Jordan Peterson and God

“After my most recent piece on Jordan Peterson, a string of correspondents contacted me with further questions and comments about my opinions about the controversial Canadian Professor (not words one usually sees strung together).”

Introduction

After my most recent piece on Jordan Peterson, a string of correspondents contacted me with further questions and comments about my opinions about the controversial Canadian Professor (not words one usually sees strung together). Perhaps the most interesting and curious queries were those who wanted to know my opinion on Peterson’s religious positions. Since Peterson shot to fame, this has been a topic of considerable discussion and dispute.

This discussion has included expert criticism of Peterson’s discussion of Biblical passages, concern about whether Peterson truly believes in God, and for that matter, concern about whether Peterson truly believes in God. Interestingly, the religious dimension to Peterson’s thought has prompted some pushback even from proponents who admire his positions. Some find his flirtation with religiosity and the language of faith too much to accept in our increasingly secular age. More religious individuals find his seemingly halfway endorsement of religion—claiming it is a source of insight into values while not really expressing any literal truths—inadequate.

Given this controversy and the correspondence I received on these issues, I decided to cap off my recent discussion of Peterson with some reflections on his religious positions. I will then contrast his viewpoints with those of other thinkers whom I believe problematize some of what he says from a religious standpoint.