Parable of the prodigal son
Orthodox Priest and psychologist, Dr. George Morelli.
The parable of the prodigal son is the obvious first choice for interpretations, working from a Freudian model, it is possible to interpret the parable as one would a dream: "All the characters in the dream represent various aspects, characteristics, or desires of the dreamer".
Looked at from this perspective, the parable is speaking of the efforts of the father to accept both of the sons, to integrate his family into wholeness once again. Thus "the parable of the Prodigal Son expresses a basic human desire for unity and wholeness in life." One does not in any way claim that this is the only legitimate interpretation of the parable. Indeed, for us, as for an increasing number of scholars, the text is open to various valid interpretations.Barbary War
The parable of the prodigal son is the obvious first choice for interpretations, working from a Freudian model, it is possible to interpret the parable as one would a dream: "All the characters in the dream represent various aspects, characteristics, or desires of the dreamer".
Looked at from this perspective, the parable is speaking of the efforts of the father to accept both of the sons, to integrate his family into wholeness once again. Thus "the parable of the Prodigal Son expresses a basic human desire for unity and wholeness in life." One does not in any way claim that this is the only legitimate interpretation of the parable. Indeed, for us, as for an increasing number of scholars, the text is open to various valid interpretations.Barbary War
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