Psychologist Jordan Peterson Tells Joe Rogan Why the Bible Is ‘Way More True Than Just True’

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Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,827
4,470
113
#1
https://www.faithwire.com/2022/01/2...hy-the-bible-is-way-more-true-than-just-true/

“It’s a whole different kind of true. I think this is not only literally the case, factually. I think it can’t be any other way. It’s the only way we can solve the problem of perception.” —Jordan Peterson

The article leaves a lot out of the discussion, but in the interview, Peterson tries to contemplate his infant beliefs based on his coming into faith on such things as the Bible being true.

His way of describing the truth can be confusing without context, but I like the direction he was going.

He said the Bible, with its collection of scrolls and letters, became the first-ever printed book. The history of the Bible and mankind has affected every culture, and the modern western world has been its foundation in language, law, beliefs, literature, art, morality, etc.

This is why we see such division in the western world. Our words have roots in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. But all have roots in the Biblical literature on how we have defined life itself for 1000s of years.

As we see a shift from such truth, we see a shift in everything, including the meaning of words and reality itself. When Peterson says, “It’s the only way we can solve the problem of perception.” He means without the Bible, our perception of the world is radically transformed.

So in this divide, we see this radical transformation, the redefining of words, the redefining of reality like marriage, gender, or human rights, we see art that once was Michelangelo's most important works from the Sistine Chapel to a skull plastered with diamonds to sell for 50 million dollars back in 2007.

We see movies remade to try and recapture the literary story of the Bible with good versus evil, but they are felt as stale and boring as often they redefine evil and good. Even the movies of a princess have lost the king or found a mediocre prince. We see music transformed from Beethoven to Lady Gaga.

Our language is no longer complimenting our foundation. We are divided over the definition of life, gender, marriage, government, morality, race, economics, and almost every topic has to be debated to figure out the roots of people's beliefs as humanism, post-modernism, materialism, and others have jumbled together where people can not even articulate their thought patterns as contradictions constantly arises.

This forces people to try and shut down speech because they can not articulate and defend their points of view. It is hard to stay on topic when illogical thoughts are bashing logic.

Peterson said, “It’s a whole different kind of true. I think this is not only literally the case, factually.

We must return to the Bible, where facts and reality are founded. This provides our society with the proper perspective needed to come to the truth in all things.
 

2ndTimothyGroup

Well-known member
Feb 20, 2021
5,883
1,952
113
#2
Great post. When I heard Joe poking fun of Christians, I unsubscribed from his channel and "dislike" every video that pops up on YouTube that involves him. That said, I have to give him credit for bringing JP onto his program. I doubt that JP understands the Gospel, nonetheless, credit to them both for at least trying.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,827
4,470
113
#3
Great post. When I heard Joe poking fun of Christians, I unsubscribed from his channel and "dislike" every video that pops up on YouTube that involves him. That said, I have to give him credit for bringing JP onto his program. I doubt that JP understands the Gospel, nonetheless, credit to them both for at least trying.
I do not listen to Rogan but have seen him in interviews over the years start to change his thoughts towards Christianity.

As for JP he seems to be leaning more and more towards fully accepting Christ.

https://cmsedit.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/...-jordan-peterson-tears-up-talking-about-jesus

Peterson has publicly contended with matters of faith on several occasions, often describing himself as “a deeply religious person,” though he’s fallen short of confessing faith in Jesus.

What seems to be wrestling him is his bouts of pain and the concept of God and suffering and Christian hypocrites.
 

2ndTimothyGroup

Well-known member
Feb 20, 2021
5,883
1,952
113
#4
I do not listen to Rogan but have seen him in interviews over the years start to change his thoughts towards Christianity.

As for JP he seems to be leaning more and more towards fully accepting Christ.

https://cmsedit.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/...-jordan-peterson-tears-up-talking-about-jesus

Peterson has publicly contended with matters of faith on several occasions, often describing himself as “a deeply religious person,” though he’s fallen short of confessing faith in Jesus.

