Pastor Greg Laurie Shares Gospel with Jordan Peterson, Discusses Faith and Loss
In a heartfelt exchange on “The Jordan B. Peterson” podcast, Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, shared insights into faith, personal loss, and the quest for purpose. Laurie’s discussion with psychologist and author Jordan Peterson touched on profound topics, including the afterlife and the enduring promise of Heaven.
At the culmination of their almost two-hour-long conversation, Laurie reflected on the tragic loss of his son Christopher, who passed away in a car accident in 2008. Laurie described this day as the “worst” of his life but expressed comfort in his Christian belief of reuniting in Heaven: “As a Christian, I believe I’ll see my son again because he believed in Jesus,” he articulated to Peterson.
Peterson, author of We Who Wrestle with God, linked Laurie’s experience to biblical teachings by emphasizing that grief underscores the significance of life. He commented, “The depth of your grief is proportionate to the magnitude of your love,” adding that grief serves as a testament to life’s value, even when it’s cut short.
Laurie reaffirmed his conviction in a tangible afterlife: “I believe in Heaven, and I believe in it more than I’ve ever believed.” He described Heaven as a real place founded on biblical promises, not just an abstract idea. “Heaven is a real place for real people to do real things,” Laurie explained, drawing from Scriptural depictions of Heaven as a city, a country, and a paradise.
Peterson raised questions about reconciling earthly experiences with eternal promises, challenging Laurie to consider how one balances the Christian duty to improve the world with the hope of immortality. Laurie cited biblical narratives, such as Paul’s experience of being “caught up in the third Heaven” and Jesus’s promise to the thief on the cross, to illustrate his beliefs.
Further drawing on his personal journey, Laurie revealed that his faith had been proven in times of suffering, especially following his son’s death. “God made a lot of promises,” Laurie stated. “I’ve put those promises to the test, including the worst thing of all, to lose a child. And I’ve seen how God had come through for me.”
Laurie concluded the session by sharing a clear Gospel message, emphasizing the importance of the afterlife and the choices made in this life. He underscored that Heaven is not for the morally perfect but for those forgiven through Christ’s sacrifice: “Heaven isn’t for good people, as it’s often said. Heaven is for forgiven people.”
After the interview, Laurie described Peterson as a thinker with a deep appreciation for the Bible, praising the opportunity to share his personal transformation through Jesus Christ. Despite Peterson’s frequent discussions on Christian themes, he has not formally identified as a Christian, though he acknowledges the Bible’s foundational role in Western society.
In a recent interview, Peterson warned against the dangers of identity politics within churches, noting it could detract from Christianity’s core teachings. He cautioned believers to remain skeptical of religious leaders who might exploit their faith for personal gain, reminding them, “You have to pay attention to the fact that not everybody who says ‘Lord, Lord is going to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.’”
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
