Theology, Psychoanalysis and Trauma

Theology, Psychoanalysis and Trauma examines the relationship between these seemingly unrelated disciplines. It begins by examining the emergence of trauma as a psychological category, then explores the development of postmodern psychology with specific reference to Lacan, situating him within a clinical tradition instead of as a postmodern philosopher. Pound argues that Lacan's account of language and subjectivity and his use of trauma as an analytical tool were all anticipated by Kierkegaard, thus giving Kierkegaard a contemporary psychoanalytical voice, and showing the value of postmodern psychotherapy for theology. He concludes by showing that whilst psychoanalysis assumes a patient desires to be free of neurosis so he can continue a life of action, Christianity has the same goal, to free Christians from neurosis so they can unite desire and will in the love of God.