham and Moses as “Adversaries” — [30:00–32:00]

Pageau’s claim: Abraham and Moses are examples of “functional Satans” — adversaries who debate with God.
Biblical truth: They are not adversaries but intercessors. Their pleas sprang from faith and covenant love, pointing to God’s mercy, not opposition.
Verse: “And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?” (Genesis 18:23)

4. Heaven and Earth (Axioms) — [32:00–35:30]

Pageau’s claim: Heaven is “the plan,” earth is “the materials,” like building a house. Before a plan, earth is meaningless.
Biblical truth: Heaven and earth were both created by God and are filled with meaning because of His will. They are not empty raw materials but purposeful creations from the very beginning.
Verse: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

5. The Fall of Man — [49:00–52:00]

Pageau’s claim: Adam’s real failure was not asking God. Satan tricked Eve by creating secrecy and blocking communication.
Biblical truth: The Fall was disobedience to God’s clear word, not merely a breakdown in dialogue. Sin entered because Adam and Eve chose rebellion over obedience to God’s direct command.
Verse: “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food… she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” (Genesis 3:6)

6. Secrets and Power — [52:00–55:00]

Pageau’s claim: Secrets are the most powerful force in the world. Intelligence agencies and the occult prove this.
Biblical truth: True power is not in secrets but in Christ, the Light of the world. Darkness hides, but God’s truth reveals and liberates.
Verse: “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19)

7. Women, Renewal, and Resurrection — [1:10:00–1:20:00]

Pageau’s claim: Women symbolize renewal. Eve’s deception was necessary for renewal, and this explains why women witnessed the resurrection.
Biblical truth: Eve’s deception brought sin into the world, but salvation does not come through symbolism — it comes through Christ alone. Women were honored as witnesses of the resurrection, but they testify to Christ’s power, not their own.
Verse: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22)

8. How to Read the Bible Symbolically — [2:09:51]

Pageau’s claim: The Bible’s meaning lies in symbols, not literal statements.
Biblical truth: Jesus and the apostles treated Scripture as God’s authoritative word, not just symbols. Parables clarify truth for those who believe, but the Word of God is direct and binding.
Verse: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

9. Why Symbolism Applies to Stories, Not Raw Data — [2:21:34]

Pageau’s claim: Symbolism explains stories but not raw facts. The Bible’s power is in narrative shapes, not historical claims.
Biblical truth: Christianity is grounded in real historical events. If the resurrection did not literally happen, then faith itself is meaningless.
Verse: “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:14)

10. The “Dangerous” Vision Behind His Book — [2:31:31]

Pageau’s claim: His book was born from a dangerous vision — mystical and symbolic.
Biblical truth: Any vision or gospel that contradicts the Word of God is false and dangerous. The authority of Scripture stands above mystical experiences.
Verse: “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8)

11. Mind, Spirit, and Paradox — [2:36:00–end]

Pageau’s claim: Christianity is ultimately a paradox — mind vs. spirit vs. outlook.
Biblical truth: The gospel is not endless paradox but the revealed mystery of Christ. What was once hidden has now been made plain through Jesus.
Verse: “Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints.” (Colossians 1:26)

Conclusion: The Gospel Pageau Never Preaches

After two hours of symbolism, archetypes, and functions, one thing is clear: Matthieu Pageau never presents the gospel of John 3:16. He never says that God sent His Son to die for our sins. He never proclaims salvation through Christ’s death and resurrection.

That silence speaks volumes.

Christianity is not a rabbit hole. It is not a maze of philosophy that only intellectuals can navigate. It is the clear, revealed truth of God:

“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” — 1 Corinthians 15:3–4

That is the gospel. And that is what was missing.

Source: The interview can be found here.