ABSTRACT

This chapter examines the work of certain twentieth–century theorists in the field of depth psychology who have concerned themselves most with shame–related issues. Looking at shame from the perspective of different theories of depth psychology gives us a context and a grounding in our humanity for entering into deeper and more authentic relationship with God. The understandings of depth psychology on the subject of shame, in providing us with a perspective that differs from the stock religious perspective, can give us courage to face shame, which cripples us in our longing and pursuit of abundant life. I attempt in this chapter to summarize the work of some psychological theorists who have worked most clearly––although not always explicitly––with shame issues. As we come to ever deeper psychological understandings of the etiology of shame in human beings, we put on the 3-D glasses which bring into relief the significance of the religious stories and symbols that feed us and transform us. The psychological understandings lead us to honor our humanity even as they help connect us to our divinity.