Psychoanalysis deals with the study and in-depth knowledge of functioning of the mind at unconscious and conscious level. Psychoanalysis specifically implies using analytical method to study mind and the behavior. It involves grasping the inner feelings of a person for example, emotions, dreams, thoughts etc. Illnesses may result when an imbalance develops between consciousness and unconsciousness. Unhappiness in humans has underlying factors that may attribute to unconsciousness. These factors may affect relationship, patterns, behavior and emotions, dealings with other people, marriage, work and love. A psychoanalyst helps individuals face realities of life.
Fromm’s book, psychoanalysis and religion, revolves around the theme of describing religion either as “humanistic” or “authoritarian”. Though, Fromm firmly adheres to the viewpoint of religion as a humanistic, while he regards authoritarian as a blow to man’s power, he was unable to prove and justify his point with evidences and case studies to be acceptable.
Fromm’s viewpoint sticks to the fact that psychoanalysis is not an opponent of religion in any case and also not a supporter or a devotee of a religion. His emphasis is that it is a behavioral science that relates to human reality and value. He throws light on psychoanalysis as broad science including economics, philosophy, anthropology etc.
Man’s life either revolves around his own pride, power, status and self or he may accept obedience to the Superior Power above him i.e. God (Fromm, 1951). According to Fromm, authoritarian view of religion is troublesome for a man as it captures everything from man and do not regard him, that is, man – good, strong or powerful, but a power above him i.e. God is good, most powerful and everything rather than man himself, as man is totally dependent on this complete power. All good resides not in man but in God in this view......
