One way that depth psychological theory proceeds is by taking some category of human experience and making it key to understanding the experience of the divine. This study, which is an exploration of the experience of abandonment by God, as well as a study of the relationship of abandonment to individuation and narcissism, re-emphasizes the intimate relationship between depth psychology, religion, and culture. This interdisciplinary approach provides a cultural frame through which to consider the impact of the patriarchy, religious beliefs, and religious oppression on the psyche, especially the female psyche, and on the creation of scientific theory, especially the theory base of the mental health profession. This dissertation is based on depth psychological texts and the writings of scholars who have explored the strengths and weaknesses of the Christian myth in terms of men and women's religious and psychological search for meaning. And finally, this dissertation is based on works, both psychological and nonpsychological, which explore the hubristic character of modern life and the experience of abandonment within the context of a society in transition. This study is a theoretical work, employing a hermeneutic method. The chapters circumambulate the theme of Job's experience of abandonment by God as they provide possible meanings from different perspectives. Carl Jung's Answer to job lays the groundwork for a new myth for modern man that connects him to the transpersonal psyche in a new way. This new dispensation is a psychological one, and it is centered in experience where man finds his relationship to God in his relationship to the unconscious. It is through the child in us that we make a connection with the Self and heal our state of abandonment. A patient's history of abandonment can be seen as a replay of experiences of the first 3 years of life, just as it can be seen as a part of the process of the incarnation of the numinosum which may be better expressed as the fear of abandonment if the patient dares to own the effectiveness of the numinosum. Psychotherapy as it is usually practiced prevents numinous experiences. This study demonstrates the importance of taking an individual's numinous experiences and religious beliefs seriously, both as another royal road to the unconscious and as an indicator of psychic health. It also argues that therapy is love of soul and that this is the via regia to the unconscious psyche. Eros both teaches and heals. It is the creator and Mother-Father of all higher consciousness.
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