We Who Wrestle With God by Jordan Peterson review – a return to God…via the Brothers Grimm and The Lion King | Religion – metropolis

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10-12-2024

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Wrestling with God and Ourselves: A Review of Jordan Peterson's "Beyond Order"

Jordan Peterson's Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life isn't explicitly about a return to God, but it implicitly engages with profound spiritual questions through the lens of Jungian psychology, mythology, and a surprisingly wide range of cultural touchstones, from the Brothers Grimm to The Lion King. This isn't a theological treatise, but rather a deep dive into the human condition, wrestling with themes that resonate deeply with religious and spiritual seekers.

Peterson's "Rules" as Moral Archetypes: The book’s structure, a collection of twelve "rules," allows Peterson to explore complex moral and existential issues in manageable chunks. Each "rule" acts as a springboard into broader discussions on responsibility, meaning, and the struggle for self-mastery. These aren't simple commandments; instead, they're invitations to engage in a difficult, often painful, process of self-discovery. This process mirrors, in many ways, the spiritual journeys depicted in religious texts and myths.

Mythology as a Guide to the Soul: Peterson consistently draws upon mythology, particularly the Brothers Grimm fairy tales and other archetypal stories, to illustrate his points. He sees these stories not as mere children’s entertainment but as repositories of ancient wisdom, reflecting fundamental truths about the human psyche and our relationship with the world. This approach resonates with many religious traditions that utilize parables and symbolic narratives to convey spiritual insight. The struggles of heroes in these myths – their triumphs and failures – serve as potent metaphors for the internal battles we face in striving for a meaningful life. The Lion King, for example, offers a potent allegory for the hero’s journey and the acceptance of responsibility, themes central to Peterson's message.

The Shadow and the Struggle for Meaning: A key element in Peterson's work is the concept of the "shadow," the unconscious aspects of ourselves that we repress. Confronting the shadow, he argues, is crucial for personal growth and spiritual development. This aligns with many religious traditions' emphasis on self-examination, confession, and repentance. The struggle to integrate the shadow, with its darkness and imperfections, mirrors the religious concept of grappling with sin and striving for redemption.

Beyond Order and the Search for Purpose: The book's title, Beyond Order, suggests a movement towards a deeper understanding of life's complexities. This isn't a call for chaos but a recognition that strict adherence to rules without understanding their underlying principles can be detrimental. True order, Peterson argues, arises from a disciplined engagement with life's challenges, a process that requires courage, self-awareness, and a willingness to confront one's own limitations. This resonates with the spiritual journey of accepting imperfection while striving for growth.

Criticisms and Considerations: While Peterson’s work offers valuable insights, it’s essential to acknowledge its limitations. Some critics argue that his focus on individual responsibility overlooks systemic inequalities and societal factors that influence individual lives. Others find his interpretations of mythology overly simplistic or selective. Furthermore, his reliance on Jungian psychology, while insightful, may not resonate with everyone.

Conclusion: Beyond Order doesn't explicitly advocate for a return to traditional religion, but its exploration of archetypal stories, the struggle for meaning, and the importance of self-mastery engages with core themes found in many spiritual traditions. The book serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing internal struggle that defines the human experience, a struggle that, for many, has a deeply spiritual dimension. Whether or not you agree with Peterson's conclusions, the book’s exploration of these profound questions is undeniably thought-provoking and worthy of consideration.