Anthropos and Existence: Gnostic Parallels in the Early Wrtings of Rollo May

Abstract

A case is made for the influence of archetypal structures on May's preexistential orientation. Early theological, anthropological, and depth psychological affiliations are also considered. It is suggested that May's initial attempts at founding a "science of humanity" and his first conception of the self emerge from these early affiliations and reveal an affinity for Gnostic speculation on Anthropos. This concept has been interpreted by Elaine Pagels, Carl Jung, and others to indicate humanity or self: the archetypal spiritual essence of the human being. The above thinkers additionally suggest that the Gnostics were not only passionate religious scholars interested in redemption, via knowledge of the heart, but also early depth psychologists and humanitarians. It is argued that many Gnostic concepts are inherently existential and that certain Gnostic conceptualizations of existence illuminate May's foundational theoretical assertions. The archetype of Anthropos is thus formative for May's development as a humanist, psychoanalyst, and existentially oriented depth psychologist.

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