In an “intense” new interview, country singer John Rich asked Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson difficult questions about his faith journey.
During a recent conversation on Peterson’s podcast, Rich read an old quote from Peterson in which he wrestles with belief in Christianity, although he notes that there is an objective morality rooted in the values of the Bible.
“‘But I still don’t know what to make of it, in part because it’s too frightening a reality to really believe. I don’t even know what would happen to you if you really believed it,'” Rich Peterson quoted him as saying.
“What impressed me about it is the ‘scared’ part,” Rich responded. “Because I think that if Jesus is who he is according to the Bible, that would be the greatest thing in the world… Then you should run straight to him because he controls heaven and hell.”
Country singer John Rich discussed faith and spirituality with Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson in his podcast. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
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“He loves you more than anyone will ever love you. He created you,” Rich continued.
“The last thing he wants is for you to go the other way and end up separated from him for eternity. I know this is your interview, but I wanted to ask you what scares you about the idea that Jesus might be who the Bible says he actually is?” he asked Peterson.
Peterson said his views on faith deepened as he researched the biblical narratives for his new book, “We Who Wrestle with God.”
The “scary” part of faith, he said, is giving up control and submitting to God’s will for one’s life.
“It’s a terrible thing to let go of that and just do what you’re told or told to do by the Spirit of Truth. But the reward is an adventure that’s so disproportionately greater than anything you would have gained,” Peterson said.
Jordan Peterson spoke in his podcast with guest John Rich about his new book “We Who Wrestle with God”. (iStock)
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“It is terrible to be subjected to this submission, even if this submission is necessary,” he continued.
Rich asked Peterson if it was a greater “terror” to have God change his life or to face “eternal terror” in the afterlife. He asked if Peterson was ready to give his life to Christ, something he said he had done long ago.
As the two continued to debate what it means to be saved, Peterson said that “holy fear” leads him to pursue the “straight and narrow path.”
Rich responded that no one could be good enough to be worthy of salvation and that one day “every knee” would bow before God.
John Rich urged Jordan Peterson to keep his beliefs to himself once again. (iStock)
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Peterson admitted that he “detested” speaking publicly about his personal beliefs because he did not want to make a spectacle out of it.
Rich challenged him to reconsider his view, arguing that Peterson could reach millions of people with “the truth” about the Bible and eternity.
“You could be one of the most powerful weapons in God’s hand that He has ever wielded,” he told Peterson.
The country singer subsequently responded to the interview on social media, calling the discussion about life, death and faith “intense to say the least.”
