Chapter 3- the position of the west on the
question of religion
The rise of collectivism and tyranny is not
hindered by the rationality and idealism of
the West.
The irrational, emotional appeal and fanaticism
found within communism and authoritarianism
is more enticing.
Jung believes that the ideas cherished in
the aims and spiritual assumptions in the
West are also favoured the same in the East
since Marxist ideology is a product of Western
thought.
He insisted that public creeds allow individuals
to have two conflicting masters; whether to
serve the state or to serve God.
This in turn causes religion or belief to
stand for tradition, conservative and communally
held beliefs since creeds as stated in the
previous chapter are public announcements
of one’s faith.
Jung is sceptical of the so called ‘Unreflecting
belief’ because it is something that can
be easily questioned and can easily depart
when thought of by a critical mind.
He instead believes religions should be interpreted
under a metaphorical or symbolic lens; as
opposed to the literal, or stringently dogmatic.
Jung believes devotion to state or God both
lead to the curtailing of personal freedoms
which could become more complicated if the
state is see as divine (reflected in Civitas
Dei) or the religion has moral absolute power
whence where the ends justify the means.
The West and the East both admire the Rationalistic
Weltanschauung (or outlook) which focuses
on the scientific and materialistic.
All countries, whether in the West or in the
Eastern bloc are vulnerable to favouring collectivism
over personal freedoms, ‘paralysing scepticism’
where one becomes critical of everything,
materialistic desire and nationalistic fervour.
It has been said that the 20th century was
to be the century of the Common man though
in reality it has lead to the devaluing of
man and his dignity; his moral, spiritual
and personal freedoms have become compromised
when his achievements and property are overlooked
for the sake of redistribution of goods and
wealth.
