ABSTRACT
Chapter 4, ‘The search for deep truth through symbolisation’, is concerned with the search for an increased awareness of the ‘deep truth’ about the self. It explores the development of the capacity to ‘symbolise’ which is crucial in this search. It introduces Kristeva’s understanding of very early infantile development and her view that, in order to promote growth, culture (religious or secular) must provide opportunities to ‘symbolise’ disturbing unconscious contents arising from pre-verbal experiences. Her emphasis on the need for a dialogue between the realm of words and symbols, and that of emotion and physical sensation, is important for the study of how religion might fulfil this function.
