3rd International Conference | November 29 - December 1, 2018
Athens | National Hellenic Research Foundation
Conference Day 3 | Saturday, December 1, 2018
Video of the entire workshop can be found HERE
Read the detailed report about the workshop by Rev. Vasileios Thermos HERE
For decades it seemed that polarization and suspicion were the reality that mutually shaped the relationship between psychoanalysis and Christianity. During our research, we came to realize an increasing interest of contemporary Orthodox Christian thinkers in psychoanalytic theory and its interpretation of human self and cultural values. Factors that facilitated such a proximity have been the new challenges that psychoanalysis faces now from neuroscience and technology, which urge it to become more modest and transactional. On the other side, contemporary Orthodox theology has formulated and put forward a relational spirituality promoting real selves and meaningful bond with others and God. Both developments seem to have brought closer the two domains and made them more susceptible to a creative dialogue. Under this perspective of a mutual convergence the workshop aims at answering questions, such as:
What can religion offer to psychoanalysis? Could religion help psychology and psychoanalysis by its understanding of the nature of persons and faith? Could theology assist psychoanalysis discover its own Christian roots and elements? Could hope and resilience inspired by faith facilitate psychoanalytic healing? What can psychoanalysis offer to religion? Could it offer a path to new approaches of morality that will take under consideration psychological integrity? Could it bring new light to religious experience and deepen the meaning of spirituality and the representation of God? Could help face the distortions of morbid religiosity (magic, fanaticism, fundamentalism, indifference), which are closely related to psychopathology and social dysfunction? Issues of theological anthropology are to be explored, such as the soul and its powers (functions), the distinction between psychological and spiritual development, body-mind problems and the psychosomatic unity of the human person, free will and desire, passions and addictive behaviors, emotional control, the meaning of diseases and health as well as the mystical experience, a reconsideration of sexuality etc. The workshop intends to trace areas of convergence and cooperation.
Scientific Coordinator: Rev. Vasileios Thermos
Organizing Committee: Rev. Vasileios Thermos | Dr Eudoxie Delli | Nikos Livanos
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Program
9:00-11:15 Session 1
Chair: Maria Bouri, Pediatrician, MA Medical Humanities, Dip Palliative Medicine, Νational Primary Health Network, Greece
Evdoxie Delli, Researcher, Center for Philosophical Research, Academy of Athens | Researcher, Project SOW
The interdisciplinary encounter of Orthodox Theology and psychoanalysis as a key aspect of the dialogue between Orthodoxy and sciences
Athanasios Alexandridis, M.D., PhD, Child Psychiatrist, Psychoanalyst
The genealogy of the “religious” into psychic space
Steven-John M. Harris, PhD, Psychologist | Center for Depth Psychology, Inc.
Truth is a Double-Edged Sword: A Brief History of the Dialogue Between Psychoanalysis and Christianity
11:15-11:45 Coffee break
11:45-13:30 Session 2
Chair: Rev. Vasileios Thermos, Assoc. Professor, University Ecclesiastical Academy of Athens | Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Rev. Nikolaos Loudovikos, Professor, University Ecclesiastical Academy of Thessaloniki
Philosophical and Biblical Theology and the Discovery of the Unconscious: Preliminary Remarks
Rev. Stephen Muse, Psychologist | Director of Counselor Training and Clergy-in-Kairos Program of the Pastoral Institute, Columbus, GA
Shame and Overcoming the Mechanisms of Defense in response to sin and trauma: Reflections on psychoanalytic parallels with the Patristic idea of vainglory [kenodoxia], repentance, confession and healing.
13:30-15:00 Lunch Break
15:00-16:45 Session 3
Chair: Rev. Stavros Kofinas, Coordinator of the Network of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for Pastoral Health Care, Psychotherapist
Dimitrios Kyriazis, M.D., PhD, Psychiatrist, Child Psychiatrist, Psychoanalyst HSPP/IFPS
Influences of Christian Thought on Psychoanalytic Theory and Practice
Rev. Vasileios Thermos, Assoc. Professor, University Ecclesiastical Academy of Athens | Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Tracing Judeo-Christian elements in Psychoanalysis: a path for renewing Western Civilization
16:45-17:15 Coffee break
17:15-19:00 Session 4
Chair: Evdoxie Delli, Researcher, Center for Philosophical Research, Academy of Athens | Researcher, Project SOW
Petar Jevremovic, Psychologist-Psychoanalyst | Professor, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade
Modern Psychoanalysis and Orthodox Theology
Konstantinos Emmanouilidis, M.D., PhD, Psychiatrist, Psychoanalyst
Clinical and pastoral similarities and differences between clergy - spirituals and psychiatrists - psychoanalysts
