We don't really know yet which charges against Ted Haggard are true or false, but it's impossible to watch the unfolding of the evangelical pastor's alleged gay sex scandal without thinking of Carl Jung's writings on "shadow"--the least acknowledged or examined parts of the self--and Ken Wilber's belief in the importance of shadow integration for personal growth. For both, the essential idea is what you repress and hate most, you are. And if you don't "own" your shadow, and raise it into your conscious, waking life you're going to get busted in one way or another!
A shadow can be a hidden power--like when a timid woman feels she can't get angry, or when a kind-hearted man can't be assertive. It can be anything you disown in yourself or find yourself hating in others. In fact, what you find yourself hating most in the outer world is always a tip-off; this is an area where your psyche could use, as they say, "a little work." Jung himself said, "Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves." It almost seems like Shakespeare had anti-gay gay Christians in mind when he wrote: "The lady doth protest too much, methinks."
Based on the allegations we're gathering about the clash between Ted Haggard's day job and personal life, I'd say he may be getting caught with his shadow showing. Too bad Carl Jung's not available for appointments today, but I'm sure that if any of the recent allegations are true, the reverend will quickly find the help he needs to bring all of his personalities to the dinner table.
Stay strong, Ted, and take heart! The aching need for shadow integration has been the theme of virtually all great works of literature from "Oedipus Rex," to "Moby Dick," to "The Great Gatsby," and even "Peter Pan."
Ted Haggard's Shadow Reveals Itself?
Friday November 3, 2006
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The last update to the Chattering Mind blog was in July 2007.
Chattering Mind is a blog on motherhood, aging, health and healing, yoga, whole foods, spiritual music, meditation, as well as the struggle to manage time and clutter.
Read more about writer Amy Cunningham.
Jo Ferguson, "This is all political and how sad to ruin a person's life over politics." Mr. Haggard made what happened political all by himself by supporting political causes harmful to gay citizens. That, and in his own hypocrisy. He "ruined" his own life.
"Ted Haggard's Shadow Reveals Itself?" Does that mean we'll get 6 more weeks of winter?
Del, "I have always been repelled by the queers(term used when I was a kid)" Apparently, you are still a kid - you still use the term. First you speak of real people: "homosexuals, gays, lesbians in today't society." Then you reduce us to "this lifestyle." Perhaps if you attempted to actually see us as people, you wouldn't fall to the temptation of demeaning God's gay and lesbian children so. "I am a staunch Christian worker against this sin that people choose to do." Good luck with that. "They were not created this way." This is another bearing of false witness. "If they choose to change" Could YOU? "I was devoted to my life partner as my girlfriend, steady,fiancee, wife, mother, grandmother and now heavenly angel for 56 years." Well bully for you. I've only been with my life partner, boyfriend, steady, fiance and now husband for only 22 years. Does that make you a betterosexual?
Del, "I do not base my position on scientific or wordly thesis." Clearly not. "It is based on God's word, the Holy Bible. I recommend that all of you doubters and worldly thinkers read it." You seem to think we haven't. "It is very easy to understand on this topic." Which would explain why many religious scholars and leaders disagree with you????
Del, "All you have to do is wisen up and accept the diety." America is NOT a theocracy. Yet. We will pray for the folks in Wilmington. Sure seem to need it up there.