Skip to main content
Taylor & Francis Group Logo
Advanced Search

Click here to search books using title name,author name and keywords.

  • Login
  • Hi, User  
    • Your Account
    • Logout
Advanced Search

Click here to search books using title name,author name and keywords.

Breadcrumbs Section. Click here to navigate to respective pages.

Chapter

Evaluating spiritual and mystical experiences: from identification to possession—myths of the hero/saviour and of the Devil

Chapter

Evaluating spiritual and mystical experiences: from identification to possession—myths of the hero/saviour and of the Devil

DOI link for Evaluating spiritual and mystical experiences: from identification to possession—myths of the hero/saviour and of the Devil

Evaluating spiritual and mystical experiences: from identification to possession—myths of the hero/saviour and of the Devil book

Evaluating spiritual and mystical experiences: from identification to possession—myths of the hero/saviour and of the Devil

DOI link for Evaluating spiritual and mystical experiences: from identification to possession—myths of the hero/saviour and of the Devil

Evaluating spiritual and mystical experiences: from identification to possession—myths of the hero/saviour and of the Devil book

ByMargaret Clark
BookUnderstanding Religion and Spirituality in Clinical Practice

Click here to navigate to parent product.

Edition 1st Edition
First Published 2012
Imprint Routledge
Pages 13
eBook ISBN 9780429484551

ABSTRACT

Sometimes people identify their ego with one aspect of their personality. In some cases, this can lead to a trance-like state of contemplation. Malcolm’s breakdown illustrates the distinction Bion makes between a healthy mystical episode and a more psychotic one. In psychosis, Bion says, the meaning of certain actions and events becomes “a private communication made by God. The far end of the continuum of identification with the saviour complex is often seen in Christian culture as an identification with Jesus. Malcolm became possessed by his saviour complex, and was having psychotic delusions that it was up to him to defeat the Devil and save the world. In our patients, such pathology is likely to manifest in an overwhelming need to control their situations and other people in their lives. The myth of the hero is very attractive, very useful, and very dangerous. It can lead us to ambitions, hopes, and challenges, for ourselves and in altruism also for others.

T&F logoTaylor & Francis Group logo
  • Policies
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Cookie Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Cookie Policy
  • Journals
    • Taylor & Francis Online
    • CogentOA
    • Taylor & Francis Online
    • CogentOA
  • Corporate
    • Taylor & Francis Group
    • Taylor & Francis Group
    • Taylor & Francis Group
    • Taylor & Francis Group
  • Help & Contact
    • Students/Researchers
    • Librarians/Institutions
    • Students/Researchers
    • Librarians/Institutions
  • Connect with us

Connect with us

Registered in England & Wales No. 3099067
5 Howick Place | London | SW1P 1WG © 2021 Informa UK Limited