1. Psychology of Religion

2. Freudian Psychology Terms Collective neurosis – a neurotic illness that affects everyone Personal unconscious – contains the forgotten memories of the individual Repression – unwanted or taboo thoughts, desires + fears that get banished into the unconscious Illusion – a belief that isn’t necessarily false but that is based on fulfilment and is derived from human wishes Psyche – technical term for the mind, including the conscious and unconscious

3. Freud’s Theory of Religion Called religion an illusion and a collective neurosis to help us overcome inner psychological (sexual) trauma Historical explanation : a father of a primal horde, sons envy his access to the tribe’s women, so they kill him. Religion came from the guilt they felt. Called religion a “reversion to childish patterns of thought in response to feeling helpless and guilty. It’s a need for security and forgiveness”

4. Religion and the Oedipus Complex Religion and the Oedipus Complex Libido is the body’s most basic urge for satisfaction As a baby it stems in the mouth resulting in a desire to suckle As you grow, the libido moves to the sexual organs The Oedipus Complex: the baby got their mothers sole attention but as they grow they get less of this attention. Their father becomes a rival for their mothers attention leading to jealousy, respect, hatred = desire to kill father. Freud says religion is a symptom of this repressed trauma.

5. Stage 1: Animism Belief that animals, rocks etc. have life Freud says the mind transfers the ambivalence to an idol or totem. The totem (often an animal – eg. Wolf Man case study) becomes a transformation of the father, the feelings of guilt are redirected onto it. Historical: Darwain’s primal horde said it was forbidden from killing the “totem” (usually animal) but have rituals of sacrificing it.

6. Stage 2: Development into Religion The totem becomes unsatisfactory – longing for the father grew along with his reputation. Totem transforms into a God of religions- they bring the same ambivalence as the original father figure. EG: the Christian God is occasionally killed and eaten in the communal feast – directly linking to the ritual killing of the totem.

7. Conflict between natures and civilisation Nature of our society conflicts our basic desires Is thing like the Oedipus Complex were acted out society would not be able to operate – it depends on structure and order. Religion provides a reason to follow authority, it promises reward for suffering and explains it is because we need to obey an omnipotent God.

8. …to help us overcome natural forces Death is a natural force Creates panic and helplessness at our lack of control Religion creates the belief that natural forces can be controlled, we are not powerless. God is the ultimate father figure and will protect you throughout the world.

9. Freud’s Conclusion No logical proof against religion His argument holds no proof – God could exist objectively Without evidence for religion we are justified in concluding it is false Rejects all things religious Religion has preformed “great services” but doesn’t stop people rebelling or abusing it to justify their own social immoralities It has been used as a tool to keep the oppressed oppressed. Should be overthrown by science

10. Freud’s Alternatives - Science Replacing religion with a rational scientific understanding of the world This would make people more willing to obey demands by civilisation – they would see it more for their personal good.

11. Criticisms of Freud 1. No anthropological evidence: for the primal horde (totems, generational guilt) 2. Malinowski: trobriand race have no evidence for Oedipus complex but have religion, so it must have originated from somewhere else Thinks the oedipus complex is caused by the strict rules in religion, animal world could not create the complex, and there is no universal father figure.

12. More Criticisms 3. A narrow selection of evidence: he only looks at father figures in Christianity and Judaism- not universal. He only looked at societies he was familiar with Nietzsche’s perspective: he had his conclusion before his research – evidence moulded to fit 4. Negative view of religion: Donald Winnicott – religion is a buffer between mine and reality. Allows humans to adapt to environment, the value and role of religion are similar to art and music. Anna-Maria – religion is no more of an illusion than science- Freud assumes science to be the truth Rizzulo – Freud hasn’t removed the illusion but replaced religion with the illusion

13. “Freud’s understanding of religion presents a convincing challenge to religious faith” Discuss. (15 marks) ConvincingUnconvincing Religion has proven to be a comfort in times of grief and death Primal Horde support Wolfman study No objective proof for God Not necessarily proof for God No anthropological evidence Tribriand race? Broad conclusion on small sample size Nietzsche’s perspective If it was found, Freud would be undermined