The Introjected and the Intrinsic in Psychology and Christianity

Abstract

The psychoanalytic description of introjection, e.g., in the development of the superego, emphasizes the “swallowed whole,” unassimilated, split-off quality of the introject. Psychology is seen to have introjects, e.g., from 19th century physics; Christianity, either in individual or institutionalized form, is likewise seen to often have this split-off quality. In contrast, the “intrinsic religious orientation” (Allport) is correlated with self-actualization, sanctification, and healthy functioning. Institutional Christianity (and psychology) as well as an individual Christian (and psychologist) needs the growth process of moving from an introjected to an intrinsic relationship to its beliefs and styles.