Freud and Jung on Religion

Published in 2003, Michael Palmer's Freud and Jung on Religion was developed as a scholarly exploration of how two foundational figures in modern psychology interpreted religious experience. The work emerged from a long-standing academic tradition of mapping the intersection between psychoanalytic theory and theology, seeking to clarify the divergent paths taken by Sigmund Freud, who viewed religion largely as an illusion or neurosis, and Carl Jung, who approached religious phenomena as essential components of the human psyche and the collective unconscious.

Palmer, a respected academic known for his meticulous examinations of psychological thought, designed this text to serve as a comprehensive primer for students and researchers. His approach focuses on the philosophical rigor of both men, contextualizing their arguments within the broader debates of the twentieth century. The book is widely regarded for its clear, objective synthesis, providing a balanced critique of how these two thinkers shaped the modern academic understanding of spirituality and belief systems.