Why Theory Embracing the Void
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Feb 17, 2025 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.
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Initial Views on Religion
- Freud and Lacan, similar to Freud and Marx, initially shared a common view on religion.
- They saw religion as ideological, a defense mechanism, and a way to worship the father.
Boothby's "Das Ding"
- Rick Boothby posits that "das Ding," the thing, is central to religious belief, representing a void within the neighbor.
- This void, unknowable and indecipherable, is the origin of desire and the foundation of all religions.
Relinking to the Void
- Religion, for Boothby, is a relinking to the unknown, a traumatic void avoided by both religion and science.
- The dominant forms of religion today, such as the fusion with nationalism, act as a band-aid over this void.
