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mtully 's review for:
12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos
by Jordan B. Peterson
Peterson is a fascinating figure, rendered all the more interesting in this powerful, thoughtful, and earnest treatise on what it means to live well in a harsh, pain-filled world. I was particularly intrigued by Peterson’s near-biblical appreciation for the universal sinfulness (his word) of human nature and willingness to be honest about the depths of evil to which it is possible for all of us to descend. His appreciation for the biblical canon is evident in nearly every chapter, even if he doesn’t embrace or interpret it all as a devout Evangelical would. Indeed, some of his interpretations are pretty wonky; and yet, at other times, I found his insights into the biblical text unexpectedly profound. His chapter on parenting was especially good. Over and over again, it seemed to me that Peterson is a man enchanted by something approaching a biblical worldview, even if he can’t quite bring himself to embrace the key historical claims (namely, Jesus Christ raised from the dead and ascended to heaven). And because of this, his ultimate prescription (essentially, find meaning and purpose by bearing down and taking responsibility for yourself and others in the midst of a harsh world) falls flat in the end. For the Christian, there is a more sure anchor on which to set our hope - hope that nevertheless should propel us into a life of personal responsibility, moral agency, and inner strength.