This Jungian Life Podcast
Forging the Upward Thread: Why Do We Create Religions?
May 8, 2025
Explore the intrinsic human drive for meaning through the lens of spirituality and myth. This discussion highlights the psychological impacts of religious imagery and emphasizes the significance of dreams in connecting with the self. From navigating disappointment to evolving desires, the complexities of personal belief and sacred spaces come to life. Delve into the role of poetry and the importance of reviving spiritual connections for healing. Join a journey where nostalgia intertwines with the quest for fulfillment and inner growth.
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Quick takeaways
- Humans possess an inherent religious instinct that propels their quest for meaning and connection to the transcendent across cultures.
- Neglecting spiritual needs can result in psychological distress, highlighting the importance of integrating spirituality for mental well-being.
Deep dives
The Religious Function of the Psyche
Jung proposed that humans possess a religious instinct, comparable in strength to other vital instincts such as hunger and sexuality. This instinct motivates a perennial search for meaning and connection to something greater, which manifests across all cultures and throughout history. Societies create rituals, symbols, and belief systems to address this innate longing for the transcendent, suggesting a universal psychological need to understand and connect with the divine. Jung stated that while humans can't know the true essence of God, they consistently shape images of God that reflect their cultural and individual experiences.
