The God-Image and the Self: From Antiquity to Jung

This lecture series will contrast Jung’s notion of the Self, which he refers to as the God within, with traditional theistic approaches to the divine.

Dr. Corbett will illustrate the range of ways in which the Self may appear within the psyche. We will look at the ways in which Jung’s approach avoids the philosophical problems associated with the idea of God found in the Judeo-Christian tradition and allows for the development of a personal spirituality rather than one based on doctrine and dogma.

Dr. Corbett will contrast Jung's approach to the Self with the Atman of the Upanishadic tradition. We will consider Jung’s notion of the dark side of the Self – as illustrated in his Answer to Job – and the arguments with theologians this book produced.

Throughout the course, participants will be encouraged to share their personal experiences of the Self.

“Jung’s approach gives us a personal connection that does not require a Bible or a religious hierarchy. It frees us from being told what to believe, and it frees us from notions such as the idea that we are intrinsically sinful creatures. We no longer have to believe that some people are specially chosen or saved . . . We don’t need the tribalism and hostility that religions have fostered. We don’t need to be bound to the belief systems that began in the Bronze Age or in the early 4th century. We have a different consciousness than those people; we need a [different] spirituality.”*

– Lionel Corbett

Sundays Feb 12, 19, 26
& Mar 12, 19, 26, 2023

12-2pm Pacific
/ 3-5 pm Eastern

+ Video recording of all sessions
will be available

•

• All pricing in US dollars.

with acclaimed author
and Jungian Analyst
dr. lionel corbett

Dr. Lionel Corbett trained in medicine and psychiatry in England and as a Jungian Analyst at the C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago. Dr. Corbett is a professor of depth psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, California, where he teaches depth psychology.

He is the author of numerous professional papers and six books: Psyche and the Sacred; The Religious Function of the Psyche; The Sacred Cauldron: Psychotherapy as a spiritual practice; The Soul in Anguish: Psychotherapeutic Approaches to Suffering, and Understanding Evil: A Guide for Psychotherapists and his latest: The God-image: From Antiquity to Jung.

He is the co-editor of four volumes of collected papers: Psyche’s Stories; Depth Psychology, Meditations in the Field; Psychology at the Threshold;  Jung and Aging.