ABSTRACT
This concluding reflection considers the theoretical development contained in the monograph Lacanian Psychoanalysis and Eastern Orthodox Christian Anthropology in Dialogue. Orthodox Christianity and Lacanian psychoanalysis are both adamant in their principles and hesitant to engage in ecumenism. In part because of this similarity, both fields are able to approach one another with a combination of stalwart perspective and intellectual humility that is often not found in dialogues that range from overincorporative (one field seeking to subsume the other) to dismissive (in dialogues that are illustrations of the narcissism of small differences). The dialogical methodology of this monograph demonstrates that Lacanian psychoanalysis and Eastern Orthodox Christianity can enrich each other’s concept of anthropology without compromising either’s Weltanschauung. If psychoanalysis can avoid dismissing religion out of hand and religion can avoid shrinking from challenging and difficult questions, the two may engage in dialogue that opens new horizons of experience. Suggestions for future explorations are offered.
