Jordan Peterson and Cultural Christianity: Christianity Without the Gospel

By Dr. Tim Orr

In an age where secularism dominates public discourse and traditional religious institutions are increasingly marginalized, Jordan Peterson has emerged as a surprising advocate for the enduring relevance of Christian values. A clinical psychologist and public intellectual, Peterson often explores Christianity as a cultural and psychological framework foundational to the development of Western civilization. His interpretation, however, stops short of embracing Christianity as a spiritual truth centered on the gospel. Instead, he promotes a version of “cultural Christianity,” which views biblical stories as archetypes and moral guides rather than divinely revealed truths. While Peterson’s work has inspired many to reconsider Christianity’s significance, it ultimately lacks the gospel's transformative power, which is the heart of the Christian faith.

Peterson’s Approach: Christianity as Archetypal Truth

The Power of Story and Archetypes

As I have mentioned in my previous blogs, at the core of Peterson’s interpretation of Christianity is his reliance on Carl Jung’s theory of archetypes—universal patterns of human experience encoded in myths and stories. Peterson sees the Bible as a collection of these archetypal stories, offering profound psychological insights into the human condition. For example, he views the story of Cain and Abel as a timeless narrative about envy, resentment, and the destructive power of bitterness:

“The story of Cain and Abel isn’t just about two brothers; it’s about the eternal battle between good and evil within every human being. Cain’s descent into bitterness and his eventual murder of Abel is a warning about how unchecked resentment can corrupt the soul.”

This lens allows Peterson to engage with the Bible in a way that resonates with modern audiences. By interpreting biblical stories as reflections of psychological and moral realities, Peterson makes Christianity accessible to people who may struggle with its supernatural claims. His approach appeals to those seeking order and meaning in a chaotic world, offering a framework for understanding life’s challenges without requiring belief in God or the divinity of Christ.

Genesis: Order Emerging from Chaos

Peterson often returns to the creation story in Genesis to illustrate the archetypal struggle between chaos and order. He interprets the opening verses of Genesis—where God brings order out of chaos—as a metaphor for the human need to impose structure on a disordered world:

“The act of creation in Genesis isn’t just a story about the origins of the universe; it’s a profound statement about the necessity of confronting chaos with courage and responsibility.”

While this interpretation offers valuable psychological insights, it bypasses the creation narrative's theological significance. Genesis is not merely a metaphor for human resilience; it reveals God’s sovereign power as Creator and His purposeful design for humanity. Peterson’s interpretation, while intellectually stimulating, reduces the divine act of creation to a human-centric framework, overlooking its ultimate aim of glorifying God.

The Appeal and Risks of Cultural Christianity

Addressing a Secular Void

Peterson’s emphasis on the cultural and psychological benefits of Christianity addresses a significant void in secular society. Many people today feel unmoored, adrift in a world that often denies objective truth and moral absolutes. By presenting Christianity as a source of meaning, order, and moral guidance, Peterson offers a counter-narrative to the nihilism that pervades contemporary culture.

His lectures on responsibility, sacrifice, and the pursuit of meaning have resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. For example, his interpretation of the cross as a symbol of human suffering and responsibility appeals to those grappling with life’s hardships:

“Pick up your cross and carry it. What does that mean? It means confronting the suffering inherent in life with courage and resilience. It means taking on the responsibility to make the world better.”

This call to responsibility is deeply countercultural in a world that often prioritizes personal comfort and individual autonomy. Peterson’s ability to articulate these truths has inspired many to reevaluate their lives and seek greater purpose.

The Risk of Moralism Without Grace

However, Peterson’s cultural Christianity also carries significant risks. By focusing on the moral and psychological dimensions of Christianity, he inadvertently promotes a version of the faith that lacks its spiritual core. Cultural Christianity emphasizes principles like responsibility and sacrifice but neglects the gospel’s message of grace. This can lead to moralism—a belief that one’s standing before God depends on moral behavior rather than faith in Christ.

Peterson’s interpretation of the cross exemplifies this limitation. While he rightly emphasizes the importance of bearing one’s burdens, he does not affirm the cross as the ultimate act of divine love and atonement. In Christian theology, the cross is not merely a symbol of human resilience; it is the means by which God reconciles sinners to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Without this understanding, cultural Christianity offers inspiration but lacks the power to transform.

Christianity Without the Gospel: A Hollow Faith

The Centrality of the Gospel

At its heart, Christianity is not a philosophy or a moral system; it is the good news of God’s redemptive work through Jesus Christ. The gospel proclaims that Jesus lived a sinless life, died for humanity’s sins, and rose from the dead, offering salvation to all who believe (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This message is not merely symbolic; it is the historical and spiritual reality that transforms lives.

Peterson’s cultural Christianity, while valuable in some respects, omits this foundational truth. His focus on archetypes and psychological insights reduces Christianity to a set of timeless principles, missing its unique claim that salvation is found in Christ alone. As Paul writes in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”

The Danger of a Counterfeit Faith

By emphasizing the cultural and psychological benefits of Christianity, Peterson risks promoting a version of the faith that feels familiar but lacks substance. Cultural Christianity retains the ethical framework of the faith but omits its spiritual essence. This hollow version of Christianity can lead people to believe they are engaging with true Christianity when they are not.

Jesus Himself warned against superficial faith, saying in Matthew 7:21-23:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

True Christianity requires more than admiration for Jesus’ teachings; it requires a personal relationship with Him.

Peterson’s Contribution: A Starting Point for Deeper Faith

Reawakening Interest in Christianity

Despite its limitations, Peterson’s work has reintroduced Christian concepts to a secular audience, sparking renewed interest in the Bible and its teachings. His lectures have encouraged many to explore Christianity for the first time, offering a valuable opportunity for Christians to engage with seekers.

Peterson himself acknowledges the profound significance of the Bible, saying:

“The Bible is the precondition for the manifestation of truth. It’s the foundational text upon which our entire society is predicated.”

This recognition of Christianity’s cultural importance provides a starting point for deeper conversations about faith.

The Role of Christians in Reclaiming the Gospel

Peterson’s cultural Christianity opens doors, but it is up to Christians to point others beyond moralism and psychological insights to the transformative power of the gospel. Believers can build on Peterson’s work by sharing the message of God’s grace and inviting others into a personal relationship with Christ.

As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:20:

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

This is the ultimate goal of the Christian faith—not merely to inspire but to transform.

Conclusion: Beyond Cultural Christianity

Jordan Peterson’s cultural Christianity is both an opportunity and a challenge. By emphasizing the psychological and societal benefits of Christian teachings, Peterson has made Christianity accessible to a secular audience. However, his interpretation stops short of presenting the gospel, the heart of the Christian faith. True Christianity is not about preserving cultural heritage or achieving moral perfection; it is about encountering the living Christ and being transformed by His grace. As Christians, we can use Peterson’s insights as a bridge to deeper conversations, ensuring that the gospel remains at the center of the faith.

References

Peterson, J. B. (2018). 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. Random House Canada.

Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan.

Tim Orr is a scholar of Islam, Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry. He holds six degrees, including a master’s in Islamic studies from the Islamic College in London. Tim taught Religious Studies for 15 years at Indiana University Columbus and is now a Congregations and Polarization Project research associate at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University Indianapolis. He has spoken at universities, including Oxford University, Imperial College London, the University of Tehran, Islamic College London, and mosques throughout the U.K. His research focuses on American Evangelicalism, Islamic antisemitism, and Islamic feminism, and he has published widely, including articles in Islamic peer-reviewed journals and three books.