Jungian and Psychoanalytic Approach to Biblical Myth and Religion

This book describes some of the major psychological processes that underpin various biblical stories and some of the theological speculation to which they have given rise. Psychological biblical criticism, as described here, is suggested as an alternative or supplement to historical-cultural, textual, philological, literary, and other types of biblical criticism.
Using a combination of Jungian and psychoanalytic theory, Corbett shows how some biblical material arises from human psychodynamics, while some originates in the archetypal level of the psyche and is further elaborated as it passes through the human level of the psyche. The author addresses some of the traditional anxieties about psychological approaches to biblical stories. He views Jung's approach as an evolving mythology of the sacred that offers an alternative to purely theological approaches to the Bible and to the traditions that emerged from it.
This book will be of value to practicing psychotherapists and analysts, particularly those who treat patients with a religious background, as well as trainees, clergy, and graduate students in this area.

List of contents

Introduction  1. A psychological approach to religion and the Bible.  2. Religions as expressions of the psyche  3. The psyche expresses itself in the Bible  4. The Bible as a mythic text  5. Psychopathology in religious traditions and texts  6. Religious narcissism and power dynamics in religion.  7. Mental illness in biblical characters  8. The psychodynamics of religions' emphasis on sin  9. The biblical portrayal of Jesus  References

About the author

Lionel Corbett is a psychiatrist and Jungian analyst. He is the author of seven books and co-author of four volumes of collected papers. His primary interest is in Jung’s concept of the religious function of the psyche.

Summary

This book describes some of the major psychological processes that underpin various biblical stories and some of the theological speculation to which they have given rise.

Product details

• Authors: Lionel Corbett, Corbett Lionel
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 23.12.2024
• EAN: 9781032882765
• ISBN: 978-1-0-3288276-5
• No. of pages: 206
• Dimensions: 155 mm x 235 mm x 15 mm
• Subjects: Guides > Health; Non-fiction book > Psychology, esoterics, spirituality, anthroposophy > Psychology: general, reference works; PSYCHOLOGY / Social Psychology, PSYCHOLOGY / Psychotherapy / General, RELIGION / Christianity / General, RELIGION / Biblical Studies / General, RELIGION / Psychology of Religion, Religion: general, Christianity, Psychotherapy, Social, group or collective psychology, Psychoanalytical and Freudian psychology, Analytical and Jungian psychology, Analytical & Jungian psychology, Criticism and exegesis of sacred texts, Biblical Studies & Exegesis, Psychoanalytical theory (Freudian psychology), PSYCHOLOGY / Psychotherapy / Jungian, PSYCHOLOGY / Psychotherapy / Psychoanalysis