What seems to be wrestling him is his bouts of pain and the concept of God and suffering and Christian hypocrites.
I love your posts.

This may sound egotistical, but I wish that I could sit down and talk with Jordan - I'd show him the passages that he needs to be aware of that would blow his mind. I've actually cataloged much of Scripture into an Excel spreadsheet so that I could catalog, organize, and create running commentary so that I could remember Keystone passages of the Bible; doing my utmost best at figuring out the Mysterious Plan of God. Again, and at the risk of sounding prideful, I've done it, if not at least come close.

Seriously, I scoured each character and piece of punctuation of one of my Bibles with multicolored highlighters to ensure that I skipped and missed nothing. Every idea and concept I delineated with a different color. I did this because I had my own Damascus-Road experience with the Lord and needed to understand what had happened to me. So, I set out to do my best to understand what the core issues of the Bible are all about. I searched for every unbelievable set of Scripture that I could find . . . I found them and cataloged them and have spent thousands of hours over the last 4 years pouring myself into His Holy Word.

Below is a picture of that Bible on my first pass. I later completed the entire project upon my third reading of the entire "book." It's the best thing I've ever done in my life (giving God the credit for putting these ideas into my old Microsoft, nerdy mind).
 

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Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,827
4,470
113
#5
I love your posts.

This may sound egotistical, but I wish that I could sit down and talk with Jordan - I'd show him the passages that he needs to be aware of that would blow his mind. I've actually cataloged much of Scripture into an Excel spreadsheet so that I could catalog, organize, and create running commentary so that I could remember Keystone passages of the Bible; doing my utmost best at figuring out the Mysterious Plan of God. Again, and at the risk of sounding prideful, I've done it, if not at least come close.

Seriously, I scoured each character and piece of punctuation of one of my Bibles with multicolored highlighters to ensure that I skipped and missed nothing. Every idea and concept I delineated with a different color. I did this because I had my own Damascus-Road experience with the Lord and needed to understand what had happened to me. So, I set out to do my best to understand what the core issues of the Bible are all about. I searched for every unbelievable set of Scripture that I could find . . . I found them and cataloged them and have spent thousands of hours over the last 4 years pouring myself into His Holy Word.

Below is a picture of that Bible on my first pass. I later completed the entire project upon my third reading of the entire "book." It's the best thing I've ever done in my life (giving God the credit for putting these ideas into my old Microsoft, nerdy mind).
I believe Jordan is on the right path. C.S.Lewis also struggled with the topic of suffering before coming to faith.

Unfortunately the topic of suffering and hypocrisy are two of the most quoted topics from non-believers. As Christians we should have the answer to these topics ready to be released when the moment arises. They are not difficult to understand or without good answers.

Thank you for your kind words and dedication to God's Word. I suggest compiling your information and publish it as a study tool.
 

2ndTimothyGroup

Well-known member
Feb 20, 2021
5,883
1,952
113
#6
I believe Jordan is on the right path. C.S.Lewis also struggled with the topic of suffering before coming to faith.

Unfortunately the topic of suffering and hypocrisy are two of the most quoted topics from non-believers. As Christians we should have the answer to these topics ready to be released when the moment arises. They are not difficult to understand or without good answers.

Thank you for your kind words and dedication to God's Word. I suggest compiling your information and publish it as a study tool.
I believe that he's on the right path, too. The question is: Will he find the portion of the Path that is rich with the Soil of the lord, the Water of the Spirit, and the Nutrients of Christ? Or, will he dry and wither as do most who profess the name "Christian." Jordan is extremely busy and he needs to be taught by someone. That said, the Lord can lift the Veil from anyone's eyes . . . the Lord certainly doesn't require me.

