The Prophet as Intellectual and Vice Versa

A Psychoanalytical Interpretation of the Phenomenon of Prophecy

Bibliographic Data

ID12911366
AuthorsMoritz Ernst Maria Bilagher (0000-0001-9368-4517, GGZ inGeest, corresponding author)
Year2010
Volume3
Issue1
Pages63-83
Publication date2010-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueTime and Mind (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1751-696X • E-ISSN: 1751-6978
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.2752/175169710x12549020810498
OpenAlexW2086708642
LanguageEN
References cited15

This article aims to give the phenomenon of prophecy a rational-conceptual foundation which can help further its understanding in historic, present, and future societies. This will be achieved, mainly, by reinterpreting it via some concepts of psychoanalysis as developed by Freud and Jung. It is argued that prophecy equates to the ability of persons to connect with the unconscious layers of their psyche, at the bottom of which is Absolute Mind or God. This realm, similar to the philosophers' realm of abstraction, is characterized by timelessness, or eternity, and is contrasted with the time-bound nature of consciousness. Prophecy itself is defined as the application of principles from timeless reality in the immanent world, rather than as the ability of divination. Thus, the role of the historical prophet is similar to that of the modern public intellectual. To illustrate this, a multidisciplinary approach will be applied, applying perspectives from philosophy, theology, and, to a smaller extent, cultural anthropology

Absolute (philosophy · Consciousness · Divination · Epistemology · Eternity · Interpretation (philosophy · Phenomenon · Psyche · Realm · Revelation · Theology · Unconscious mind · Biblical Studies and Interpretation · Families in Therapy and Culture · History · Medieval and Classical Philosophy · Philosophy

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