Religion as a neurosis Flashcards
What can the behaviour of those who suffer from obsessional neurosis be compared to?
They exhibit similar patterns of behaviour to religious people. e.g. - feeling uneasy if they neglect their repeated actions
What did Freud believe repeated actions actually were?
An unconscious protective measure against temptation to give way to instinctual impulses.
What is obsessional neurosis caused by?
Unconscious motives derived from past events intimate life. Repressed instinct impulses such as sexual urge.
What may the impulses of a religious person be?
A self-seeking
What can religious be considered as to Freud?
A collective neurosis, as it affects all people
What does Freud believe about the unconscious mind?
It is universal and therefore everyone’s works in the same two ways
Repressed feelings
Freud believes the unconscious mind holds repressed feelings. Traumatic events or inappropriate sexual feelings
Powerful desires
Unconscious mind holds powerful innate desires that are hidden but always there.
Why do we get these repressed feelings?
As humans we cannot face inappropriate sexual desires because they are overwhelming, therefore they are repressed into unconscious mind
What does Freud believe the individual needs to do to achieve maturity?
The individual needs to come to terms with the unconscious mind
What was a sign to Freud that an individual had not come to terms with their unconscious mind?
They had religious belief
How did Freud view religious belief as a sign of weakness?
Because it showed a lack of mental maturity
What does Freud a neurotic person’s anxiety and fear stems from?
If they are prevented from performing their neurotic OCD activity
When does the religious person feel beset by guilt, fear and anxiety?
When they feel like God would not approve when they do not perform their religious rituals.
What does Freud believe is the aim of life?
To become adjusted to the scientific world view and leave all neurotic religious beliefs behind.