I suggest compiling your information and publish it as a study tool.
Thank you for the encouraging words, however, I don't believe that the "church" is ready for it. My hope is that as soon as I am done with my studies and pass the Real Estate Brokers exam, I'll find myself in a "church," find someone who has been enabled by God to learn . . . and perhaps extend this work to him or her. I am ready and willing, but what I have learned as I have discovered the Almighty Power of God, is that nothing is up to me. I have pushed, and pushed, and pushed to gain discussion and even implement a Christian non-profit organization, but literally, no one was interested in serving the poor and oppressed. All that I got out of pushing that we follow the direction of our Bible is scoffing and rejection (from those who say that belong to Christ). God does not require me in the least, thus it became clear that I am to lead a quiet and peaceful life . . . and wait. As hard as it was for me to figure out and realize that I needed to shut my mouth (in my community) and wait this process out . . . it is the only logical explanation.

Incredibly, when I was a "said christian" and living a life of total depravity, the Lord would allow me to teach a false and corrupt gospel. I didn't struggle with people as I did after having received the Spiritual Circumcision of Christ. Since that day, the minds of all whom I had known were closed off. It is remarkable to see the Biblical Effects of God as we read of them in the Old Testament, and to experience them in real life. I am no longer discouraged by His Omniscient Power, a Power that has implemented an Eternal Plan, but I am now impressed by it. Truly, it has become brother against brother, father against son . . . hated by those whom I had once known, but this is no longer a painful experience, but one that is nothing short of Raw, Almighty Power.

So, I will wait for that one person whom the Lord has awakened. As you know, the Remnant is small and narrow by Nature. There are only but a few that are Enabled by God to Understand, Know, and become Wise to the lord's teachings. Having been Awakened and Known by God in my own Damascus-Road type of experience . . . I only pray that I am one of His Chosen Elect. I don't see how I can be wrong in my Biblical assessments, but I am certainly open to it. When a person is brought into the Presence of the Lord, a Presence that is so Powerful that a person would approach death, they learn to have a balanced sense of "Fear of the Lord." I respect our Almighty God, for having felt His Power to the degree that I nearly died . . . I understand that He does not require me. And to prove it, I must wait for that one person who is open to learning; that one person who has always belonged to the Remnant, but is now designed and chosen to be grafted in. In fact, I'm hoping that my former best friend will be that one. He and I grew up as "christians" though totally deceived. I just learned the other day that we believed in "Hyper-Grace" though never had heard the term. I'm hoping that the Lord will open his eyes and ears to the Doctrine of Spiritual Circumcision, and come to realize that we had fallen completely short in our Understandings of the Lord's remarkable Word.

Enough from me this morning. May your day be perfect!
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,827
4,470
113
#7
I believe that he's on the right path, too. The question is: Will he find the portion of the Path that is rich with the Soil of the lord, the Water of the Spirit, and the Nutrients of Christ? Or, will he dry and wither as do most who profess the name "Christian." Jordan is extremely busy and he needs to be taught by someone. That said, the Lord can lift the Veil from anyone's eyes . . . the Lord certainly doesn't require me.



Thank you for the encouraging words, however, I don't believe that the "church" is ready for it. My hope is that as soon as I am done with my studies and pass the Real Estate Brokers exam, I'll find myself in a "church," find someone who has been enabled by God to learn . . . and perhaps extend this work to him or her. I am ready and willing, but what I have learned as I have discovered the Almighty Power of God, is that nothing is up to me. I have pushed, and pushed, and pushed to gain discussion and even implement a Christian non-profit organization, but literally, no one was interested in serving the poor and oppressed. All that I got out of pushing that we follow the direction of our Bible is scoffing and rejection (from those who say that belong to Christ). God does not require me in the least, thus it became clear that I am to lead a quiet and peaceful life . . . and wait. As hard as it was for me to figure out and realize that I needed to shut my mouth (in my community) and wait this process out . . . it is the only logical explanation.

Incredibly, when I was a "said christian" and living a life of total depravity, the Lord would allow me to teach a false and corrupt gospel. I didn't struggle with people as I did after having received the Spiritual Circumcision of Christ. Since that day, the minds of all whom I had known were closed off. It is remarkable to see the Biblical Effects of God as we read of them in the Old Testament, and to experience them in real life. I am no longer discouraged by His Omniscient Power, a Power that has implemented an Eternal Plan, but I am now impressed by it. Truly, it has become brother against brother, father against son . . . hated by those whom I had once known, but this is no longer a painful experience, but one that is nothing short of Raw, Almighty Power.

