The social media feeds of Christians have been flooded with viral videos of Jordan Peterson and Russell Brand on their knees, leading a crowd of (reportedly) 25,000 people, saying the Lord’s Prayer. Cue hysteria and mania. On the one hand, atheists and progressives have denounced the pair, saying the two men are embarrassing themselves. On the other hand, Christians and conservatives are all giddy with excitement, thinking this is the dawn of a new era. Everyone just needs to settle down.
Look, I get it. It’s refreshing to see two popular figureheads bow down and pray the Lord’s Prayer in response to the increasing moral confusion of our western society. I’ve watched many Jordan Peterson videos, and I’ve been helped by them. I think he has a lot of insight into what is ailing our culture. I’ve also watched, with interest, Russell Brand’s journey from a sleazy, promiscuous comedian to a far more sober and serious podcaster who, relatively recently, announced he had become a Christian and been baptised. Time will tell whether his conversion is genuine or just a performance.
Put on the armour of God. Walk with the Lord. Be faithful to your family. Keep plodding on. And – yes of course – pray together, ‘lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil’. Amen.
