Jung: Psychology and Religion

Jung approaches religion from an empirical point of view this is for him a
scientific matter
Psychology deals with ideas and other mental contents
Religion is a numinosum it is external to the individual: visible object or an
invisible force influences on the individual
Religion is a special state of consciousness: a change or an alteration of
consciousness
the psychologist deals with the original religious experience
the psyche is existent but not in physical form the physical form is an
inference - to see something physical we need to perceive it physical images
transmitted by the senses.
Most people are fear of the unknown the unconsciousness, non-personal forces
dwelling in the unconscious mind. Man in crowd is levelled to a less moral
and intellectual state
In collective unconsciousness man possesses a religious function and it
influences him as powerfully as instincts of sexual desire.
Jung defines religion as 'a peculiar attitude of mind which could be
formulated in accordance with the original use of the
word 'religio', which means a careful consideration and observation of certain
dynamic factors, that are conceived as
'powers': spirits, daemons, gods, laws, ideals, or whatever name man has given
to such factors in his world as he has
found powerful, dangerous, or helpful enough to be taken into careful
consideration, or grand, beautiful, and meaningful
enough to be devoutly worshipped and loved.
The religious function is dynamic forces at work through the ages of human
history