The BIG Questions

In our last class we discussed the basic ideas of Christianity from a psychoanalytic point of view.   The main idea to see how the powerful emotions of the oedipal complex are expressed in Christianity.   In particular we saw how Jesus is a figure that represents both an obedient son who is willing to die for the sake of his divine father, but also a son who enjoys a special unchallenged and intimate relationship with his mother.    Finally, we saw that he seems to become his mother’s partner in ruling over the world from their throne in heaven, in effect replacing God the father.   The unconscious appeal of Christianity, a psychoanalyst might say, is in giving expression to the multiple aspects of the oedipal complex.

What is your reaction to this interpretation?

We just started talking about what some of the disguised meaning of the Adam and Eve story might be when interpreted from a psychoanalytic point of view.   A major key to this kind of interpretation is to ask whether some of the ambivalent emotions associated with the parent-child (especially father-son) relationship are hidden in the story.   After reflecting on the study questions, what are your reactions to this kind of approach to the story.