Overview

Academic discourse does not often reference the idea of antichrist, perhaps because it is seen as archaic or as too closely associated with religious fundamentalism. Robert Isaac Skidmore, a depth psychotherapist and an Orthodox priest, argues that antichrist, alongside its theological meaning, designates an aspect of our psychological, social, and political experience that becomes hazardous, especially when ignored or dismissed. Seeing Donald Trump's cultural and political influence as expressive of an archetypal pattern, Skidmore explores implications of taking the idea of antichrist seriously--in order to lift it toward conscious awareness and responsible use. Christian individuals are asked to reconsider the theological function of the notion of antichrist as a summons to self-scrutiny concerning their fidelity to truth. Readers, religious or not, are invited to awareness of antichrist's archetypal contours, in order to appreciate its significance for the understanding of psychological and social phenomena and to better understand the implications of its use--including its potential benefits and hazards. Table of Contents Foreword by Steven-John Harris, Ph.D. Introduction I. Antichrist in Its Theological Setting Scriptural Context Antichrist as Idol Antichrist as Marker Between Truth and Error II. Antichrist in Public View Sociopathy: The Psychological Correlate to Antichrist Charismatic Totalitarianism: The Political Correlate to Antichrist III. Antichrist in Context of Psyche and Sacred Antichrist as Archetypal Shadow Antichrist as Expression of Evil Differences Between Religious and Psychological Understandings of Antichrist IV. Antichrist's Social Dynamics Antichrist as Expressive of Group Dynamics Antichrist as a Label Versus Antichrist as an Operative Principle Antichrist as a Label Antichrist as an Operative Principle V. Assessment of a Dangerous Idea Usefulness of the Antichrist Concept Caution in Use of Antichrist Terminology Conclusion References

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9781630518967

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Reviews

Dr. Skidmore has revived the importance of an ancient Christian idea, showing its relevance for our contemporary situation. His correlation of the Antichrist with the antisocial personality is particularly important in this context, presenting a challenge to Christians of all denominations. -Lionel Corbett, Jungian analyst, Professor of depth psychology, Pacifica Graduate Institute Skidmore shows how the Biblical notion of 'antichrist' can both enhance and be enhanced by psychological constructs of sociopathy, repression, projection, shadow and archetype and how these may help explain President Trump's popularity among believers. Identifying deception as the hallmark of 'fake Christ, ' Skidmore helps bring to awareness the human temptation to revert to tribal instincts in stressful times and he cautions those who seek to follow Jesus 'as their actual operational principle.' -Mark Nickolas, Eastern Orthodox Christian and Psychologist This is a profound book, but also very timely. In our era of Donald Trump, the concept of antichrist as we meet it in the Bible reminds us how easy it is to mistake error for truth, especially when error retains the appearance of truth. As Prof. Skidmore points out, psychology serves a similar function when it alerts us to the deceptive charms of the sociopath, who may show a high level of cognitive empathy but be altogether lacking in emotional or compassionate empathy - the con man who is very good at reading other people but lacks any inclination to take meaningful, helpful action. -V. Rev. John H. Erickson, Peter N. Gramowich Professor Emeritus and Former Dean, St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary Until reading the Rev. Dr. Skidmore's work, I had yet to find a fully layered, accurate, satisfying albeit sobering diagnosis of the mind-scrambling national madness in which we have all been embroiled in the past 5+ years. With wisdom drawn from depth psychology, political philosophy, and Christian theology, Skidmore adeptly wrests the construct of 'antichrist' from pop culture and applies it fruitfully to our present moment. -Deborah B. Edgar, PhD, LMFT, Private Practice, Pasadena, CA, www.theunselfishjourney.com

Author Information

Robert Isaac Skidmore, Ph.D., M.Div., is a licensed counselor in Oregon. He studied theology at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, and depth psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. He teaches as an adjunct professor in the clinical and mental health counseling program at Southern Oregon University. His 2017 dissertation applied Jung's theory of the shadow to Christianity and Western culture, looking at the Sumerian myth of the descent of Inanna as an instance of material that has been historically and archetypally repressed. He has authored a number of articles on theological and psychological themes, including On Mental Health Referrals by Orthodox Clergy, in 2019. From 2000 to 2012, he was the rector at Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church, in Ashland, Oregon, where he now serves as auxiliary priest.

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