Hi 1oxbowgirl.... I read your reference with interest. I was immediate struck with the viewpoint expressed that Jung was not a believer. Yet in his own words Jung claimed differently. From the little I've read to date on Jung that doesn't seem to be a fair assessment to be making. I get more the impression that he was a believer who wanted to experience a deep spiritual connection to God through greater spiritual enlightenment. To transcend doctrine to secure a personal relationship with God that engaged his own spiritual essence.

I also puzzle over the issue of God being outside of us versus inside of us. I experience God as being everywhere and as being all powerful ...omnipresent and omnipotent... Christian expressions of the Godhead. I don't understand this discrepency around the question of 'where is God'.

Is it really a question of authority that is being discussed? Is there evidence Jung has taking God from the top position of authority over all matters of Creation? I haven't seen that come through in any Jung writings or in his expressions of the spiritual nature of the human experience. Can you enlighten me as to the root of this controvercy. What am I missing?

I do appreciate that Jung represents and connects with those among us who search deeply for spiritual enlightenment. Who aren't satisfied with only one cultural or religious expression of God's authority and greatness over all of creation. Who expect to find God everywhere. Who anticipate a greater knowing of God's love and intentions by aligning with God's spirit and words.

I have discovered in my own journey that wanting more from my relationship with God gives me cause to explore and to question and to seek more from every source for new truth and enlightenment. More than what I already understand. More of what I already feel. More of a relationship with God. More of God in the centre of my life. Seek more God in my life motivates me to want to know God more deeply, more intimately, more completely. That I might be a better vessel for God's love. That I might be more balanced and whole. That I might be useful to the world in which I live. That I might love as God loves and carry on the gifts of my own life experience and those of my ancestors for all future generations for all time. The continuum of life that weaves me into God's divine plan.

I don't have any comment about the subject of evil or the devil characters, fallen angels and such. Its one of those topics that are so clouded by 'hollywood' and mythical fiction to make it a difficult topic to discuss without offending someone or being misinterpretted. In my culture and in many other ancient indigenous cultures there are rituals and ceremonies that are misunderstood and misinterpreted. I rely on the gift of discernment to keep me from entering dark places where God is not welcomed. I've seen God in many places and in many ceremonies and rituals that many of my Christian brothers and sisters would consider suspect at best, evil at worst. I respect other views without feeling pressured to conform when lead by my spirit to meet God everywhere.

The collective unconscious question still stumps me. Unlike with most of what Jung has expressed this the one area where I think he stopped short. I feel we are more than our inherited psychic system of collective, universals thoughts and experiences.

I had more comments noted but think I'll leave it there for now. Been an interesting exploration. Thanks everyone.