Jordan Peterson Is Wrong About Masculinity

I want to make it clear that I have no personal animosity towards Dr. Jordan Peterson. In fact, I found his early critiques of academia and cultural nihilism quite compelling, especially as they offered young men a path toward maturity. However, as I've watched his philosophy develop, I've noticed it lacks the spiritual depth needed for true transformation. His approach centers on self-reliance rather than a Christ-centered life. From an Orthodox perspective, real fulfillment comes not from self-help but from deification—becoming like God through synergy with the Holy Spirit. While Peterson encourages growth, I believe his methods lead to exhaustion and spiritual emptiness because they miss the essential relationship with Christ. True purpose and meaning are found only in Christ, and that’s where I believe we should start and end our journey.

Keywords:
Jordan Peterson critique, my take on Peterson, Orthodox deification, spiritual transformation, Orthodox Christianity vs self-help, personal critique of Peterson, true masculinity in Christ, finding purpose in Christ, spiritual fulfillment, Christ-centered life

[fathermosesmcpherson]

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[matteomanferdini]

As someone who started his journey from Jordan Peterson, I can say that he can be a good starting point to reorient yourself towards the Truth. However, after joining the Orthodox Church, I quickly outgrew what he teaches and started seeing many flaws in it.

[LaxDux]

Never imagined I would see a battle between Dr Peterson and the Doomguy

[alexlight]

Jordan Peterson was completely crucial in my conversion to Orthodoxy. I think everything in this video is correct, in my words it’s worded as ‘if you make an idol of JP you’ll fall, same as with any idol’

[IAmVincentiu]

This video reminds me of that Tolstoy novel, The Death of Ivan Ilyich. That main character had a JP like approach to life, overt rational, but was still miserable despite having all material things and a family. Without Jesus, there is no life. Great video as always!

[Growth-GrindSet]

I don't think JP is trying to be an end all be all. I think he WOULD say to people that just following his advice isn't enough. In a way, he is kind of like a Socrates or a Forrunner figure. I think he's trying to meet people halfway, especially people whose brains shut off immediately after hearing a more blatantly Christian message. He's brought a lot of people to Orthodoxy, which I'm thankful for - he's probably our best evangelist at the moment. 😆

[somechrisguy]

Dr Peterson single handedly turned me on to the stories of Genesis and inspired me to create a life where I support my family and have been able to bring two little boys into the world. He is a man among men, and he is on the path of spiritual awakening. Many of us have followed him for years since he was basically an athiest up until now where he is the #1 public voice promoting Christianity. He is the reason I am here on this channel.

That being said, I do hear what you are saying Father Moses. You are absolutely right. I am one of the men you described here.

But that is no fault of the good doctor- he is pushing us in the right direction. Do not fault him for his imperfection.

[SooDamGood]

I used to listen and watch Dr Peterson when I was a teenager many years ago. Really helped me so he has gained my respect. I won’t ever throw shade at him

[TheTransfiguredLife]

Well said FrMoses. Self-help is meaningless if it's ultimately devoid of Christ!

[DrMichaelMoeller]

One of my favorite parts

""Becoming better" almost a man-made, deification. Almost like the devil's, deification. It's all self-referential, your own strength, your own purpose your own definition, of who you are, your own definition of success. There's nothing deeper or more meaningful about it.

When you look at the Orthodox view of deification, when man begins to take his eyes off of himself and puts all of his eyes, all of his attention, all of his mind upon God; he is saturated and permeated with the love of God, a deep meaningfulness. A cross that is so difficult to bear but is in a weird way refreshing. You know when we're pouring ourselves out for God and in service to other people, not for our own Glory, but to glorify Him, it becomes a source of comfort. It becomes a source that we define ourselves by."

Great video Father! Thank you!

[j.r.cruzaguirre]

I’m not going to argue with anyone in here. I am orthodox and Christ is the center of my life. JP, has helped me more than I can count. His work and teachings has always lead me back around to Christ our God. ☦️☦️☦️

[gamepassgamer]

One more person here saying JBP helped as a bridge between atheistic nihilism and the Orthodox Church for me. Thank you JBP, hopefully he himself is headed to the Church! ☦️

[orthodoxboomergrandma]

As an EX clinical psychologist, ascetic householder struggler in Christ, in His One Holy Church… I can attest his approach is INCOMPLETE! The techniques “help” but they keep you DECEIVED as to what’s REALLY AVAILABLE BY Grace! Purification, illumination, Union… with GOD! Amen Father!

[airgin]

I WISH I HAD SEEN THIS IN HIGH SCHOOL
THANKS A MILLION

[StoicMiles]

I have pushed myself to the peaks of self improvement and self development. It was after a very traumatic event in my life. At the peak I felt myself sliding downhill again. I was without god in my life. It was only once I adopted god into my life that I felt that trauma leave me so I could look to him. Now I say this as a man that has been godless and deeply immersed into self development and as a man of god now. A man of god that has not done inner work on himself is a fragile man. They will crumble under the devils temptation. Let’s not separate the two. Men need both but ultimately we must look towards god as if we are nothing. We must forfeit our ego and realize that all material and external means nothing to our lord and savior.

[spencer]

Theologians should understand something. Whenever Dr. Jordan Peterson is talking about masculinity, the crucifix and other related things, he’s speaking from a *psychological and philosophical* standpoint and not from a theological standpoint and he openly says that what the metaphysical reality of those things is, he doesn’t know, so he doesn’t even say what the proper metaphysical meaning of those things is and because of that all your criticisms fall in water and also your failure to differentiate between those two things and he’s done a lot more for the christians too and has drawn so many people into the faith. Don’t forget the impact that he’s had, he did contribute a lot for the christians and he’s constantly learning about the faith and will continue learning and coming out with new better arguments, again, he’s speaking from a **psychological** and not from a theological perspective, your criticisms fail there.

[rtwolfrt]

Jordan Peterson along with my wife, brought me to God...
He didn't open the door, but he brought me to it.
I am thankful for his influence.

[scottmontoya]

I don't think Jordan is completely wrong, but I think you completed what he was saying. We live for God, but we must live for ourselves simultaneously as you said.

Good work sir! Thank you for your videos

[jopoveromo]

The only reason I see people disagreeing with Jordan Peterson is because they either can’t understand him or are mischaracterizing his arguments for a specific reason.

[Andrei-nyfy]

Thank you for your invaluable insight and guidance, Father Moses. Your wisdom has truly made a difference in my journey. My name is Andrei Ioan(Andrew-John) and I’ve been raised an orthodox christian by my family in Romania. I began studying Dr. Jordan Peterson's books seven years ago and successfully grasped the essence of his teachings. Motivating someone to do good "in the name of God" might be difficult if they don't share that belief in God. Peterson’s approach resonates with many because he taps into universal principles like the importance of taking responsibility and striving for meaning, which can appeal to people regardless of their religious beliefs. While this can be a strength, it's understandable that from a religious perspective, the lack of a direct spiritual connection might seem like a missing piece.
Those who believe in God can connect their actions to their faith, while those without religious beliefs can still be motivated by the pursuit of meaning, personal growth, or ethical principles. Finding common ground, like a shared sense of purpose or a commitment to doing good, can unite people from different belief systems.
I believe that by engaging with Jordan Peterson's teachings and taking steps toward self-improvement, those who hold faith will naturally find themselves drawn closer to God. In line with Christian philosophy, the process of striving for personal responsibility, meaning, and purpose leads individuals to a deeper understanding of their spiritual connection. As one works to better oneself, the path of self-discipline, truth, and moral responsibility ultimately aligns with the pursuit of God’s will, revealing a journey toward faith and divine guidance.