Dive into a captivating exploration of psychoanalytic theory and religion, merging humor with deep philosophical reflections. Discover how Freud's and Lacan's views on faith intersect with the unknown, and learn about the emotional complexities tied to religious beliefs. The discussion also highlights Tarkovsky's 'Stalker' as a lens for understanding desire and the spiritual void. Expect insights on the contrasting interpretations of God in Christianity and Judaism, paired with thoughts on trauma, morality, and the personal dimensions of belief.
The podcast discusses Rick Boothby's 'Embracing the Void', highlighting its challenge to Freud's and Lacan's interpretations of religion.
Boothby introduces the idea that religious beliefs arise from an encounter with the void inherent in human relationships.
The conversation connects Boothby's theories to Tarkovsky's film 'Stalker', illustrating the confrontation with the unknowable in human desire.
Deep dives
The Significance of 'Embracing the Void'
The discussion centers around the book 'Embracing the Void' by Rick Boothby, which emphasizes the interplay between psychoanalysis and religious belief. The title change from 'Is Nothing Sacred?' reflects the challenges faced in academia, particularly regarding marketing and preference over authentic expressions of thought. The hosts express a keen interest in the themes of the book, which they believe necessitate a deeper exploration rather than a broader discussion on psychoanalysis and religion. They aim to encourage listeners to read Boothby’s work to uncover the profound insights related to religious impulse and the void.
Divergent Views on Religion
Freud and Lacan present distinct views on religion, characterizing it as a mass delusion or ideological defense mechanism, respectively. For Freud, religion serves as an Oedipal defense, while Lacan interprets it through the lens of 'Das Ding,' or the Thing, that signifies an unknowable presence. Boothby engages with these psychoanalytic concepts to propose a new understanding of religion predicated on the idea of an original void in human relationships. This offers a radical shift in viewing religion not merely as a tool for oppression but as an exploration of openness to the unknown.
The Concept of 'Das Ding'
Boothby introduces 'Das Ding' as a central concept underpinning desire and religious belief, rooted in the idea that this void is inherent in every individual. He expands on Lacan's idea to assert that this void is crucial for understanding desire's origins, suggesting that religious beliefs stem from confronting an ineffable absence in others and, by extension, in God. This perspective diverges from mainstream thought, which often characterizes religion solely as ideological manipulation. Instead, Boothby argues that the first impulse of religion involves engaging with the unknown rather than a mere escape from reality.
Christianity and Authoritarianism
Boothby's examination of Christianity highlights its potential for both radical acceptance of the void and, paradoxically, the emergence of authoritarian ideologies. The idea of loving one’s neighbor and enemy is seen as a direct confrontation with the void that can lead to a radical political and ethical stance. The hosts discuss the implications of these beliefs, suggesting that the failure to engage with this void can lead to the manipulative interpretations of religious ideology. This analysis underscores the connection between religious beliefs and their potential to promote both liberation and oppression in society.
Reflection through Cultural Narratives
The conversation draws parallels between Boothby's concepts and cultural narratives, particularly in the realm of film and literature. Notably, the film 'Stalker' by Andre Tarkovsky serves as an example of confronting the void and exploring human desire in a profound way. The hosts emphasize that this film reflects the struggle with unknowability and the existential dilemmas faced by individuals, resonating with Boothby’s ideas. By examining these themes through various cultural lenses, a richer understanding of the implications of religious thought and the human condition is achieved.
On this episode, Ryan and Todd discuss Rick Boothby's terrific recent book, Embracing the Void: Rethinking the Origin of the Sacred. First they discuss how the book begins its argument by intervening in the gap between Freud's and Lacan's notion of religion (in both its social and psychical import). They then move to highlight Rick's original theorizing that links das ding to an encounter with the unknowability and indecipherability of the other. Finally, they conclude by discussing the relationship that Andrei Tarkovsky's Stalker has to an extension of Rick's argument.
