Jacob Boehme and the Spiritual Roots of Psychotherapy : Dreams, Ecstasy, and Wisdom / Glenn J. McCullough.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

McCullough, Glenn J., author.

Series:

Studies in theology and religion ; Volume 35.

Studies in Theology and Religion Series ; Volume 35

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Böhme, Jakob, 1575-1624.

Böhme, Jakob.

Psychotherapy--History.

Psychotherapy.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (328 pages)

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Leiden, The Netherlands : Koninklijke Brill BV, [2025]

Summary:

Scholars have traced the origins of psychotherapy to the 19th century Romantic milieu, but McCullough argues that these origins lie much further back, in the 17th century mystical theology of Jacob Boehme, who anticipates the psychodynamic theories of both Freud and Jung on all major points.

Contents:

Front Cover

Half Title

Series Information

Title Page

Copyright Page

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Figures and Tables

Abbreviations

Hymn to Wisdom

1 Introduction: Modernity and the Borderland of Dreams

1.1 The Larger Context: Dreams and Modern Hubris

1.2 Theorists, Themes, and Thesis

1.3 Review of Literature

1.4 Methodology and Primary Texts

1.5 Chapter Summary

2 Augustine and the Framework of Theological Psychology

2.1 Augustine as Psychotherapist

2.2 Map of the Soul: Trinitarian Psychology

2.2.1 Will/Love: the Force of Desire

2.2.2 Memory: the Infinite Inner World

2.2.3 Understanding: the Range of Perception

2.3 Dream Theory: Jacob's Ladder to Heaven

2.3.1 Everyday Ecstasy

2.3.2 Threefold Vision and the Imaginal Realm

2.3.3 Discernment and Demonic Deception

2.3.4 Dreams and Paradise

2.4 Dream Interpretation: Wisdom and Archetypes

2.4.1 Wisdom Created and Uncreated

2.4.2 Wisdom and the Soul

2.4.3 Wisdom and Creation

2.5 Conclusion: Therapeutic Implications

3 Jacob Boehme and the Imaginal Rebirth of Theological Psychology

3.1 Imaginal Rebirth

3.2 Boehme's Imaginal Realm in Historical Context

3.3 Boehme as Magus

3.4 Boehme as Mystic

3.5 Boehme as Lutheran Integrationist

4 Boehme as Psychotherapist

4.1 Method: Psychology and Theology

4.2 Ontology: Three Levels

4.3 Approach: Psycho-Mythical Theology

5 Boehme's Map of the Soul: the Birth of the Unconscious Mind

5.1 The Soul-Body Nexus in the Micro- and Macrocosm

5.2 Abyss: the Eternal Dark Fire of Inner Desire

5.3 Wisdom: the Eternal Holy Light of Inner Understanding ("Verstand")

5.4 Knowledge: the Temporal Realm of Outer Reason ("Vernunft")

5.5 Interactions and Transformations: the Twofold and Threefold Soul.

6 Boehme's Theory of Dreams: Building the Body of Light

6.1 Ecstasy, Magia, and Dream Deception

6.2 Becoming Joseph: Dreaming the New Human

6.3 Dreaming from Darkness to Light

6.4 The Great Code of Dream Interpretation

7 Boehme's Theory of Dream Interpretation: Seven Steps to Heaven

7.1 Day One: Darkness, Light, and Primordial Life-Energy

7.2 Day Two: Time, Eternity, and the Oceanic Feeling

7.3 Day Three: Dry Land, Vegetation, and the Terra Firma of "I-ness"

7.4 Day Four: Heavenly Bodies, Astral Reason, the Hidden Dark Mind, and the Transforming Centre

7.5 Day Five: Elemental Creatures, Expanding Awareness, and the Harmonious Soul

7.6 Day Six: the Microcosm, or Humanity in Full

7.7 Day Seven: Sabbath, Shalom, and Silence

8 Freud, Jung, and the Psychodynamic Rebirth of Dreams

8.1 Freud's Map of the Soul: Raising Hell

8.2 Jung's Map of the Soul: Collision of Opposites

8.3 Freud's Theory of Dreams: Word and Image

8.4 Jung's Theory of Dreams: Opening the Inner World

8.5 Freud's Dream Hermeneutic and the Psychosexual Stages of Development

8.6 Jung's Dream Hermeneutic and Individuation

9 Conclusion

9.1 The Question of Direct or Indirect Influence

9.2 Implications for Scholars and Therapists

9.2.1 Spiritual and Pastoral Counselling

9.2.2 Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy

9.2.3 Scholarship on the Religious Roots of Modernity

9.3 Conclusion

Bibliography

Index of Subjects and Names

Back Cover.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9789004680296

9004680292