So, I will wait for that one person whom the Lord has awakened. As you know, the Remnant is small and narrow by Nature. There are only but a few that are Enabled by God to Understand, Know, and become Wise to the lord's teachings. Having been Awakened and Known by God in my own Damascus-Road type of experience . . . I only pray that I am one of His Chosen Elect. I don't see how I can be wrong in my Biblical assessments, but I am certainly open to it. When a person is brought into the Presence of the Lord, a Presence that is so Powerful that a person would approach death, they learn to have a balanced sense of "Fear of the Lord." I respect our Almighty God, for having felt His Power to the degree that I nearly died . . . I understand that He does not require me. And to prove it, I must wait for that one person who is open to learning; that one person who has always belonged to the Remnant, but is now designed and chosen to be grafted in. In fact, I'm hoping that my former best friend will be that one. He and I grew up as "christians" though totally deceived. I just learned the other day that we believed in "Hyper-Grace" though never had heard the term. I'm hoping that the Lord will open his eyes and ears to the Doctrine of Spiritual Circumcision, and come to realize that we had fallen completely short in our Understandings of the Lord's remarkable Word.

Enough from me this morning. May your day be perfect!
I can relate in the sense that my Christian walk is at least 8 years in study and living. But much of this 8 years has felt like a refining or waiting period as I often felt pushed to do certain things like leading study groups, lead a community service team, got involved in the youth group, writing daily commentaries, blogs, and study material, mentorships, and for the time being I am able to use my spiritual gifts but these things only had their seasons. It feels as if more doors close than open.

I had a strong experience with my current individual who was a pastor in Germany but felt led to come back to the US. He believes he was sent to encourage me in my walk. The first day we met he knew of my prayers and spoke in detail about them. I had never told anyone. He laid hands on me and I immediately felt empowered with confidence to lead.

We still meet weekly today but over time I am trying to see how God is moving as we agree so much on the Bible but he sometimes speaks negatively on some of my conservative beliefs. So we will see how this plays out. My faith guides me in all areas of life.
 

2ndTimothyGroup

Well-known member
Feb 20, 2021
5,883
1,952
113
#8
I can relate in the sense that my Christian walk is at least 8 years in study and living. But much of this 8 years has felt like a refining or waiting period as I often felt pushed to do certain things like leading study groups, lead a community service team, got involved in the youth group, writing daily commentaries, blogs, and study material, mentorships, and for the time being I am able to use my spiritual gifts but these things only had their seasons. It feels as if more doors close than open.

I had a strong experience with my current individual who was a pastor in Germany but felt led to come back to the US. He believes he was sent to encourage me in my walk. The first day we met he knew of my prayers and spoke in detail about them. I had never told anyone. He laid hands on me and I immediately felt empowered with confidence to lead.

We still meet weekly today but over time I am trying to see how God is moving as we agree so much on the Bible but he sometimes speaks negatively on some of my conservative beliefs. So we will see how this plays out. My faith guides me in all areas of life.
Great post.

Just an idea: The Lord God is so Powerful, He may be inducing this pastor from Germany to say things as perhaps a test. Or, perhaps his words aren't a test, but more of a tool to be used so as to continue to perfect how you handle and address those that are not in agreement with you. The Body of Christ is filled with all kinds of people, for those who belong are built differently, just as the mind and character of young Saul were clearly different from the other New Testament leaders. Paul was very hard on people and even churches as a whole. His assistant, Timothy, didn't seem to have that same sense of strength.

