The BIG Questions

Chapter 3 of Fromm’s book is central for understanding Fromm’s view of the positive and negative potential of religion, why people are drawn to both authoritarian and humanistic religion and the psychological consequences of each. I asked you to share three points, quotes, or issues from Fromm’s analysis that you need more help on. In addition, feel free to comment on other people’s questions if you feel that you understand what they are asking about.

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.

Please leave your thoughts about Freud’s interpretation of the 3rd dream on your handout.  Do you agree with Freud’s interpretation, or do you have an alternative interpretation.

Also, leave questions or comments about The Future of an Illusion here.

The quiz Tuesday on Batson readings will be drawn from the study questions.    If you have any questions about this material you can send it here

What is similar or different about reports of sightings of Bigfoot and Mary? How do you react to both kinds of reports?

Please leave your thoughts about how social psychological theory might be used to explain the origins of Christianity, i.e., the folowers of Jesus responded to the disappointment of his crucifixion by and intensification of their beliefs about him, transforming a tragedy into victory, by saying that the crucifixion was the necessary means for humanity’s salvation.

If this theory is true, what implications might that have for Christianity?

If you were a psychologist investigating all aspects of the story, what questions would you want to ask about Audrey, her family, the pilgrims who came to visit her, her doctors, church officials or anyone else?

Please leave a brief comment about yourself and your interest in the area of Religion & Psychology.