Wrestling with the Other: A Comparative Study of Tillich's Concept of the Demonic and Jung's Concept of Shadow

摘要

Tillich and Jung both stand on the boundary between psychology and religion, but how is this possible? This paper attempts to answer this question by comparing Tillich's concept of the demonic and Jung's idea of the shadow, and points to the basic concern: "the problem of the other." The whole discussion also related to the complex relationship between religion and psychology. This paper will argue that, firsdy, the problem of the other should be regarded as relational imbalance and rigidity between subjects rather than a kind of substantial division. Approaches based on either indifferent isolation or arbitrary synthesis, however, only lead to a deeper division. This tension inherent in this complex relationship with the other compels them to search for the other, on one hand, and on the other hand, to reject, always with caution and restraint, reductionism and triumphalism. Secondly, this paper will demonstrate that the lack of the dimension of faith is the basic weakness of Jung's psychological construction. For Tillich, the missing link of the reciprocal responsibility between human being and God and between the self and the other is the main problem. Therefore, the paper will conclude that the possibility of a new posture of mutual wrestling between the self and the other is needed.