Monday, July 26, 2010

Sin and Neurosis

Spero's paper on sin and neurosis is uncomfortable as to where this is heading ( Spero, 1982). Fear of sin is understandable in the context of obsessions and anxiety as neurosis. The concept of sin, internal locus of control and guilt is possibly not Freud's plan although Melanie Klein certainly talked about the guilt of splitting and hate appeased by reparation. It is a retrograde step blaming the victim I feel. Is this Freud's main concern about religion? Certainly as ethic or moral duty and the contest between id and super-ego one can see sin as cause of neurosis.
Reference
Spero, M.H. (1982) Sin and Neurosis in Reuven P. Bulka & Moshe HaLevi Spero Eds AS Psychology-Judaism Reader Springfield Illinois: Charles C.Thomas Publishers.