But you, it seems evident to me, now more than ever, that your role in the Body is to be ultra level-headed. You are remarkably consistent regardless of what others say. In contrast, I am more of a blunt wall when I sense that someone is playing mind games . . . I make it known, for I believe that folks need to be told that they're playing games and that it needs to stop, etc. But this is only [my] role. And, perhaps I will one day find, or realize, that I was perhaps wrong. That said, perhaps the Lord is causing your friend to challenge you to further cement this idea of being incredibly stable-minded. This sense of you is powerful . . . very powerful. It commands respect, and I sense that most do, in fact, respect you. Paul? Even in his final letter, Paul states that all in the Province of Asia had abandoned him, but I don't see that ever being something that you would ever say. I sense loyalty within you, and that others will be loyal to you even if they have not been Enabled to Understand as you Understand.

I like how you carry yourself. I believe in you.
 
Jan 14, 2021
1,599
526
113
#9
https://www.faithwire.com/2022/01/2...hy-the-bible-is-way-more-true-than-just-true/

“It’s a whole different kind of true. I think this is not only literally the case, factually. I think it can’t be any other way. It’s the only way we can solve the problem of perception.” —Jordan Peterson

The article leaves a lot out of the discussion, but in the interview, Peterson tries to contemplate his infant beliefs based on his coming into faith on such things as the Bible being true.

His way of describing the truth can be confusing without context, but I like the direction he was going.

He said the Bible, with its collection of scrolls and letters, became the first-ever printed book. The history of the Bible and mankind has affected every culture, and the modern western world has been its foundation in language, law, beliefs, literature, art, morality, etc.

This is why we see such division in the western world. Our words have roots in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. But all have roots in the Biblical literature on how we have defined life itself for 1000s of years.

As we see a shift from such truth, we see a shift in everything, including the meaning of words and reality itself. When Peterson says, “It’s the only way we can solve the problem of perception.” He means without the Bible, our perception of the world is radically transformed.

So in this divide, we see this radical transformation, the redefining of words, the redefining of reality like marriage, gender, or human rights, we see art that once was Michelangelo's most important works from the Sistine Chapel to a skull plastered with diamonds to sell for 50 million dollars back in 2007.

We see movies remade to try and recapture the literary story of the Bible with good versus evil, but they are felt as stale and boring as often they redefine evil and good. Even the movies of a princess have lost the king or found a mediocre prince. We see music transformed from Beethoven to Lady Gaga.

Our language is no longer complimenting our foundation. We are divided over the definition of life, gender, marriage, government, morality, race, economics, and almost every topic has to be debated to figure out the roots of people's beliefs as humanism, post-modernism, materialism, and others have jumbled together where people can not even articulate their thought patterns as contradictions constantly arises.

This forces people to try and shut down speech because they can not articulate and defend their points of view. It is hard to stay on topic when illogical thoughts are bashing logic.

Peterson said, “It’s a whole different kind of true. I think this is not only literally the case, factually.

We must return to the Bible, where facts and reality are founded. This provides our society with the proper perspective needed to come to the truth in all things.
Great topic, thanks for bringing it up. I find Peterson in generally is good up to a point but then jumps to hit-and-miss tentative speculation beyond that (he spitballs at points). Some of his speculation can be poor quality at times. He's best when he stays in his element simply as a researcher presenting a meta-analysis of research from across the world. I think he knows this too because he usually carefully but subtly conditions his speculative statements that aren't derived from research (it is easy to miss when he is not speaking from research if you aren't accustomed to how he talks). I think a lot of the time he spitballs as an open challenge in hopes of someone giving a better fitting explanation. He comes across as an honest man with integrity even if he will inevitably get some points wrong along the way.

Peterson may be exploring the concept of Christianity for the sake of its social benefits irrespective of whatever the factual historical truth of the matter may be. It would be like an agnostic stating that they are ambivalent regarding the literal truth of Christ and the epistemological foundation presented by scripture and church culture but feel that Christian culture itself is a better solution than one that is morally antithetical. Christianity has historically measurably contributed to a moral standard that many groups of people have normalized to and thrived together as a result. The core truths of compassion, love, duty, unselfishness, were all key observable qualities that make Christians Christian. There are underlying Christian sensibilities that are often taken for granted or erroneously assumed to be shared by everyone. Even if someone doesn't identify as a Christian but has been raised in the light of Christian culture, their sensibilities will very likely be Christian. Even the quality of arguing over the meaning of words in scripture is a practice in harmonization and the reinforcement of critical thinking, honest reflection, and the practice of building logical consistency within a worldview.

