The podcast explores Jordan Peterson's hesitant belief in God and his complex understanding of 'belief'. They discuss his views on hell and sin, as well as different arguments for the existence of God. The hosts express skepticism towards the argument by design and introduce the argument by conscience as an alternative.
Jordan Peterson evades answering directly when asked if he believes in God, raising questions about his motives and public image.
Peterson's notion of hell focuses on earthly consequences and psychological impact, reflecting his background as a psychologist.
Deep dives
Jordan Peterson's Evasive Stance on Belief in God
In a recent interview, Jordan Peterson evaded answering directly when asked if he believes in God. He dismissed the question as personal, but when rephrased to ask about the existence of God, he still expressed discomfort. Peterson argued that the question of God's existence is not a factual one and questioned the meaning of belief. While he claimed to stake his life on God's existence, this is not the same as holding a genuine belief. Peterson's reluctance to give a straightforward answer raises questions about his motives and adds to his public image as an enigmatic figure.
The Ambiguity of Jordan Peterson's Views on Hell
During the interview, Jordan Peterson mentioned that he prays to the spirit that protects one from hell, which he defines as Auschwitz or hell on earth. Although he acknowledges the destructive effects of sin and the importance of distancing oneself from evil, Peterson's notion of hell remains vague and does not align with traditional biblical teachings on the afterlife. This emphasis on earthly consequences and the psychological impact of sin reflects Peterson's background as a psychologist.
Peterson's Thoughts on Arguments for God
When discussing arguments for God's existence, Jordan Peterson expressed reservations about the argument by design, which focuses on complexity and suggests a creator. Instead, he favored the argument by conscience, which posits an inner voice aligning individuals with the structure of reality. Peterson found this latter argument more powerful and believed it to be a manifestation of God. However, these insights leave the audience with a sense of anticipation, as the conversation on this topic is left unresolved for further exploration in the next episode.