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Top Story: Fine. I’ll Mention the Jordan B. Peterson Video.

I’m not sure I want to write anything about Jordan B. Peterson, but the Canadian clinical psychologist, author, and cultural critic has been leading the religious news cycle this week. It’s worth filling you in.

First, an introduction: Peterson has a PhD in clinical psychology, used to be a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, and has written best-selling books like 12 Rules for Life, Beyond Order, and the more recent We Who Wrestle with God. That book discusses the relevance of the Bible to modern life. He has a popular podcast and YouTube channel.

He’s also a very polarizing figure, and while I’m drawn to intellectual discussions about religion, I’m not exactly a Peterson fan. Some admire him for his work encouraging young men to seek purpose and discipline, but he’s also beloved by right-wing media. He’s positioned himself as a religious-minded conservative thought leader who critiques transgenderism, feminism, environmentalism and the concept of white privilege, among other topics. He’s enmeshed in all the complications of identity politics, free speech and the culture wars.

So why is he in the news of the religion world this week? It’s because of … a hesitation.