Jordan Peterson Explores Biblical Wisdom in New Book «We Who Wrestle With God»

Dr. Jordan Peterson, the renowned Canadian clinical psychologist, lecturer, and author, delves into the wisdom of biblical stories in his latest book, «We Who Wrestle With God,» set for release on November 19th. The book seeks to understand the divine and explore how biblical narratives can offer guidance through life’s challenges, transcendent of any specific religious beliefs.

In an exclusive interview with The New York Post‘s Rikki Schlott, Peterson remarked, «If you can’t see the wisdom [in the Bible], you haven’t contemplated your own misery…The books are about you,» highlighting the applicability of these ancient stories to contemporary life challenges.

Peterson explains that the book is a culmination of years of experience, tour lectures, and personal contemplation. He describes the process: «That’s a hard thing to say. I probably started working on it, in some ways, when I was 13,» he noted, emphasizing the long journey leading to this publication.

The author addresses the prevalent crisis of identity in modern culture, suggesting that confusion in societal norms and values often echoes the chaos described in biblical tales like the Tower of Babel. «Words have lost their reference,» Peterson warns, «That’s one indication that you’re in a Tower of Babel.»

Peterson argues that personal responsibility is key to navigating the chaos of modern life, analogizing simple actions like making one’s bed to the creation of order from chaos in Genesis. «That’s a recreation of the opening scene in Genesis where God makes order out of chaos,» he explained.

The book encourages readers to adopt responsibility as a path to finding meaning and adventure in life, a theme that Peterson describes as a central message in Western religious traditions. «Without responsibility, there wouldn’t be adventure. There’s nothing at stake,» he asserts, tying this belief to the symbolism of the cross and the human experience.

Peterson also acknowledges potential skepticism from readers less inclined towards religious texts. He urges a critical approach, suggesting that even atheists have something to glean from the stories, «If it’s not about you, well, then who’s it about?» he posits.

The themes of universal human experiences reflected in biblical characters form an essential part of Peterson’s narrative. He contends that people can see themselves in the stories of figures like Abraham and Moses, stating, «You’re all the characters in the story. That’s the thing you have to understand.»

The release of «We Who Wrestle With God» is anticipated to resonate particularly with young people already part of Peterson’s extensive audience, many of whom seek to find order and purpose in the complexities of today’s world.