A Psychodynamic Approach to the Interpretation of 2 Corinthians 10–13

Abstract

This article argues that it is possible to read texts using some of the postulates of modern psychology and that ‘psychodynamic criticism’ is a useful way to read some New Testament texts. In a test case, the writer argues that in 2 Cor. 10–13 Paul wrote what he did in part because of certain psychodynamic processes at work in his mind, principally those to do with the defences of displacement and denial. In consequence of the defences, Paul inappropriately blames the Corinthians, rather than himself or the group who had visited the Corinthians.