"A whole different kind of true"

And this is where it is important to understand that Peterson is talking about the merits of Christianity in the same way as a the merits of a Noble Lie like Santa Claus or a Shakespearan Play that speaks in favour to a mode of behaviour conducive to social cohesion. He's basically saying he believes in the truth of the message without necessarily believing in the literality of the vehicle of that message. It's akin to saying "the Bible is true but it is 100% metaphor".

It can leave us at an odd contemplation that worldly words and perceptions are vessels to a greater understanding. The vessels themselves are crude containers that can only ever attempt to approximate a substance of true knowledge but will always fall short (much as a parable or metaphor or a shadow on the wall approximates something without being a fascimilous representation). Something in our spirit alows these internal vessels of understanding to take the form that they do. He comes across as an epistemology kind of guy rather than post-Plato metaphysics, which explains why he explores the question, "What is truth?" in the way he does.

Thomas Aquinas' approach at that point would be to demonstrate the consistency and compelling nature of the truth of Christ. But a doubleminded person will be all over the place. Peterson has had moments of confession about his mental health, suicidal ideation, and other points that come across as a cry for help. Despite very likely having Christian sensibilities himself, he understands that the paradigm of the ruling class is not Christian and this puts him at odds with himself internally. He knows there are certain topics he isn't allowed to talk about, certain groups and people that he can't criticize (even if that criticism or analysis would be wellfounded). And that requirement to silence his intellectual honesty (or lie to protect his favour with the ruling class) puts him at odds with himself. Like parts of his mind fighting against itself. He recently quit his tenure at UofT for moral concerns. The pressure was too much. But even with his message, there is an undertone that there was more to the topic than he was willing (or allowed) to talk about, and much of that comes back to the clash between Christian culture and antiChristian culture.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,827
4,470
113
#10
Great topic, thanks for bringing it up. I find Peterson in generally is good up to a point but then jumps to hit-and-miss tentative speculation beyond that (he spitballs at points). Some of his speculation can be poor quality at times. He's best when he stays in his element simply as a researcher presenting a meta-analysis of research from across the world. I think he knows this too because he usually carefully but subtly conditions his speculative statements that aren't derived from research (it is easy to miss when he is not speaking from research if you aren't accustomed to how he talks). I think a lot of the time he spitballs as an open challenge in hopes of someone giving a better fitting explanation. He comes across as an honest man with integrity even if he will inevitably get some points wrong along the way.

Peterson may be exploring the concept of Christianity for the sake of its social benefits irrespective of whatever the factual historical truth of the matter may be. It would be like an agnostic stating that they are ambivalent regarding the literal truth of Christ and the epistemological foundation presented by scripture and church culture but feel that Christian culture itself is a better solution than one that is morally antithetical. Christianity has historically measurably contributed to a moral standard that many groups of people have normalized to and thrived together as a result. The core truths of compassion, love, duty, unselfishness, were all key observable qualities that make Christians Christian. There are underlying Christian sensibilities that are often taken for granted or erroneously assumed to be shared by everyone. Even if someone doesn't identify as a Christian but has been raised in the light of Christian culture, their sensibilities will very likely be Christian. Even the quality of arguing over the meaning of words in scripture is a practice in harmonization and the reinforcement of critical thinking, honest reflection, and the practice of building logical consistency within a worldview.

"A whole different kind of true"

And this is where it is important to understand that Peterson is talking about the merits of Christianity in the same way as a the merits of a Noble Lie like Santa Claus or a Shakespearan Play that speaks in favour to a mode of behaviour conducive to social cohesion. He's basically saying he believes in the truth of the message without necessarily believing in the literality of the vehicle of that message. It's akin to saying "the Bible is true but it is 100% metaphor".

