Sigmund Freuds and Carl Jungs Approaches to Religion - Essay Example

(a) Sigmund Freud’s approach to religion was influenced by his psychological beliefs and approach to life. Much of his writings and beliefs about the psychology of human beings were centered on the context of psychoanalysis. He approached religion in a similar manner. One of his central beliefs was the oedipal complex. According to Freud, in the same way that small children have that desire and anxiety to cling to their mother, it is with the same level of passion that human transfer to religion and God. He likens the perception of the earthly father with that of the father in religion. The father god in religion replaces the father on earth who is unable to fulfill certain needs of the child. Religion is an illusion and was created to satisfy a mixture of various feelings created in the human mind such as guilt and submission. He believed that one day man will survive without religion. He likens that to a fully grown adult who become independent and is able to survive without his parents. In the infant stage religion remains a crutch and was needed in a state of neurosis. (b) Carl Jung, on the other hand was more tolerant towards religion. It is interesting to see how he also used psychoanalysis as the base for his religious ideas but his arguments were different from that of Freud. While believing that religion was more mythical than real, he believed that religion was inherently good as it plays an important in the development of man’s personality. He felt that through religion man was better able to know the self and he had access to his inner world. Some scholars believed that Jung equated his theory of psychoanalysis to that of religion. He also felt that symbols and traditions that are commonly used in religious practices contribute not only to the development and understanding of the human psyche but also towards the preservation of civilization. Thus, he believed that religion and god are essential for man’s development because they help to channel certain positive energy. (c) The different approach to religion by both men stemmed from their social location. Freud grew up in a community that was largely Roman Catholic but his family were Jews. He witnessed persecution and hostility of Jews. To him the notion of religion was confusing. This contributed to his negative views of religion. Jung’s father was a minister of religion. He himself was a regular church attendee until when he took communion he became disillusioned because he claimed that nothing significant happened after partaking of it. He, however, was able to relate to the goodness of persons who were religious followers, particularly Christianity. Question 3 (a) Theodicy is the argument that supports the justification of God’s goodness. It attempts to explain the goodness of God in face of the evil that appears sometimes to dominate the world. It plays an important purpose in religious studies. One of the dominant purposes is to prove the existence of God. It provides hope for persons who may not come from a religious God or persons who may be struggling with the idea of the seemingly pervasiveness of evil. It provides an explanation. For example, the coining of the term and the studies that accompany the argument brought about further arguments and debates in religion. After the term was coined in the early eighteenth century by Gottfried Leibniz, a German philosopher he made several publications addressing the issue, many of which are actively used today by scholars of religion. Theodicy also helps with increasing one faith. Knowing that God is always good but there is the allowance that is made for goodness and evil to coexist gives the insurance that human beings are not the ones who are the ultimate controller of the universe. (b) Karma theodicy is the belief that anything that brings a disruption to the flow of the natural cycle will be punished in this life or the next. There is good karma as well as bad karma. One has an option, however, of minimizing or putting an end to the bad karma that results in suffering. This can be done by living a certain lifestyle and making certain religious practices. This type of theodicy is common in the Hindu religion. Eschatological theory is almost the opposite of karma. This theodicy supports the view that pain and suffering now will result in justice and good experiences at the end of this world or in heaven. This is found in Christianity. Many persons such as monks and nuns shun material assets to live in poverty. Participation theodicy links persons with others. It gives the view that no one is alone in suffering and within the scheme of life pain and suffering only plays an insignificant part. Religions that have persons communing together support this theodicy. Dualistic theodicy argues that the evil that exists in the world is propagated by some external superhuman forces. This type of theodicy is found in Zoroastrianism. Question 4 (a) Theological theodicy is the defense of God’s omnipotence throughout the world yet allowing bad things to happen. It is a concern in monotheistic religion because persons wonder about the power of God if certain things such as disasters and other calamities are allowed to happen. The argument looks at the ability of God to impact both good and evil. It is difficult to conceive of a god that allows righteous people to suffer even when they have been obedient to his laws and rules. This is explained in certain religious books and teachings such as the story of Job. He went through extreme hardship but he still kept his faith knowing that God was good all the time. Theological theodicy is also of particular concern because of the belief of how evil entered the world from the beginning of time and it would seem that the Supreme Being paid scant attention to evil and suffering. (b) There are several kinds of theological theodicies. One common one is free will theodicy. This argument states that God will not force persons into obedience and following Him. Humans have a free will to choose between good and evil. An example of this is shown in the Garden of Eden. Both Adam and Eve have a choice but they ignore the goodness and the potential good future and use their own free will in their choices. Another kind of theological theodicy that is common in monotheistic religion such as Christianity is recompense theodicy. Sin and evil entered the world because of original sin. Consequently, the act that was done by the first family leads to every human that came afterwards. They have to pay the price. Soul making theodicy is the belief that God allows humans to purify themselves through the existence of evil. It is similar to that of free will but in this type of theodicy the general objective is for humans to undertake the test and to come out as winners. Many prophets in Christianity have been through some difficult times but persistence lead them to eternal gratification. Question 5 (a) Divine Command Theory of Ethics can be explained as the arguments that hold that an action is good because it comes from God or it is a command from God. It, therefore, holds that whatever act is not commanded by God would be morally incorrect. Some scholars argue on whether God commands or prohibits an act because it is wrong or the inherent goodness causes God to command it. Ethics is connected to obedience and disobedience to the Supreme Being. The Religions that primarily subscribe to the Divine Command of Ethics are Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. (b) There are four sources on which Muslims draw when trying to determine how to live as faithful Muslims. The first source or pillar is based on faith. Every Muslim has a strong belief in the existence of God or Allah. Islam is a monotheistic religion so Allah is the one god that deserves all the praise. The Shahada is the declaration of faith. Muslims also believe in the prophet Muhammad. They believe in other prophets such as Moses and Abraham but Muhammad is the greatest messenger. Daily prayers form an important aspect in the life of a Muslim. Prayers which are obligatory are said five times per day usually starting at daybreak and again at midday, mid afternoon, sunset and nightfall. If a mosque is available the faithful can attend for their daily prayers but Muslims pray anywhere they are once it is the time for prayers. Giving to those in need is another of the four sources that Muslims use to determine their faithfulness. They believe that wealth belongs to no one person. The setting aside of possessions is called zakat. A Muslim should try to be charitable in every facet of life. The month of Ramadan is a very important and interesting one on the Islam calendar. During the month of Ramadan Muslims abstain not only from food and drink but also from intimate relations. This abstinence is observed everyday of the month from dawn to sundown. Persons who are unable to go without food for some time such as the elderly are allowed to follow a more relaxed schedule. (c) Sharia is the law that governs the lives of Muslims. These laws were put together from several sources such as the Quran, sayings and beliefs of Prophet Muhammad and laws formed by Muslim scholars. The laws are held in high regard by Muslims and they have a code of conduct as well as punishment for those who break the law. Followers of Islam view Sharia as a pathway to eternal life. It is, therefore, the responsibility of each person to submit themselves to Allah. Ignoring the Sharia would be ignoring the laws of Muhammad and Allah. Read More