THE EMERGENCE OF CONSCIOUSNESS IN GENESIS 1–3: JUNG'S DEPTH PSYCHOLOGY AND THEOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
June 1, 2014 DOI: 10.1111/zygo.12086 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
The article argues that theology can benefit from dialogue with depth psychology, particularly Jungian archetypes, to interpret Genesis 1–3. It proposes a psycho-theological hermeneutic showing that the narrative contains archetypal symbols, suggesting the story is not about the origin of sin but the emergence of human consciousness. This reading does not diminish theological themes of exile and return.
Study at a glance
| Design | theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | The presence of Jungian archetypes in Genesis 1–3 suggests the narrative is about the emergence of human consciousness rather than the origin of sin. |
Abstract
The development of a robust, holistic theological anthropology will require that theology and biblical studies alike enter into genuine interdisciplinary conversations. Depth psychology in particular has the capacity to be an exceedingly fruitful conversation partner for theology because of its commitment to the totality of the human experience (both the conscious and unconscious aspects) as well as its unique ability to interpret archetypal symbols and mythological thinking. By arguing for a psycho-theological hermeneutic that accounts for depth psychology's conviction that myths about the origin of the world are always simultaneously myths about the origin and emergence of human consciousness, I demonstrate that the presence of numerous Jungian archetypes in Genesis 1–3 suggests that the narrative can be read from a psychological perspective without diminishing or marginalizing the dominant theological themes of exile and return. Furthermore, such a reading fundamentally suggests that the narrative is not about how sin entered into creation, but rather how consciousness emerged in human community.