Jordan Peterson’s Christian Problem

A couple weeks ago, Jordan Peterson released a video on YouTube called “Message to the Christian Churches”. You probably already know that Dr. Peterson teased a conversion many years ago. He has been awaiting the arrival of his legions of Christian followers, who have been pulling at their hair waiting.

It seems that he is not yet there. He does have some words of wisdom, however,

The Christian Church is there to remind people–young men included, and perhaps even first and foremost–that they have a woman to find, a garden to walk in, a family to nurture, an ark to build, a land to conquer, a ladder to heaven to build, and the utter, terrible catastrophe of life to face stalwartly in truth, devoted to love and without fear.

In other words, Jordan Peterson believes Christians should look more like Jordan Peterson.

And you know what else? This is completely normal. This reasoning is as follows: I have the right opinions. Jesus must also have the same views as I if He is correct. “So churches must teach me my opinion.” Of course Peterson thinks his opinions are correct. They wouldn’t be his opinions if they were. It’s a nice compliment to Jesus, when you stop and think about it.

We’ve all been there. Most Christians experience a similar phase, except for prostitutes and drunks. Jesus doesn’t need us to come to Him, but we do so because He needs our help. Things are already figured out. One day we discover that Jesus was the one who figured everything out. Then, we decide to follow His lead and join His church. Only to find out that the rest of our lives will be filled with learning.

Part of the problem is that Peterson hasn’t converted to Christianity yet. Peterson appears to be aware of this, which is a credit. Peterson begins his video saying “It’s of course totally presumptuous for me to broadcast and write a message to the Christian Churches”. But is he actually meaning it? Because I wouldn’t have said it first, but…yeah, it is presumptuous.

I really appreciate Dr. Peterson’s work and hate to disagree with him. However, I think Christians need to be a bit more supportive of his cause. Peterson doesn’t just mislead his listeners. Peterson is also misleading himself. Although he doesn’t intend to, he does.

The only thing that he claims is wrong, is that the church is first and foremost meant for young men. This is Peterson’s priority and not Jesus. It sets the tone for his entire broadcast. He clearly focuses his work on helping young men succeed in their lives. This is the main point of this video. He isn’t trying to imagine how Christ’s Church could best accomplish its mission. Jordan Peterson is his inspiration.

For starters, the idea of getting to Heaven was added at the last minute. (Judging from the rest of the video, it was an afterthought.) This may be indicative of his priorities. What does Christ say about this?

You can be the most beautiful woman, have the best children and plant the most stunning garden. You will eventually die. Your ark will not help you in the lake fire unless you are saved by God.

See Peterson’s video on finding a woman. If you are looking for the right person to marry, then your parish might be the place to go. But that’s not what the church is for. The contrary. St. Paul speaks of widows and the unmarried. He says, “It is good for them to abide even like I [i.e. in celibacy].” If they are unable to contain themselves, then let them marry. Celibacy is the Christian ideal.

Dr. Peterson doesn’t speak to Corinth. Peterson is speaking to an entire generation of incels and porn addicts. His advice, when given as a coach for life, is very sound. Get off your computer and comb your hair. Then, go meet a girl. Amen! Jesus doesn’t consider this a priority. His Church doesn’t offer a huge matchmaking service. Christ is calling you to be focused on your soul. They are not married, and they aren’t given in marriage in the resurrection, but as angels of God in Heaven

Then, there is the business of finding “a country to conquer.” You can clearly see his point. This is a solid Old-Testament image. It is however mixed in with other topics such as finding a spouse and starting a family. His message is to men to become more ambitious. In a secular setting, this would also be acceptable. Today’s young men are listless. We lack purpose. All of us should be more determined. It’s not a good idea to do this in a religious setting. It is not helpful, but it can be a barrier to your salvation.

Yes, ambition is a virtue. But you’re supposed to be ambitious for Christ, not yourself. You’re expected to travel far. However, you are supposed to be there to help and not to rule.

So, the 12 Rules for Life don’t perfectly overlap with the New Testament. This is not new to Dr. Peterson. It’s hard to remember when an idol begins dressing up in Scripture. Celebrities, even those who are not Christians, can tell us the best way to live our faith.

Part of the problem with this is that pop gospels can be much easier to understand than the hundred-proof, real teachings of Jesus. Here’s the truth: Jordan Peterson’s 12 rules will not save your soul. Not even close. You’re not even close.

Quitting porn is difficult and getting a woman to love you is even harder. It’s hard to quit porn and find a girlfriend. But that’s only half of the battle. Christ says, “Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her .”

.”

Building an Ark is not easy. Noah’s ark took him seventy-five year to build. Jesus still asks us more: “If you want to be perfect, sell all that thou hast and give it to the poor. Then thou shall have treasure in heaven. Come and follow me .”

If a guy spits on you in a bar you have the option to go outside and kick him. This is what an alpha male would do. Maybe that’s where you are supposed to go. We may never know. It takes courage, no matter what. Do you know something that takes more courage? Love your enemies. To love your enemy, turn the other cheek. Prayer for the persecuted.

I’m not sure Dr. Peterson wants to be like Jesus. He is a smart, caring man who wants to see children succeed. However, I think his fans expect too much from him.

He is the father of the internet. He is the father of the internet. His followers want him to confirm Christianity. They can also believe if he believes. They’ve considered him a prophet-in-waiting ever since he began talking about conversion. He will be St. Augustine. He will transform the church through his conversion! His conversion will make Christianity great again.

I think that Dr. Peterson is trying hard to live up those expectations. It’s not healthy for anybody, least of all Peterson. Too many people come to church believing they have it all figured out. Most of us aren’t surrounded by Christian friends to support us in this illusion. We all need to fall at some point.

We’re not going to make it any easier for Jordan. It’s too terrible. I was struck by his line about “the utter, terrible catastrophe of life.” I played the video back just to make sure he didn’t say catastrophes, plural. Nope. Peterson seems to think that life is itself a disaster.

This is not the way Christians should think. The Scriptures are clear. All people will experience hardships. Christians may face even more. Christ warns us, “For ye have not been chosen out of the whole world but I have selected you from the entire world. Therefore the world hateth me.”

But, the Scriptures say that “the hope of the righteous will be gladness” and “Rejoice always in the Lord; again, I say, Rejoice.” “These are the things I have spoken to you that my joy might stay in you and that your joy may be full .”

To me that was Dr. Peterson’s real “tell”. This is the key to understanding everything. Peterson is good at imitating the language of the Bible, but I don’t think he quite gets the Christian thing.

Subscribe Today

Get weekly emails in your inbox

And that is the greatest tragedy. Dr. Peterson has led an unbelievably difficult life. I believe Dr. Peterson views life as an “utter, horrible catastrophe” despite his riches and fame. I am sure that his fame only made matters worse. It is ironic that he could change his entire life if he quit trying to offer advice to the church and began asking for her answers.

Of course, that’s what a Christian would say. It seems that Dr. Peterson also knows this. That’s probably why he is so attracted to Christianity. He might not have the right answers. He might need to quit giving out rules and ask for help.

St. Paul stated, “You then, who teach others? Will you not teach yourself?” Let’s hope he does. He will then have all the answers. His joy will then be complete.