by-Robin-Sones
Jung’s definition of God:
“all things which cross my willful path violently and recklessly, all things which upset my subjective views, plans, and intentions and change the course of my life for better or worse.”
There are so many assumptions when the word God is tossed around. It is difficult to even say or read the word God without some image or feeling popping into mind.
God, A useful definition
This definition clearly points out, that which is not in my control, and it clearly points out that God isn’t always on the side of my “intentions”.
To over simplify, God is everything that happens to me which is out of my control, from inside impulses, to impulsive people outside myself. God is not personal. Therefore, change itself is where we find a relationship with God, or not.
This definition of God also defines a “my” or me, which has “views and plans”. And a me that rolls with this disruptive God or resists God as it “crosses my willful path”.
We all have examples where disappointment or an unexpected change of circumstance has forced us to see ourselves and the world in a different way, “for better or worse”.
It is easy to see how projections of God have not worked well in the general population. Many religious interpretations of God only justify “my subjective views”. We see how religions can unconsciously justify war, exploitation of the earth, and child abuse.
Religions may point to a better way of life as we face the unknown but commonly get lost in good vs. bad, right vs. wrong at some point along the way.
Just to say “everything happens for a reason” or it’s just your “kharma” gives a little relief in the moment but it can be a bit narrow. The question is very personal; What am I going to do with this change and what is this change doing with me?
Change is a place where personal and impersonal come together and “I” am faced with a challenge to chose a way given all the facts, feelings and intuitions.
The insight from disappointment gives purpose and meaning to suffering that reaps wisdom and empathy for ourselves and others.
Commonly we can stand on a mountain top, be in the presence of a baby, or exclaim “Oh my God” as we experience something exceptional. “Oh my God” is applied to an ecstatic feeling or a tragic event, “for better or worse”
“Religion is a defense against the experience of God.” C.G. Jung
