Adler, Jung, & Theology

• Adler vs Jung and Evangelical vs. Mainline Theology by D. Kristen Small, 6/13/96
  
  

I do not have the theological background to answer your question directly, but I will offer some general comments.

Are you certain that the choices made for or against Alfred Adler's ideas were based on in-depth readings of his original writings? Many people have been exposed primarily to the works of other authors, who tried to simplify and systematize Adler's ideas, and have embraced or rejected Individual Psychology solely from those sources.

A more substantial view of Adlerian philosophy and theology can be gained from reading Adler's "Religion and Individual Psychology," in SUPERIORITY AND SOCIAL INTEREST, edited by Heinz and Rowena Ansbacher.

Another excellent resource connecting Individual Psychology and theology is Alexander Mueller's YOU SHALL BE A BLESSING. Jim Wolf has provided a fine overviews of Mueller's ideas at http://ourworld.compuserve.com/hstein/homepages/muellera.htm

Adler's writings are characterized by a straight-forward, common sense style and an emphasis of each individual's creative power and the freedom of choice. Jung's elaborate symbolism and emphasis of dark unconscious forces may be more appealing to some theologians.

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