Between Spirit and Synapse: Reconciling Christian Theology and Neuroscience in Schizophrenia and Demon Possession

Beginning with the premise that theory should illuminate stories rather than stories illustrating theory, this article offers an extensive clinical story as the centerpiece of an exploration of the Christological nature of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Relying on the listening stances provided by Klein, Fairbairn, Bion, Grotstein, and early Christian theologians among others, this article explores original sin, fallen creation, demonic possession, lost innocence, and trauma as sources of mental anguish. Portraying God as the “Background Presence” and defining therapy as a Christological defense of God, the author argues that the lens of Christology deepens the psychotherapy endeavor and that transference (re)presents the “hypostatic union” of Christ as well as mirrors the relationship between the Background Presence and those seeking psychotherapeutic forgiveness and exorcism.

Knowing Demons, Knowing Spirits in the Early Modern Period