Archetypes

I don't believe in Jung's archetypes. His conception of it, I think, is actually demonic. But I do believe in literary archetypes, which are present everywhere, and even in the Bible. But what is the basis of literary archetypes? I have never seen a discussion on the basis. I am beginning to believe that literary archetypes actually are based on Platonic idealism, and they are effective in literature as a psychological/spiritual force, because that idealism rests deep in the sub-conscious mind, as a sub-conscious or spiritual perception. If so, then Platonic idealism is a psychological/spiritual dynamic constantly interacting with our thinking, beliefs, emotions, identity, and all aspects of our character, and to recognize this dynamic gives a person greater understanding of many aspects of life.

Chesterton said:

I don't think they're based on Platonic idealism, but on general human idealism. Are you familiar with Jonathan Pageau? If not, I'd recommend him as a contemporary expert on this kind of stuff.

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This is an interesting video, in that it views the concept of archetypes in the context of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, and of course, this church would have to have a unique perspective. I can see why an Orthodox person would be more willing to discuss the concept. By my experience, it is almost impossible to have a discussion on archetypes with evangelical Christians. Most don't know what it is, and even those trained in psychology don't want to discuss it, as there are so many misconceptions. But I thought I might try a Christian forum and see what happens.

Jung was used by Satan. With archetypes he was giving the world an explanation on why God was not real. And his treatment of archetypes delved into the demonic realm -- or so this is my opinion, and no one has to agree with me, of course. But Jung made the world realize that understanding the concept of archetypes at a sub-conscious level had to be dealt with to truly know human behavior and abnormal behavior, and at the same time he made that endeavor nearly impossible, by creating so much confusion about archetypes.

Andy Warhol was raised in the Greek Orthodox Church. He would stare at the icons on the ceiling every Sunday. He wondered what Marilyn Monroe would look like if she was on the ceiling or a can of Campbell's tomato soup. But he was not Christian as an adult. But he enhanced the focus of archetypes in life.

I have wondered about the meaning of archetypes for many, many years, but no one would discuss it with me, if someone knew what they were. And I have wondered about the psychology of Platonic idealism for many, many years, feeling its significance went beyond philosophy. Then, I was thinking about how to help someone with a sense of desperation and anxiety, and I realized I couldn't unless I went into the sub-conscious realm of archetypes to find that person's view of life. And I have used my own understanding of archetypes to overcome sin. So I am touching on a very relevant topic, but one that is so difficult, because it is sub-conscious. But at times I find that understanding complex forms of grammar is very difficult, as the logic lies in the sub-conscience.

Chesterton said:

Hate to nitpick, but Warhol was Byzantine Catholic, not Greek Orthodox.

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I don't think that even his family thought the distinction was significant, at least not in my discussions with his nephew, who I believe was educated at a Greek Orthodox seminary.

Chesterton said:

You may be right, but we Orthodox are known for thinking distinctions are significant. Anyway, I recall listening to an interview with either his nephew or his brother (don't remember which) where it was said Andy would often take his mother to church on Sundays, even while living his debauched lifestyle in New York. So, not a totally bad guy.

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Indeed, he is a very interesting person. Or was.