We Who Wrestle With God

By Jordan B. Peterson

We Who Wrestle With God: A Review and Summary

Overview

Jordan B. Peterson's "We Who Wrestle With God" is not a conventional theological text. Instead, it’s a profound exploration of the psychological and existential significance of the biblical narratives. It is an analysis of how these ancient stories, particularly those in the Old Testament, can illuminate the human condition, the burden of being, and the complex relationship between humanity and the divine. Peterson doesn't approach these narratives from a purely religious or faith-based perspective, but rather from a position deeply rooted in psychology, philosophy, and cultural analysis.

Key Themes

The Burden of Being

• The Problem of Suffering: Peterson emphasizes the inherent suffering in existence and how the biblical stories grapple with this reality rather than denying it.
• Responsibility and Choice: He highlights the concept of individual responsibility in the face of suffering and the power of choice as a defining aspect of humanity.
• The Archetypal Hero: Explores figures like Abraham, Jacob, and Moses, viewing them as archetypal heroes struggling with their own weaknesses, burdens, and divine mandates.

The Relationship with the Divine

• Not Blind Faith: Peterson does not advocate for unquestioning religious adherence, but rather a conscious engagement with the profound truths embedded within religious texts.
• The Struggle with the Unknown: He emphasizes the wrestling with the unknown as a necessary part of understanding oneself and one's relation to a higher power. This 'wrestling' is often psychological and internal.
• Meaning Making: Peterson explores how the ancient narratives served as meaning-making frameworks for societies, and how they continue to offer guidance in a modern context.

The Psychological Landscape of Scripture

• Archetypes and the Unconscious: He integrates Jungian concepts of archetypes to delve into the deep symbolic meaning of biblical figures and narratives.
• The Dark Side of Humanity: The book acknowledges and explores the darker aspects of human nature, showing that even biblical heroes are flawed.
• The Process of Transformation: Explores how biblical stories often depict a process of personal transformation through trials and tribulations.

Summary of Key Sections

Genesis: The Foundation of Meaning

• The Creation Narrative: Peterson interprets the Genesis creation story as a metaphor for the emergence of consciousness and the burden of self-awareness.
• Adam and Eve: He views the story of Adam and Eve as a portrayal of the human capacity for choice, awareness of good and evil, and the existential burden of mortality.
• Cain and Abel: Explores the themes of envy, resentment, and the destructive potential of human nature as foundational to human experience.

Abraham: The Pioneer of Faith and Responsibility

• The Call of Abraham: Examines Abraham's journey as an archetype for the willingness to venture into the unknown and accept profound responsibility.
• The Binding of Isaac: Interprets the story of the near-sacrifice of Isaac as a metaphor for the ultimate test of faith and the confrontation with the terrifying demands of the transcendent.

Jacob: The Wrestler and Transformer

• The Deception of Esau: Explores Jacob's flaws, his manipulative nature, and the consequences of his actions.
• The Wrestling with God: The most literal example of 'wrestling,' this section focuses on the story as a symbolic representation of the inner struggle for meaning and the pursuit of self-transformation.
• Jacob's Transformation: Details how Jacob’s struggle leads to his change of character, symbolizing how grappling with challenges can lead to personal growth.

Other Significant Figures and Themes

• Moses and the Exodus: Explores themes of leadership, freedom, and the establishment of order in the face of chaos.
• The Prophets: Examines the prophetic tradition as a call to higher ideals and a confrontation of moral failings.
• The Problem of Evil: Peterson circles back to this central theme, using the biblical narratives to grapple with the pervasive problem of suffering and injustice.

Strengths of the Book

• Psychological Depth: Peterson's analysis brings a unique psychological lens to the reading of religious texts, making the stories relevant to contemporary issues.
• Challenging Perspectives: He pushes readers to question conventional interpretations of biblical stories, inviting deeper engagement with their complexities.
• Meaningful Framework: He offers a framework for grappling with life's difficulties by drawing on the wisdom of ancient narratives.
• Accessible Style: Despite the depth of ideas, the writing is relatively accessible to those unfamiliar with theological or psychological terminology.

Weaknesses of the Book

• Interpretation Bias: Critics note that Peterson's interpretations are filtered through his own specific psychological and philosophical lens, which may not align with traditional religious viewpoints.
• Limited Religious Scope: The focus is almost exclusively on Old Testament stories, potentially neglecting other important religious and spiritual traditions.
• Potential Misinterpretation: Readers may misinterpret Peterson's analyses as outright rejection or embrace of religious dogma, when his focus is primarily on their psychological significance.

Conclusion

"We Who Wrestle With God" is a challenging but ultimately rewarding exploration of how ancient narratives can illuminate the modern human experience. It’s not a book about doctrine or dogma, but rather a deeply psychological and existential examination of the human condition, using the rich symbolism of the Bible as a lens. Whether you agree with all of Peterson's interpretations or not, the book invites a profoundly thoughtful engagement with the profound questions of existence.

Buy the book here.