It can leave us at an odd contemplation that worldly words and perceptions are vessels to a greater understanding. The vessels themselves are crude containers that can only ever attempt to approximate a substance of true knowledge but will always fall short (much as a parable or metaphor or a shadow on the wall approximates something without being a fascimilous representation). Something in our spirit alows these internal vessels of understanding to take the form that they do. He comes across as an epistemology kind of guy rather than post-Plato metaphysics, which explains why he explores the question, "What is truth?" in the way he does.

Thomas Aquinas' approach at that point would be to demonstrate the consistency and compelling nature of the truth of Christ. But a doubleminded person will be all over the place. Peterson has had moments of confession about his mental health, suicidal ideation, and other points that come across as a cry for help. Despite very likely having Christian sensibilities himself, he understands that the paradigm of the ruling class is not Christian and this puts him at odds with himself internally. He knows there are certain topics he isn't allowed to talk about, certain groups and people that he can't criticize (even if that criticism or analysis would be wellfounded). And that requirement to silence his intellectual honesty (or lie to protect his favour with the ruling class) puts him at odds with himself. Like parts of his mind fighting against itself. He recently quit his tenure at UofT for moral concerns. The pressure was too much. But even with his message, there is an undertone that there was more to the topic than he was willing (or allowed) to talk about, and much of that comes back to the clash between Christian culture and antiChristian culture.
I agree with your analysis it is a very uncomfortable place when you come to the realization that in order to promote truth and reality you may have to risk losing everything you have been trained by the World to care about like your job, income, family, marriage, or even your life.

In fact, I have in some ways been where he is in my early stages of faith where I came to the realization that the Bible was true. I had 3 choices.

  1. Fully accept Christ
  2. Live lukewarm (a hypocrite)
  3. Or reject God but internally I'll always know I'm rejecting the truth.
Well 2 and 3 would of been more aggravating trying to suppress the truth versus just giving in.

So that is what I did. I didn't know what being reborn looked like but I knew I couldn't live in one big lie. I knew it would eat me alive. So I gave in and submitted my life to Christ.

I pray Peterson does the same.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
8,827
4,470
113
#11
Great post.

Just an idea: The Lord God is so Powerful, He may be inducing this pastor from Germany to say things as perhaps a test. Or, perhaps his words aren't a test, but more of a tool to be used so as to continue to perfect how you handle and address those that are not in agreement with you. The Body of Christ is filled with all kinds of people, for those who belong are built differently, just as the mind and character of young Saul were clearly different from the other New Testament leaders. Paul was very hard on people and even churches as a whole. His assistant, Timothy, didn't seem to have that same sense of strength.

But you, it seems evident to me, now more than ever, that your role in the Body is to be ultra level-headed. You are remarkably consistent regardless of what others say. In contrast, I am more of a blunt wall when I sense that someone is playing mind games . . . I make it known, for I believe that folks need to be told that they're playing games and that it needs to stop, etc. But this is only [my] role. And, perhaps I will one day find, or realize, that I was perhaps wrong. That said, perhaps the Lord is causing your friend to challenge you to further cement this idea of being incredibly stable-minded. This sense of you is powerful . . . very powerful. It commands respect, and I sense that most do, in fact, respect you. Paul? Even in his final letter, Paul states that all in the Province of Asia had abandoned him, but I don't see that ever being something that you would ever say. I sense loyalty within you, and that others will be loyal to you even if they have not been Enabled to Understand as you Understand.

I like how you carry yourself. I believe in you.
I agree. This guy is a really good guy and I love his opinion on things as we have wonderful conversations when solely on scripture. He is 30+ years older than me and African American. I'm younger and a white American. It is such a great testimony to our friendship as the culture wishes to divide us but yet we are united on Christ.

Thank you for your kind words and encouragement.
 

