Bringing the Shadow to Light: Faith, Freud, and the Dark Side

Host Jerry Eicher (Anabaptist Theological Perspectives) explores the ‘dark side’ of human impulses and how Scripture and psychology approach it. Drawing on John 1 and Pauline teaching, he compares Freudian repression with Jungian integration and reflects on voices like Jordan Peterson and contemporary conservative counseling trends. Topics include conscience, the shadow self, the problems of repressing undesirable impulses into a “basement,” the limits of Freudian-based Christian counseling, and the biblical call to bring our broken parts into the light of Christ rather than dissociate from them. Key points: Freud’s model often leads to disassociation and buried wounds; Jung and Peterson point toward integration; Scripture invites honest exposure to the light, handing our shadow to God, and trusting God to heal rather than assuming total elimination by our own efforts. Listeners can expect theological reflection, practical pastoral critique, and encouragement to practice ongoing prayer and surrender as the path toward wholeness.