“Self-Alienation as Original Sin” by Erich Fromm

In this meeting we will be reflecting on how a psychological interpretation of the concept of “sin” is relevant to our mental health. This discussion is based on a short text (5 pages) from Erich Fromm’s book Psychoanalysis and Religion, which you are encouraged to read (download PDF) prior to the meeting. Erich Fromm is a renowned neo-Freudian known for pioneering humanistic psychoanalysis. His background in sociology has led him to situate his thoughts on individual psychology in the context of socio-political systems.

In this text, Fromm contrasts the authoritative and humanistic strands of Judaism and early Christianity and their moral implications. A authoritarian religion encourages individuals to project their own capacities for reason, love, and morality onto external forces, thus alienating them from their own inner powers. This alienation, Fromm argues, can have negative consequences for one’s mental health as it fosters a sense of helplessness, guilt, and inadequacy. Meanwhile, a humanistic religion emphasizes the development of human potential and seeing God as a symbol of man's highest aspirations, offering a path toward self-fulfillment mental wellbeing.

Guiding Questions:

1. What stands out for you in this text?
2. Can you think of instances where you have “sinned against yourself”?
3. Can you think of any related concepts to this interpretation of “sin” you may have learnt from other sources?
4. How does this text impact your understanding of your mental health?
5. How can you reconnect to your autonomy, your inner power to reason and love? What steps can you to reclaim these aspects of yourself?

Preparation:
Please read the text (download PDF) prior to the event. No prior knowledge of psychology or theology is required—just an openness to exploring these ideas and discussing their relevance to your life.

Looking Ahead:
This meeting belong to a three-part series:
(1) Self-Alienation as Original Sin
(2) Resentment and Forgiveness
(3) Call of Conscience and Self-Love
where each session (bi-weekly) is build on the previous one. By staying with us through the end, you’ll have the opportunity to see how these themes come full circle, deepening your understanding of your mental health and personal growth.

#selfalienation #selfbetrayal #sin #God #humanpotential #freedom #autonomy #innerstrength #conscience #authenticity #philosophy #ethics #mentalhealth #spirituality #Christianity #theology #humanism

Stay in Touch:
Feel free to contact me if you want to suggest or request a topic for group discussion. You are also welcome to send me a DM for personal opinions or questions you don't feel comfortable sharing in the group.

This event is brought to you by Leanna of Wiser Mental Health, another meetup group in Toronto. Leanna is a philosophical counsellor in training for spiritually integrated psychotherapy. She has a Master’s degree in philosophy and is a meditator in the Theravada Buddhist/Vipassana tradition. Check out her group for philosophically and spiritually integrated mental health support.