I get this question often from people who know I enjoy reading books by and listening to, Dr. Peterson (even Maps of Meaning – way out of my league but I am enjoying it). If you do not know who he is, a quick search will reveal his many accomplishments and controversies. I would consider him one of our greatest modern-day philosophers. Dr. Peterson is a licensed psychologist (for now) and a best-selling author. His YouTube videos give us a glimpse into his thought process. For most of us a glimpse is all we can handle! He has a command of the English language that in itself, can describe everyday events with such depth that you might even believe you can touch, taste, see and smell them as he speaks. Not to be outdone by his vocabulary is his willingness and rarely matched ability to process the many layers of who we are and why we are that way on an individual and societal level. With this description, I do not believe I have even scratched the surface and I don’t believe I can. With that being said, I am still willing to attempt to address his Christ following status although I still may only scratch the surface!

Dr. Peterson has not directly answered whether or not he believes there is a God.

For some of you this answers the question and, in basic terms, I am inclined to agree but Dr. Peterson is far from a basic thinker. I will leave it up to you to research all he has to say on this matter. Regardless of how you view his answer, it contains a great challenge to anyone who says they believe. Because Dr. Peterson speaks with such eloquence and forethought, I will not try to directly quote him because to quote him is to remove context for the sake of a soundbite. His answers to all questions are formed around more than a simple yes or no and go far beyond a this because of that formula. What has most influenced me in listening to him purposely fumble around with the question (not because he is incapable of answering but more because it is not a simple question) is when he defines what it means to believe. Dr. Peterson not directly answering the question is actually the best part of what he says. His approach is to challenge our very concept of what it is to believe. If there is a God and you believe in this deity, you should be all in. To believe is to live your life fully and unconditionally based on what you say you know to be true. This can only play out one way. Who you are and therefore how you live is fundamentally changed or to say you believe means nothing.

Dr. Peterson talks often about the stories of the Bible.

In language and theme akin to the writings of Carl Jung infused with the thoughts of Fredrich Nietzsche and capped off with his own intellectual brilliance, Dr. Peterson has often addressed the stories of the Bible. He has participated in roundtable discussions with Jewish scholars as they delve into the history of Israel contained in the book of Exodus. His description of the archetypical character of Jesus and the tragedy that unfolds when the one least deserving of punishment receives the worst is thought provoking. Let me remind you I am trying to skim over the surface of Dr. Peterson’s theses as I see them. My intellectual shortcomings would certainly be exposed if I tried to do more. To be able to draw so many layers out of the stories in the Bible from Original Sin to Cain and Able, the history of the Jews through the life and words of Jesus Christ, is something very few Christians even contemplate let alone try to articulate as they seek or maybe don’t seek to grow in their faith.

Dr. Peterson avoids identifying himself with Christianeeze terms.

His response to questions like, are you a Christian or a born-again believer is very much the same as when he is asked about his belief in God. He often redirects toward the meaning behind the question and the possible trap that is camouflaged, waiting to latch onto his answer and to his reputation. He has inferred that many ask not because they are interested in what Jordan Peterson believes but rather what Dr. Jordan B. Peterson’s reputation would lend to Christianity in general and their sect of Christianity specifically. At first glance I would say he is showing fame induced paranoia, a condition that is not officially recognized by the medical community but is quite prevalent in the lives of celebrities and for good reasons. People often want their ideas and even their very existence validated by the famous or opposed by the infamous so they can feel justified in their thinking and who they are. At second glance I would say the same thing but rather than assign it to a paranoia I would suggest it is a well thought out possibility, even a strong likelihood. Which leads me to addressing the title question of this blog.

Is Jordan Peterson a Christian?

He dances around the question of the existence of God. He talks about the depth and relevance of the Bible, its themes, and characters. He does not identify himself as a Christian. He talks of practicing the morality of Christianity and seeking to imitate the life and teaching of Christ. He often quotes teachings of atheistic philosophers. He often refers to and relies upon the Bible which leaves many with the impression that God’s word is foundational to his philosophy.

From what I just said, is Jordan Peterson a Christian?

If you answered yes, pray that God will lead him as he leverages his position in society to present THE TRUTH. If your answer is no, pray that his understanding of the Bible will become THE TRUTH in his life, leading him to embrace Jesus the Christ as his saviour. If you aren’t sure, pray both. I have one more question for you:

You may not know who Dr. Peterson is, but I am sure you have thought about other public figures and their faith. Do you give the same thought to those who do not have status in our culture, to your family, neighbours, or coworkers? If status mattered John would not have said, “And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.” Matthew 3:9 (NIV)