The Red Book
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Clicking on a link I found at Spirit Daily, I read an article on Carl Jung, Fascinating Facts You May Not Have Known about Carl Jung. The author discusses the fact that Jung had taken an interest in the occult and wrote his dissertation, “On the Psychology and Pathology of So-Called Occult Phenomena”. I'm not surprised, who amongst the modernist thinkers of the late 19th early 20th century hadn't dabbled in the occult?
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I believe Jung's openness to religious experience is one reason for his popularity amongst the more progressive post-Vatican II contemplative communities of nuns and monks. A fact which may help explain to some extent, their openness to New Age spirituality.
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"He who wishes to go to Paradise must be an honest man and a good Christian, and not give heed to dreams." - St. Philip Neri
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Art: The Shadow, from The Red Book
No comment on Carl Jung, but regarding the quotation from St. Philip Neri -- seems to me that there were several people in the Bible who heeded the dreams that God gave them. I would assume that both the Old and New Testament Josephs are both in Paradise and were certainly honest men. To name only the two most obvious ones.
ReplyDeleteI've wondered about the St. Philip quote as well - I wonder what sort of dreams he was speaking of at the time he said it, and to whom was he speaking?
ReplyDeleteOne thought I had was that since he ministered to young men and helped them attain self-control or chastity, it occurred to me he may have been referring to dreams that young men have that cause them to be concerned they may have consented to sin in their sleep. The advice could be for the scrupulous and those in a hurry to accomplish the works of the great saints, when they ought to be more concerned about living an ordinary life well.
Since as you pointed out Biblical figures and saints have often received instruction through dreams. I found the quote so interesting I thought I'd throw it into the mix since Jung was very much about dreams and his art reflects that.
Jung also said he had very few catholic patients...that Catholics don't need psychotherapy because they have confession. Freud said something similar about Catholic having their "black box", therefore not needing him. If you look at the psychology tab on my website I think I have some links to the quotes.
ReplyDeleteDear Penn - ck - I'm sorry I haven't ever linked to you - now that I know you have a website I will do so! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHaving survived--with much damage--the "spiritual direction" of the Conventual Franciscans in the 70s--relying heavily on Morton Kelsey and Jung--whenever any one teaching "the faith" or offering guidance in "spirituality" mentions Jung, I just leave, because I know where it's going to end up.
ReplyDeleteJung is like Rogers--for some reason embraced by "progressive" Catholics, and ultimately corrosive of the faith.
Red - I've noticed that too. Seriously.
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