Description

In The Absolute Power Complex from Constantine to Stalin, Mino Vianello combines the history of Europe and of the ancient and modern Christian churches to argue that the social, political and cultural mentality of Catholic and Orthodox countries can be explored in terms of Jung’s concept of the Collective Unconscious.

Vianello advances a new hermeneutical paradigm in the analysis of political differences between Western countries. He begins by maintaining that the traumatic theological-political events of the fourth century, in the context of the decadence of the Roman Empire, are essential in the formation of the Collective Unconscious of Catholic and Orthodox countries in Europe. He demonstrates the inception and effects of the Absolute Power Complex by linking the theological-political construction of the Church after Constantine to modern traits and later dictatorships, which distinguishes these countries from those Christianized by Arius’ followers. Vianello also traces the succession of philosophical and theological doctrines which have shaken Christianity, leading to a combination of politics and theology based upon Greek and Roman thought and unknown to early Christians and the Evangelical Message, that has decisively structured the instinctive attitude towards power in Europe. This is the first time that Jung’s concept of the Collective Unconscious has been historically explored in terms of social consequences in such an innovative and interdisciplinary way.

Although Vianello explores historical themes, this book will be a fascinating resource for analytical psychologists and other professionals informed by Jung’s ideas. It will also appeal to academics and students of Jungian and post-Jungian studies, history, the history of ideas, political theory, sociology, hermeneutics, cultural studies and other professionals interested in contemporary events.

Author: Vianello, Mino

Topic: Psychology
Media: Book
ISBN: 1138598291
Language: English
Pages: 86