Psychologist Jordan Peterson receives Hungarian award

Novák awarded Peterson the civilian class of the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary “in recognition of his outstanding scientific work in the field of clinical psychology, as well as his exceptionally dedicated and influential activities in defence of creative freedom and the education of youth.” This reports the Catholic German daily Die Tagespost.

Peterson is currently touring Central and Northern Europe. Most recently, he made a stop in the Hungarian capital. There he gave a speech at Palais Sándor, the home of Hungarian President Katalin Novak.

In his speech, of which Novak shared excerpts on her Twitter page, the University of Toronto professor emeritus spoke of the importance of looking away from oneself and dedicating oneself to service to others. “People find the deepest meaning of their lives in service to their wives, their husbands, their parents, their children, in the service of their communities,” said Peterson. In another speech, the Canadian praised a Hungarian law that gives families with four children more tax advantages. Laws like this would help reduce abortion rates without having to introduce bans.

When asked what other advices he would give the audience for a successful life, Peterson replied: “Be socially responsible.” He emphasized the importance of getting involved in associations, especially in church communities. In addition, the retired professor, whose lectures were often accompanied by demonstrations and catcalls from left-wing organizations, criticises the activism of the radical left. Underlying this activism is the belief in the “will to power” that supposedly pervades all relationships. Peterson called this belief “demonic”.

Bible

Peterson is currently touring Europe, giving speeches and lectures for thousands of people. Last week, the Canadian professor visited Oslo. There, Jarle Jacobson, a politician for the Christian Democratic Party (KrF), was among the crowds that attended his lecture. According to Jacobsen, Peterson challenges the way people think about democracy and freedom of expression. "Peterson also talks about the Bible in a way we do not hear outside the church."

According to Jacobsen, Peterson quoted the Bible numerous times during his talk. "I think he opens up new channels for communicating with those who may not be associated with Christian communities."

Parallels

In May 2016, Jordan Peterson published a series of lectures entitled “The Psychological Significance of Biblical Stories. This has since become a topic he diligently returns to, something he also did during his visit to Oslo.

Peterson does this by drawing parallels between Bible stories and current issues such as the value of work, views on gender and sexuality; and the value of work and order in everyday life.

Christians have debated whether Peterson's references to the Bible are to be understood as theological, or whether they only refer to the Bible as a psychologically interesting book.