Deconstructing Jordan Peterson on Religion

(Sponsored by Morning Brew)

-------------------------- VIDEO NOTES --------------------------

Jordan Peterson is famously vague when asked about his views on the existence of God. He's more enthusiastic about discussing religion and scripture broadly, but still then leaves some mystery about his actual views.

In this video, I try my best to identify and unpack Peterson's religious philosophy, before offering some objections.

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------------------------- TIMESTAMPS ---------------------------

0:00 Introduction
4:02 What is God?
14:15 Did the events of the Bible really happen?
23:04 "Science presupposes deism"
32:50 Peterson misuses religious language
42:49 Summary and conclusion

---------------------- SPECIAL THANKS ------------------------

As always, I would like to direct extra gratitude to my top-tier patrons:

Itamar Lev
Evan Allen
Faraz Harsini
John Early
Sveline
Teymour Beydoun
Adam Gray
Joe Dowling
Dmitry C.
Nolan Kent
Seth Balodi
Citizens of Civilization
James Davis
g8speedy
James Davis
Fuu Harahap

----------------------------- CONNECT ------------------------------

SOCIAL LINKS:

Snapchat: cosmicskeptic

---------------------------- CONTACT -------------------------------

Or send me something:

Alex O'Connor
Po Box 1610
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[benjaminschooley]

Jordan Peterson's wife, "honey can you take out the trash?" Jordan Peterson, "first off, what do you mean exactly by..honey, and what do you mean by you, or can?"

[meaning]

JP's ability to beat around the bush while sounding smart is just remarkable. I know loads of people who adore him yet can't produce any substantial idea of his when asked to, because his very purpose is to dwell in 'scholarly' ambiguity

[CrazyLinguiniLegs]

Alex, as a scientist, I can only say that you are truly doing -God’s- the Ontological Transcendent’s work.

[zodjkkv]

My kids went to JP's house one Halloween, rang the bell, said Trick or Treat.
They're still there.

[JDeLauer]

Holy Cow Alex has done the impossible and actually made sense of what Jordan Peterson’s word salad is trying to convey. I didn’t think it were possible.

[ramon]

For a guy who opposes the manipulation of language, he certainly does plenty of it himself

[corpsecandy]

I watch you for the exact opposite of what JP does. You explain complicated subjects with such eloquence that it makes them easy to understand, and explain to others. You are extremely precise with your language, and a fantastic orator. Thanks for another banger.

[DrummingKid]

Reminds me of when Bill Cliton said "it depends on what the word "is" is."

[Ty-mugl]

I love how respectful you are. Refutals like this restore my faith in actual, useful, meaningful debate. I hate that in most realms it's just become a matter of humiliating the opposing team and having a “gotcha” moment that hopefully goes viral bc for some reason it's entertainment. It makes me both sad and nervous, so thank you for this

[kamikazers]

The reason JP won't give a straight answer is because the majority of his audience are religous. Using rhetoric to obscure the truth of his beliefs is how he is able to be an athiest preaching about christianity without outright lying.

[MrDude-tppm]

The concept of "over complication" personified. I laughed when he said "what do you mean by 'you'..."

[fantastic]

Peterson is a master of playing the hero on both sides and thus remains in favour in the realms of Theism & Atheism. By not nailing your colours firmly to the mast you can gain favourable passage on many vessels through many waters.

[M.Linoge]

The ability to break down and communicate complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand, is a reliable sign of intelligence.

[ridgestorm]

Thank you for this. I always struggled with Peterson's word salad on religion. You explained it really well.

[Valosken]

By far the most charitable and genuine criticism of Peterson I've ever seen. Thank you.

[marcbelisle]

An expert is someone who can take a complex concept and make it so simple that anyone can understand it. Peterson takes simple concepts and makes them so complicated that no one can understand them.

[msblacc]

Jordan Peterson speaks the way students write when they don't know the answer but try to answer everything in the hopes that the teacher will find the answer somewhere in there.

[JCW]

Alex has this uncanny ability to get right to the heart of things. He is so well spoken and articulate and thorough. You are truly an inspiration to me Alex

[FacelessProjects]

This was the perfect breakdown of the long-run problems I've had with Jordan. Thank you so much!
Tempted to back you off of this video alone. It's about time - you're one of the best modern philosophers.

[dojione]

I've on and off watched JP since about 2016 and I'm glad someone is making these videos. Great job Alex.