I find it interesting to explore the Genesis story of Adam and Even in the Garden of Eden from a Jungian perspective. I know Gnostics will have a different take on this, and indeed prefer alternative versions of the story, but here I present an orthodox Christian interpretation. The two trees in the garden ofContinue reading “Genesis from a Jungian perspective”
Tag Archives: psychology
Moral Foundation Theory and Biblical Ethics
Moral foundations theory is a social psychological theory intended to explain variation in human moral reasoning. It was first proposed by the psychologists Jonathan Haidt and Jesse Graham. In more recent times it has been used to explain the differences between progressive, conservative, and libertarian views based on the different relative weights each group givesContinue reading “Moral Foundation Theory and Biblical Ethics”
The Unconscious Mind in the Sacred Scriptures
Was the unconscious mind unknown to the prophets and poets of ancient Israel? Or were they aware our awareness had limits? No doubt it would be anachronistic to attribute a modern understanding of the mind to the ancient authors, but I think there’s evidence enough that they knew of dark recesses within themselves. Consider for instanceContinue reading “The Unconscious Mind in the Sacred Scriptures”
Working with the subconscious as a Christian
The subconscious seems to be a taboo subject in many western Christian circles. In some instances this aversion seems to be a relic from the Age of the Enlightenment, when rationality was regarded as the measure of all good. In some instances this aversion seems to have more superstitious roots, as if, as in ancient nauticalContinue reading “Working with the subconscious as a Christian”
The Christ, Psychotherapy and Magic
If any of you would be interested in engaging with the Hermetic Qabalah from a critical but sympathetic Christian perspective I would recommend “The Christ, Psychotherapy and Magic” by Anthony Duncan as a fine place to start. Here are a few comments that struck me while reading the book: Light and fire feature very prominentlyContinue reading “The Christ, Psychotherapy and Magic”
What if church was more intuitive friendly?
Sociologists have frequently observed that, for post-moderns, self identity is actively constructed and cultural association is actively chosen. That is, for post-moderns, identity and association are more matters of taste than tradition. Few, however, have taken the next step and asked: where do these differences in taste come from? So I would like to offerContinue reading “What if church was more intuitive friendly?”
I’m a Soul, Man
What is a soul? Is it something we have or something we are? This is a question that Delmar B. Epp explores in “I’m a Soul, Man: One Psychologist’s Reflection on Human Nature“. The different options as he sees them are: Radical dualism Emergent dualism Reductive materialism Nonreductive physicalism The fourth seems closest to my ownContinue reading “I’m a Soul, Man”
Intuitives in the church
I was just reading Christianity Today’s book review of Introverts in the church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture, which you’ll find under the heading of Introverts for Jesus, Unite! Now, as an introvert I’m only too happy to see personality differences being recognised. But as someone who’s been researching personality types in new religiousContinue reading “Intuitives in the church”
Personality and Psi
Been doing some more research on the connection between personality type, tendency towards mysticism and involvement in new religious movements and found an interesting article entitled, “Personality and motivations to believe, misbelieve and disbelieve in paranormal phenomena”. Here are some pertinent extracts: Paranormal beliefs and experiences are associated with certain personality factors, including absorption, fantasyContinue reading “Personality and Psi”
Curious Christian 