Why I Don't Trust Jordan B. Peterson in Religious Matters

 

Why I Remain Unimpressed with Peterson's Views on Christianity and Religion 

by Lee Enochs 

Jordan B. Peterson seems to be everywhere in conservative media these days. The erudite and debonair Canadian psychologist, author and social pundit is very popular in American conservative circles due to his highly controversial refutations of "woke" ideology and public policies being published by progressives in the United States and Canada. Recently advertisements featuring Peterson's "Daily Wire" videos on the Book of Exodus and social issues are appearing all over conservative media these days.

Please see: Jordan Peterson | The Daily Wire

After listening to Peterson on a number of occasions, I have come to respect and appreciate much of Peterson's iconoclastic ideological project and refusal to submit and conform to the woke demands and viewpoints currently being pushed by the left in academia and the mainstream media.

In my estimation, there is much about what Peterson is attempting to do that is impressive and with a bachelor's degree in political science and psychology from the University of Alberta and a PhD in clinical psychology from McGill University, it is refreshing to see someone in conservative media with a brain.  I respect the fact that Jordan B. Peterson has spent many years studying very important matters and his years of study should be commended. A very famous ancient Greek philosopher said, "The unexamined life is not worth living."

However, when it comes to religious matters, which Peterson speaks on fairly regularly, I remain unimpressed. Don't get me wrong, as a proponent of free-speech absolutism, I do not want to censor or "cancel" Jordan B. Peterson. Nor do I want to cancel or censor any personality or pundit in American culture today whether it be Joe Rogan, Elon Musk or former Biden Press Secretary Jen Psaki. 

However, as a Christian who has studied the Bible for many decades now, there are simply many things, in my opinion, that Peterson gets wrong about Jesus Christ and religion. I have personally heard Jordan Peterson say that he is NOT a Christian in the traditional sense and does NOT believe in the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the only avenue of salvation.

Quite frankly and I hate to say this, but Jordan Peterson is simply wrong about Jesus Christ. The Bible is very clear that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity and faith in Him is the only avenue to heaven (1 Timothy 2:5, John 14:6, and Acts 4:12).

Unless something has changed and Jordan Peterson is now expressing personal faith and belief in Jesus Christ and the historic Church's interpretation of who Jesus Christ is, I remain unimpressed and uninterested in Peterson's views about religion.

As a devout Christian who believes in the exclusive authority of the Bible in all religious matters and who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who was sent by God the Father to die for the sins of humanity and rise again from the dead in order to give eternal life to all those who sincerely repent of their sins (John 3:16, Acts 2:38, 17:30, Romans 3:23, 5:8, 10:9-10, and 10:13).

Now, don't get me wrong, there is much about Jordan B. Peterson I like. Actually, I like him a lot and I would love to talk to him someday, but my authority on religious matters is the true Jesus Christ of the Bible, the Bible itself, and the historic Christian church. 

Jesus Christ said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life," no one comes to the Father except through Him" (John 14:6).

Because of all these things, I am going to take a pass with Jordan B. Peterson on matters pertaining to religion. 

It is important for Christians to understand that there are some very articulate voices in America's conservative movement today that are simply wrong about Jesus Christ and His Gospel, including the Daily Wire's Ben Shapiro and Jordan B. Peterson. 

In all matters pertaining to faith and religion we should consult and study the Bible which alone is the Word of God and final authority in religious matters. 

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful, but his delight is in the Law of the Lord and in His Law, he meditates day and night" (Psalm 2:1-2).


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Lee Enochs is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Gateway Seminary of the Southern Baptist Convention. Lee also hosts a podcast for KNTU Radio on a weekly basis at: The Lee Enochs Show | medianorthtexas.com




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