The Pursuit of the Soul: Psychoanalysis, Soul-making and the Christian Tradition

by Peter Tyler

Overview

One of the most striking features of contemporary psychology is the returban of language of the 'soul' in contemporary discourse. In this original analysis Dr Peter Tyler investigates the origins and use of 'soul-language' in the Christian tradition before turbaning his attention to the evolution and preoccupations of modern psychoanalysis. In his forensic examination he explores the dynamics of psychoanalysis as a 'tool to rediscover the soul' of the 21st century seeker. Central to his book is the perceived clash between analysis and the spiritual tradition. His uncompromising conclusion is that the dialogue of the two in our present time will have far-reaching repercussions for church, society and future human well-being. Read more about his work on http://insoulpursuit.blogspot.co.uk

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780567274427
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	02/25/2016
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Peter Tyler is Professor of Pastoral Theology and Spirituality at St Mary's University, London, UK. He is also a spiritual director and registered psychotherapist in private practice.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Origins of the Soul
Prologue: A Night-Dream
1. What's in a Name?
2. Plato: Our Father in Faith?
3. Jesus Amongst the Platonists: Plotinus and Augustine
4. Plato in the Desert: Origen and Evagrius

Part II: The Returban of the Soul
5. Otto Rank and the Battle for Freud's Soul
6. The Soul-Making of James Hillman: The Returban of the Repressed?

Part III: Whither the Soul?
7. Wittgenstein, Tagore and Merton: The Postmodern Turban
8. Edith Stein and Love of the Soul

Epilogue: The Symbolic Language of the Soul
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

[The Pursuit of the Soul] is densely packed with robust analysis for theologians, psychologists, and pastoral counselors. ... Tyler offers intriguing insight into the interminable debate between science and religion ... [which] ameliorates the divide and leads to constructive dialogue within both disciplines. ... Tyler is an incredibly erudite scholar in theology, philosophy, and psychology. He writes with great panache, delivering a perceptive monograph for theologians, philosophers of mind, and psychologists concerning the prerequisites for understanding each other's disciplines and methods.
Reviews in Religion and Theology

[Here] we have a work of detailed and complex theology that seeks to integrate psychology and spirituality. Not, however, in a coldly intellectual way, but one that portrays a life that is in pursuit itself of his subject matter. ... I can wholeheartedly commend it.
Regent's Reviews

Tyler manages to pack into the volume a great deal of absorbing material and to introduce it, for the most part, in an engaging and accessible way. The book as a whole offers rich food for reflection on one of the most enigmatic and fascinating concepts in Western culture.
The Way

From the Publisher