The Prophet as Intellectual and Vice Versa: A Psychoanalytical Interpretation of the Phenomenon of Prophecy

Abstract

This article aims to give the phenomenon of prophecy a rational-conceptual foundation which can help further its understanding in historic, present, and future societies. This will be achieved, mainly, by reinterpreting it via some concepts of psychoanalysis as developed by Freud and Jung. It is argued that prophecy equates to the ability of persons to connect with the unconscious layers of their psyche, at the bottom of which is Absolute Mind or God. This realm, similar to the philosophers' realm of abstraction, is characterized by timelessness, or eternity, and is contrasted with the time-bound nature of consciousness. Prophecy itself is defined as the application of principles from timeless reality in the immanent world, rather than as the ability of divination. Thus, the role of the historical prophet is similar to that of the modern public intellectual. To illustrate this, a multidisciplinary approach will be applied, applying perspectives from philosophy, theology, and, to a smaller extent, cultural anthropology.