For the past two weeks I have briefly explored Jungian psychology. I will now have a quick look at Jung's impact on the modern world. It has been substantial. His theories and work have shaped many modern schools of thought. Further than this, Jungian theory is assumed by many unsuspecting Christian. It has shaped what we believe about the condition of man and how that condition should be "fixed." Post world war two: The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is one of the most popular personality testing systems in the western world today. It is used extensively across the world for testing personalities for job suitability, marriage counselling etc. The indicator was developed by Katherine Cook Briggs and her daughter Isabel Briggs Myers. The indicator involves 125 (or so) questions with the result of the person being placed within one (of sixteen) types. You are expected to fit between a number of these types. These types are meant to say a great deal about you: “your likes and dislikes, your likely career choices, your compatibility with others…” etc. In fact Isabel Briggs explained that: “Whatever the circumstances of your life, the understanding of type can make your perceptions clearer, your judgments sounder, and your life closer to your heart’s desire.”1

In my last article I commenced a series on the influence of Carl Jung. I believe his influence on the modern western world has been substantial. It has been far reaching and his psyche is certainly an integral part of many modern churches. These articles are seeking to briefly test Jung’s ideas against the Scriptures. I have not aimed to be exhaustive in this analysis. What I am seeking to do is to highlight some of the foundational ideas behind the modern psychology movement. As you are all aware, Sigmund Freud has also had an ongoing influence on the way people view themselves and reality. When all is said and done these men are presenting us with a way to view God, man, life and the problems we encounter in life. They have laid religious foundations to attempt explaining why there is “sin” in the world and how to deal with it. Most modern western men and women form their view of “sin” and the world from some morph of Jungian and Freudian psychology. It is entrenched in our western society. Thus we ought to be keenly aware of what these men have taught. Why? Their theories are used in the broader community, our children will come across their philosophical ideas and we are to know how to deal with the ideas. This is especially so if your children go to Sunday school, school, play groups, preschool facilities and many other places where children are cared for. How a person views God, man and sin is very important, such ideas inform and direct your actions.  This week I will be looking briefly at who Carl Jung was, overview his theory, consider his underlying philosophy and finish up with some Jungian quotes.

Over the coming few weeks I anticipate having a closer look at psychology and its influence upon Christians. Its impact has been enormous. Unfortunately it has flown under the radar of many. We can be enchanted and carried away by false doctrines (2 Peter 2:1-3 ). Therefore, as Christians it is essential to understand all life philosophies – to test every spirit (1 John 4:1 ). We are to analyse viewpoints. This begs the methodology question. How are we to be faithful to God and analyse effectively? What should determine effective analysis, do we turn to science; or biology; or psychology; or must we each determine validity for ourselves? Is there a law above the law by which we can rightly judge all facets of life? These questions should be easily answered by the Christian. We are called to glorify the Triune God in all things. In 1 Corinthians 10:31 Paul instructs that even the mundane activities of life (e.g. eating and drinking) can and must be done to the glory of God. If this is the case for the mundane activities how much more the weighty matters.