Abstract
It is often claimed that the use of depth psychology in the interpretation of ancient texts is irrelevant and methodologically unsound. Several typical Jungian archetypes, such as the shadow, the primordial mother, and the hero, were identified, interpreted and commented on from a post-Jungian perspective. The apocryphal Book of Baruch has typically been studied as a prime example of penitential prayer in the late Second Temple Period. In this study, the book was approached from the perspective of post-Jungian literary criticism. While Jungian literary criticism has become unfashionable as a result of Jung’s anti-feminist and anti-Semitic ideas, the usefulness of his theory to criticise itself was demonstrated. Although Jung’s work is haunted by racism, anti-feminism, and antisemitism, his work may still be useful for literary criticism from a psychological perspective.Contribution: The article demonstrated the value of the depth psychological approach to the interpretation of biblical material.
Highlights
It is often claimed that the use of depth psychology in the interpretation of ancient texts is irrelevant and methodologically unsound (Kenaan 2019:5)
It needs to be noted that the Book contains repeated references to personal responsibility, which may be read as a metaphor for the encounter with the personal shadow, which initiates the process of individuation: Pray for us unto the Lord our God, for we have sinned against him; and until today his anger has not been turned away from us ... 17: For we have sinned before the Lord 18: and disobeyed him
Jung’s work is haunted by racism, antifeminism, and anti-Semitism, his work may still be useful for literary criticism from a psychological perspective
Summary
It is often claimed that the use of depth psychology in the interpretation of ancient texts is irrelevant and methodologically unsound (Kenaan 2019:5). In the ensuing part of the study, the usefulness of such a post-Jungian reading of the Book of Baruch in the spirit of poststructuralism will be considered in relation to several prominent archetypes and their relation to the process of individuation as described by Jung.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
