Abstract
The nature of humanity—or the human situation-has been an area of thought intensely studied by theologians and philosophers for centuries. In more recent times, however, psychology has made serious advances into this field of inquiry. It has been able to provide insights applicable to previous theological ideas. The author brings to the reader's attention his twofold purpose: to present an interpretation of the human situation as understood by Jacques Lacan—as informed by such forerunners as Sigmund Freud and Martin Heidegger— and expressed by psychoanalytic method. These same ideas are then examined in light of the writings of St. Paul. From a sensitive study of these two thinkers the author has been able to draw numerous correlations pertinent to contemporary studies within religion and psychology.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Turkle, S.,Psychoanalytic Politics. New York, Basic Books, Inc., 1978.
Paul, 1 Corinthians 15.
Lacan, J, “The Freudian Thing.” InEcrits, A Selection, trans A. Sheridon. New York, W. W. Norton & Co., Inc., 1955, pp. 114–145.
—, (1968) InThe Language of the Self: the Function of Language in Psychoanalysis, trans. Anthony Wilden. New York, Delta Books, 1975.
Lacan, J, “The Mirror-Stage as Formative of the I as Revealed in Psychoanalytic Experience,” 1949,Ecrits, op. cit. A. Selection.
Hartmann, H.,Ego Psychology and the Problem of Adaptation, trans. David Rappaport. New York, International Universities Press, Inc., 1958.
Lacan, J. (1953).Les Ecrits techniques du Freud, Paris, Editions du Seuil, 1975, pp. 87ff. Also,The Language of the Self, op. cit. the Function of Language in Psychoanalysis, trans. Anthony Wilden. New York, Delta Books, 1975., pp. 2–4 and 159 ff.
Kohut, H.,Restoration of the Self, New York, International Universities Press, Inc. 1977.
Lacan,The Language of the Self, op. cit. the Function of Language in Psychoanalysis, trans. Anthony Wilden. New York, Delta Books, 1975., p. 35.
Freud, S. “Beyond the Pleasure Principle, Part 1 (1920)” InThe Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, vol. 18, trans. J. Strachey. London, Hogarth Press, 1957.
Lancan,The Language of the Self, op. cit. the Function of Language in Psychoanalysis, trans. Anthony Wilden. New York, Delta Books, 1975. p. 39.
——Ibid.. p. 45.
Lacan, J.,The Fundamental Concepts of Psychoanalysis, trans. A. Sheridon. New York, W. W. Norton & Co., Inc., 1977.
——Ibid.,. p. 186.
Sheridon, A.,Ecrits, A Selection, translation note. New York, W. W. Norton & Co., Inc., 1977, p. ix ff.
Lacan,The Language of the Self, op. cit. the Function of Language in Psychoanalysis, trans. Anthony Wilden. New York, Delta Books, 1975, pp. 82ff.
Romans 3:2ff.
Romans 5:12ff., 1 Corinthians 15:21ff.
Romans 5:13, 13ff.
Romans 7.
Romans 5:14.
Romans 7, Galatinas 3:19ff.
1 Corinthians 1–11.
Romans 8:8ff., 1 Corinthians 15.
2 Corinthians 1:22, 5:5.
Romans 8:12ff.
1 Corinthians 11ff., 2 Corinthians 5.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
is in the private practice of psychotherapy at the Peachtree-Parkwood Mental Health Center in Atlanta. He is an Episcopal priest. For their thoughtful suggestions and editorial assistance, the author is grateful to: Dr. David M. Moss, The Seabury Institute for Pastoral Psychotherapy, and Jean Levenson, M.Div., Darby Printing Company, Atlanta.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hackett, C.D. Psychoanalysis and theology: Jacques Lacan and Paul. J Relig Health 21, 184–192 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02274178
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02274178