RS260 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Carl Jung, Oedipus Complex, Sigmund Freud
Document Summary
Often seen as a reductionist view of religion (i. e. it can all be explained by the chemicals in the brain). But it can also have a positive view of religion and not be reductionist. Religion as an illusionary state those who are rational ought to abandon it. God serves as a father figure that people desire for. Religion keeps people in a neurotic state. Religion is an unhealthy way to prevent people from acting on their desires and complexes (e. g. oedipal complex). Believed religion was real did not dismiss it or reduce it. Collective unconscious: archetypes and symbols that everyone (in a culture) recognizes. People can tap into the collective unconscious through religious rituals or articulating it to an analyst. Notion of the self archetype representing the unity between the conscious and unconscious. Healthy-minded person (comfortable with their imperfections) vs. sick soul (person who is divided and needs spiritual development)
