Overview
In this pivotal chapter, Jung examines how the figure of Christ functions as a symbol of the Self in Western psychology. He explores the psychological meaning of Christ as representing the archetype of the God-man, embodying the union of divine and human natures.
Jung analyzes how Christ symbolizes the process of individuation, particularly through the motifs of death and resurrection, which parallel the psychological death of the ego and rebirth into greater wholeness.
Key Themes
The God-Man Archetype: Christ represents the archetypal pattern of the divine incarnating in human form, symbolizing the potential for each individual to realize their divine nature through the process of individuation.
Light and Shadow: Jung examines how the Christ symbol predominantly represents the light side of the Self, raising questions about the integration of darkness and evil in the journey toward wholeness.
Historical Development: The chapter traces how the Christ symbol has evolved through different historical periods, reflecting changing psychological needs and understanding.
Psychological Significance
Jung explores how the Christ symbol serves as a powerful organizing principle in the Western psyche, providing a model for the integration of opposites and the transformation of consciousness.
The chapter examines the psychological implications of Christ's dual nature, his role as mediator between God and humanity, and the significance of his sacrificial death and resurrection as patterns of psychological transformation.