An extended Reading the Bestsellers review of a 2024 book by Jordan B. Peterson
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Portfolio / Penguin, 2024. 576 pages. $48 (ebook $22, audio $39)
Jordan Peterson, a Canadian clinical psychologist and former professor at both Harvard University and the University of Toronto, has emerged as a globally recognized public intellectual. According to his publisher, Peterson’s books have sold millions of copies worldwide, his online content has reached a billion viewers and listeners, and his live speaking engagements have drawn more than 800,000 attendees. In many ways, Peterson’s ascent to prominence reflects the very theme he explores in this book – the existential struggle of wrestling with God.
Peterson urges us to wield our sacred gift of fee will with moral resolve, humility and courage – standing against the chaos eroding the soul of humanity. This demands sacrificing immediate gratification in favour of enduring integrity, embracing our role as co-creators entrusted by God to shape the world through deliberate and responsible action. Those accepting this challenge pursue what is highest in human experience. That pursuit lies at the heart of We Who Wrestle With God.
Given the book’s title, we might expect a theologically grounded reflection akin to Job’s struggle to understand divine intent. While Peterson explores significant biblical stories – Creation, the Fall, Cain and Abel, Noah, Babel, Abraham, Moses, and Jonah – he approaches them allegorically, often setting aside their historical and theological context. What results is a demanding but relevant intellectual journey, interweaving psychology, moral philosophy, literature and cultural commentary. Though some might find the writing at times dense and cerebral, the book rewards those willing to engage its complexity. Think of it as part of the wrestling.
In the Creation narrative, Peterson initially portrays God as a supernatural being, but then reinterprets Him as the embodiment of consciousness – one that imposes order and meaning upon chaos. The sin of Adam and Eve transcends mere disobedience; it represents a prideful defiance, a refusal to honour sacred boundaries. The story of Cain and Abel illustrates that genuine sacrifice is the pathway to moral growth. Noah exemplifies the importance of spiritual vigilance amid moral decline. The Tower of Babel warns against the dangers of pride and centralized authority, echoing contemporary concerns over ideological extremism and moral relativism. Abraham and Sarah embody faith and a long-term vision. Jacob’s wrestling becomes a metaphorical struggle with both God and self, reflecting the complex journey of identity formation. Moses emerges as a leader striving for spiritual discipline while resisting the temptation of self-glorification. Finally, the story of Jonah serves as an allegory for psychological resistance and inner transformation.
Peterson draws on biblical figures to shed light on the dilemmas of our age – an era marked by nihilism, moral ambiguity and inflexible ideologies. Through allegorical interpretation, he issues warnings against the seductive dangers of technological arrogance, the corrosive effects of unchecked hedonism, and the cultural aversion to trading short-term pleasure for lasting ethical purpose. His advocacy for traditional marriage, raising children and embracing lives oriented around serving others will likely resonate strongly with evangelical Christians. His emphasis on building strong families, nurturing communities and improving society aligns closely with values they readily embrace.
Peterson demonstrates reverence for the biblical text – and, to his credit, never claims theological expertise – but his ambiguity regarding the existence and nature of the biblical God remains a source of concern. At times, he refers to God as a distinct, sovereign being; elsewhere, he characterizes Him as “the voice of conscience,” “the highest value” or “the animating spirit.” These shifting definitions leave us questioning whether the struggle described in We Who Wrestle With God is truly a confrontation with a divine presence, or rather a wrestling with our own conscience – or, in line with Jung’s positively received framework, the collective unconscious, the deep mental patterns and instincts we all seem to be born with.
Peterson presents a sincere and compelling view of human struggle, calling earnestly for moral living. But he stops short of offering a cure for our deepest divide – our separation from the one true God because of sin. That cure is found only in repenting and placing faith in Jesus Christ, who died and rose again to pay sin’s penalty. As Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, ESV). Absent that redeeming grace, we are left to navigate life on our own – straining for perfection and wrestling with conscience – striving to be our own saviours.
Though Evangelicals should be wary of Peterson’s expansive use of Jungian archetypes and philosophical analysis – especially given its departure from a biblically orthodox view of the human condition – his work still resonates deeply with a global audience. Understanding that appeal is valuable for shaping thoughtful and effective evangelical engagement with a world searching for meaning.
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