Jordan Peterson has once more hit the headlines for his faith (or lack thereof) after a testy exchange with a young atheist.
The exchange took place on a YouTube channel that originally billed an event by which one Christian (presumably Peterson) would debate with 20 atheists.
One of the atheists challenged Peterson on the beliefs of the Catholic Church, which his wife and daughter attend, saying he was asking him “since you’re a Christian”.
To which Peterson responded, “You say that. I haven’t claimed that,” adding later, “I could possibly be either of them [Christian or atheist], but I don’t should let you know. It’s private.”
After the encounter, the title on the YouTube video was reportedly modified from ‘1 Christian vs 20 Atheists’ to ‘Jordan Peterson vs 20 Atheists’.
Of course, anyone who’s followed Jordan Peterson through the years won’t find this surprising. Peterson has an extended history of giving vague, and seemingly evasive answers about whether he actually believes in God or is a Christian.
In fairness to Peterson, I don’t consider he’s being deliberately evasive or dishonest. There isn’t any obvious public profit he gains from such answers. While I cannot claim to have a window into his soul, I think he really is just conflicted inside himself as as to whether God truly exists, his recognition of the ability of the divine and myth at war together with his rationality.
I’m reminded of two sayings of Jesus when I believe of Jordan Peterson. One is from Matthew 10:32: “Whosoever due to this fact shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.”
If an individual is a Christian, then as a general rule, they should not have any problem saying so publicly. We can discuss exemptions for people in extreme persecution situations one other time, but suffice to say, Jordan Peterson shouldn’t be in such a situation.
However, I’m also reminded of Mark 9:40: “For he that shouldn’t be against us is on our part.”
Jordan Peterson doesn’t seem like a Christian in any conventional sense, nonetheless I think him to be an ally to the religion who has probably done loads during the last decade to open otherwise closed hearts to the Bible.
Many young people, who twenty years ago would have been cheering on Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens, are as a substitute looking towards Peterson. They aren’t any longer taking a look at the Bible as a primitive book of superstitions, but as a treasure trove of wisdom and insight into the human condition.
This may not lead them into an explicit faith, but over and over it does, and plenty of of those that have yet to embrace Christ now not hold militant atheist views but increasingly see something of value in the religion they might once have derided.
So, while we should always do not forget that Jordan Peterson isn’t really considered one of us, he has been and doubtless will likely be a valued friend and ally to Christianity.
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