Pastor Greg Laurie, leader of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, recently shared a heartfelt Gospel message with psychologist and author Jordan Peterson during a profound discussion on faith, grief, and the search for meaning.
The conversation, featured on The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, touched on life’s deepest questions and offered a glimpse into Laurie’s personal experiences with loss and hope.
Laurie, 71, reflected on the tragic loss of his son Christopher, who died in a 2008 car accident at just 33 years old. Calling it the “worst day” of his life, Laurie shared how his Christian faith gave him hope: “As a Christian, I believe I’ll see my son again because he believed in Jesus. He’s in Heaven, not because of me, but because of his faith in Christ. That gives me hope.”
Peterson connected Laurie’s testimony to universal themes of love and grief. “The depth of your grief is proportionate to the magnitude of your love,” he said, describing how loss underscores the inherent value of life.
Laurie elaborated on his belief in Heaven, calling it a tangible and real destination. “Heaven is not an abstract concept. It’s described in the Bible as a city, a country, and a paradise. Jesus promised, ‘I go to prepare a place for you.’ It’s where we’ll be reunited with loved ones, and it’s the ultimate hope for believers,” he explained.
In response, Peterson expressed his struggle to reconcile earthly transcendence with the promise of eternity. Laurie turned to biblical examples, citing the apostle Paul’s vision of Heaven and Jesus’ assurance to the thief on the cross: “Today, you will be with me in paradise.” Laurie added, “When my son went to Heaven, it felt like a part of me went there too.”
Reflecting on his journey, Laurie shared that his faith was tested but ultimately strengthened by loss. “God made promises, and I’ve put those promises to the test. If God hadn’t come through for me after my son’s death, I would have stopped preaching. But He did, and that’s why I carry on,” Laurie said.
The pastor concluded the interview with a clear presentation of the Gospel. “What’s more important than the afterlife? The Bible teaches there’s a literal Heaven and Hell, and our decisions in this life determine where we’ll spend eternity. Heaven isn’t for good people; it’s for forgiven people,” he said, pointing to Jesus’ sacrifice as the foundation of salvation.
Following the interview, Laurie praised Peterson as “one of the great minds of our generation” and appreciated the opportunity to share how Jesus changed his life.
While Peterson frequently discusses biblical stories and their moral significance, he has not explicitly identified as a traditional Christian. He has previously warned of challenges facing the church, including the dangers of identity politics and religious hypocrisy, urging believers to remain vigilant and grounded in Scripture.
Laurie’s conversation with Peterson resonated with listeners, blending personal vulnerability with timeless truths about faith, hope, and the afterlife.