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
Sep 17, 2016
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#12
Great topic, thanks for bringing it up. I find Peterson in generally is good up to a point but then jumps to hit-and-miss tentative speculation beyond that (he spitballs at points). Some of his speculation can be poor quality at times. He's best when he stays in his element simply as a researcher presenting a meta-analysis of research from across the world. I think he knows this too because he usually carefully but subtly conditions his speculative statements that aren't derived from research (it is easy to miss when he is not speaking from research if you aren't accustomed to how he talks). I think a lot of the time he spitballs as an open challenge in hopes of someone giving a better fitting explanation. He comes across as an honest man with integrity even if he will inevitably get some points wrong along the way.

Peterson may be exploring the concept of Christianity for the sake of its social benefits irrespective of whatever the factual historical truth of the matter may be. It would be like an agnostic stating that they are ambivalent regarding the literal truth of Christ and the epistemological foundation presented by scripture and church culture but feel that Christian culture itself is a better solution than one that is morally antithetical. Christianity has historically measurably contributed to a moral standard that many groups of people have normalized to and thrived together as a result. The core truths of compassion, love, duty, unselfishness, were all key observable qualities that make Christians Christian. There are underlying Christian sensibilities that are often taken for granted or erroneously assumed to be shared by everyone. Even if someone doesn't identify as a Christian but has been raised in the light of Christian culture, their sensibilities will very likely be Christian. Even the quality of arguing over the meaning of words in scripture is a practice in harmonization and the reinforcement of critical thinking, honest reflection, and the practice of building logical consistency within a worldview.

"A whole different kind of true"

And this is where it is important to understand that Peterson is talking about the merits of Christianity in the same way as a the merits of a Noble Lie like Santa Claus or a Shakespearan Play that speaks in favour to a mode of behaviour conducive to social cohesion. He's basically saying he believes in the truth of the message without necessarily believing in the literality of the vehicle of that message. It's akin to saying "the Bible is true but it is 100% metaphor".

It can leave us at an odd contemplation that worldly words and perceptions are vessels to a greater understanding. The vessels themselves are crude containers that can only ever attempt to approximate a substance of true knowledge but will always fall short (much as a parable or metaphor or a shadow on the wall approximates something without being a fascimilous representation). Something in our spirit alows these internal vessels of understanding to take the form that they do. He comes across as an epistemology kind of guy rather than post-Plato metaphysics, which explains why he explores the question, "What is truth?" in the way he does.

Thomas Aquinas' approach at that point would be to demonstrate the consistency and compelling nature of the truth of Christ. But a doubleminded person will be all over the place. Peterson has had moments of confession about his mental health, suicidal ideation, and other points that come across as a cry for help. Despite very likely having Christian sensibilities himself, he understands that the paradigm of the ruling class is not Christian and this puts him at odds with himself internally. He knows there are certain topics he isn't allowed to talk about, certain groups and people that he can't criticize (even if that criticism or analysis would be wellfounded). And that requirement to silence his intellectual honesty (or lie to protect his favour with the ruling class) puts him at odds with himself. Like parts of his mind fighting against itself. He recently quit his tenure at UofT for moral concerns. The pressure was too much. But even with his message, there is an undertone that there was more to the topic than he was willing (or allowed) to talk about, and much of that comes back to the clash between Christian culture and antiChristian culture.
There are underlying Christian sensibilities that are often taken for granted or erroneously assumed to be shared by everyone. Even if someone doesn't identify as a Christian but has been raised in the light of Christian culture, their sensibilities will very likely be Christian.
I once read a book making this argument. It was called

Stealing from God: Why Atheists Need God to Make Their Case

Dr. Frank Turek provides a strong case for how atheists steal logic, reasoning, evidence and science from God in order to support their claims.

A result of careful study, Stealing from God exposes the intellectual crimes atheists are committing by taking a closer look at:

  • Causality―how did the universe originate?
  • Reason―what does atheism mean for truth?
  • Information & Intentionality―God’s signature in creation
  • Morality―objective morality without God
  • Evil―is evil a contradiction for atheism?
  • Science―how theism makes science possible
  • And a powerful 4-point case for Christianity
https://www.amazon.com/Stealing-God-Atheists-Need-Their/dp/1612917011