CARL GUSTAV JUNG’S THREE VIEWS OF RELIGION: RELIGIOUS SYMBOLISM AND SYNCRETISM AND MYSTICAL EXPERIENCE OF GOD AND/OR THE SELF
Mostariensia July 13, 2023 Maja Mandić
This paper elaborates on three key theses in Jung's psychology of religion: the symbolism of the religious, the syncretic-eclectic view of religion, and the idea that mystical unity of the Soul and God is the core of true religiosity. Jung's concept of the Self represents the wholeness of psyche fragments (ego, shadow, anima/animus) and is the aim of individuation. The mystical manifests through collective subconsciousness, symbols, and archetypes. God appears in many equally valuable languages; the inner God is found within oneself. Experience of the inner God and experience of the Self are equivalent. Christian thought can only partially accept Jung's concepts due to contradictions with Christian doctrines.