Paul Tillich and Carl Jung: A Dialogue Between Theology and Psychology

Abstract

<p>This thesis explores the relationship between theology and psychology through a reflection on the thought of Paul Tillich and Carl lung. Tillich' s formal theological method -- the method of correlation -- provides a framework for understanding the relationship between these disciplines and serves as the basic structure of this thesis. According to the method of correlation, the relationship between psychology and theology is correlative; they speak to each other as question and answer. Consequently, I attempt to determine the degree to which lung's psychological analysis of the human condition and the questions implied in this analysis can be correlated with Tillich's theological answers. This exercise begins with an examination of the method of correlation in which I argue that correlation is not, for Tillich, a simple pairing of psychological questions and theological answers, but an exercise which involves a critical examination of the questions. Such an examination serves to draw them into the "theological circle." According to lung, the questions implied in the human condition are questions about alienated existence. In a critical examination of this position, I argue that the symptoms of alienation identified by lung actually point to a more serious condition than he acknowledges -- a condition which not only involves alienation from our own being, but also alienation from the being of God. This draws lung's position into the theological circle. Tillich's theological answer to this condition of complete alienation is the New Being in Jesus as the Christ. Although lung offers a potent criticism of the symbol of Christ as an answer to the human condition, Tillich's position is capable of responding to this criticism and therefore stands as a powerful response to the questions implied in lung's analysis.</p>