Carl Jung and Maximus the Confessor on Psychic Development : The dynamics between the ‘psychological’ and the ‘spiritual’

In what ways does psychological development differ from spiritual development and psychological experience from spiritual experience?

Bringing together two disparate theories under a trans-disciplinary framework, G. C. Tympas presents a comparison of Carl Jung’s theory of psychic development and Maximus the Confessor’s model of spiritual progress. An ‘evolutional’ relationship between the ‘psychological’ and the ‘spiritual’ is proposed for a dynamic interpretation of spiritual experience.

offers a creative synthesis of elements and directions from both theories and further explores:

- Jung’s views on religion in a dialogue with Maximus’ concepts

- The different directions and goals of Jung’s and Maximus’ models

- Jung’s ‘Answer to Job’ in relation to Maximus’ theory of ‘final restoration’.

Tympas argues that a synthesis of Jung’s and Maximus’ models comprises a broader trans-disciplinary paradigm of development, which can serve as a pluralistic framework for considering the composite psycho-spiritual development.

Constructively combining strands of differing disciplines, this book will appeal to those looking to explore the dialogue between analytical psychology, early Christian theology and Greek philosophy.