Overview

Elements of Faith explores the rich, complex terrain of faith through the lenses of psychoanalysis, existential phenomenology, and lived clinical experience. It offers both theoretical reflections and a compelling case study of a therapeutic journey in faith, identity, and transformation. This book investigates the multidimensional nature of faith as an existential and psychoanalytic phenomenon. Engaging with thinkers such as Heidegger, Bion, Kierkegaard, and Hillman, Brent Potter examines faith not as static belief but as a lived, dynamic structure of human experience. Drawing upon clinical work, especially the transformative therapeutic process with a patient named Sara, the book reveals how faith surfaces in moments of crisis, longing, and relational rupture. With careful attention to the Hebraic and Greek worldviews, the author provides insight into faith’s ethical, psychological, cultural, and theological contours. It is both scholarly and intimate—bridging theory and practice, ancient insight and modern struggle. Elements of Faith enriches both theoretical and practical dimensions of psychoanalytic inquiry, and will be of great interest to psychoanalysts looking to explore faith within their practice. It will also appeal to mental health professionals, theologians, students of psychology and religion, and general readers interested in the intersection of faith and clinical practice.

Full Product Details

9781041099826

Table of Contents

Reviews

‘Brent's Christian faith has led him to make this profound, warmly readable book about psychoanalysis and its future. His study of faith, including a remarkably healing case study, takes us away from fallacious assumptions that suffering should be pathologized and salvation must be found merely through human cleverness and social engineering.’ John Gordon, Author of Healing Madness ‘This book comes alive with faith in many dimensions. It breathes, aches, suffers, cries and opens depths of joy and renewal. It speaks of a wound that lights and gives credit to much that is devalued, including creative aspects of madness and such pages that keep giving.’ Michael Eigen, PhD, Author of books including The Challenge of Being Human, The Psychotic Core, Contact with the Depths, Faith, and The Psychoanalytic Mystic.

Author Information

Brent Potter is a psychoanalyst and author known for his work at the intersection of psychology, philosophy, and faith. With over three decades of clinical experience, his writing explores the depths of human suffering, healing, and meaning through accessible yet profound existential and psychoanalytic inquiry.

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