The Neurotic Religiosity: Genesis, Presenting Features, and Management Prospects within the Eastern Orthodox Milieu

Abstract

The neurotic religiosity is a complex issue combined by religious faith and a range of human neurotic dissociations. Though widespread a phenomenon, it has not been enough addressed within the framework of Eastern Orthodox pastoral theology and religious anthropology. The author offers an analysis of origins and development of neurotic religiosity as well as its characteristic manifestations in a form that is meant to facilitate further theological study of the issue. Also, the author shares his vision of addressing the issue theologically and observes key points that might be considered by the clergy who provide pastoral ministry to persons with neurotic religiosity. The method applied by the author is based on using classical sources, including S. Freud, K. Jung, K. Horney, and S. Pfeifer, within a milieu shaped by some modern Eastern Orthodox researchers as A. Lorgus, J. Kornarakis, M. Filonik, and N. Skuratovskaya.