Jordan Peterson gets in heated debate, refuses to identify as a Christian

Canadian philosopher Jordan Peterson sparked controversy on Sunday after refusing to identify as a Christian during a heated debate with atheist vlogger Danny in a viral YouTube discussion about theology.

Peterson, 62, appeared on Jubilee Media's "Surrounded: Jordan Peterson vs Twenty Atheists," a show that invites challengers to question him on a range of topics.

As part of the format, Peterson sat at a desk surrounded by participants, each of whom took turns challenging his views.

The exchange grew tense after Danny, a philosophy graduate and host of the PhilTalk channel, questioned Peterson about his connection to Catholicism and his stance on the Virgin Mary.

"Why is that relevant?" Peterson responded when Danny pressed him on his religious affiliation.

"Because you go to a Catholic church. You’re interested in Catholicism, aren’t you?" Danny replied. "How do they regard Mary?"

The debate quickly escalated when Peterson denied the label of "Christian."

“You say that. I haven’t claimed that,” Peterson snapped, as Danny insisted that his attendance at Catholic services indicated his faith.

When Danny challenged Peterson with an ultimatum—“Either you’re a Christian or you’re not”—Peterson retorted, “I could be either of them, but I don’t have to tell you… it’s private.”

The confrontation reached its peak when Peterson, visibly frustrated, told Danny, “You’re really quite something, you are.” Danny shot back, “Aren’t I? But you’re really quite nothing.”

The insult drew audible gasps from other participants, and Peterson, clearly agitated, concluded the segment, declaring, "I’m done with him."

Peterson, a former psychology professor at the University of Toronto, has long been a controversial figure.

He rose to prominence a decade ago for his outspoken critiques of identity politics and political correctness, later becoming known for his impassioned media appearances.

In a January 2025 interview with The Spectator, Peterson had hinted at his complex relationship with Christianity. "In the deepest sense, yes, I would say I am a Christian," he said. "But I’m striving for understanding above all. I suppose people might call me agnostic, but that’s not true… I’m a new kind of Christian."

The debate continues to divide opinions online, with some defending Peterson's right to explore his beliefs on his own terms, while others criticise his reluctance to openly identify with a faith tradition.