Jung uses the term “religious function” on a number of occasions in his writings, but never formally defines it. An attempt to clarify what Jung might have had in mind in his use of this term led me into an exploration of his writings about the methodology of analytical psychology, the psychology of religion, and the central roles of archetypes and symbols in psychic life. The focus of this presentation is to provide a deeper understanding of these elements of analytical psychology in hopes of formulating a clearer sense of what constitutes the religious function of the psyche.
Barney Prentice, MD, is a Jungian analyst and Board Certified Neurologist in private practice in Santa Monica. He currently serves as Treasurer at the C.G. Jung Institute of Los Angeles.
Part of the series Basic Jung – Three Essentials: The Religious Function, Alchemy & Synchronicity