In 2007 I earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.  Liberal Studies on the graduate level, contrary to what many think, is not the study of leftist leaning politics, but rather a continuation of the traditional liberal arts education.  Many colleges and universities offer such programs on the graduate level, and I was fortunate to live in close proximity to one that did.  The coursework I pursued focused mostly on religion and psychology, and although for most people a graduate liberal arts degree is not a vocational program, for me it was.  Everything I studied has in some way been applicable to the ways I serve in ministry.

My final project (thesis) was entitled “Inner Vision and Synchronicity:  Dream Work as Taught by Charles Fillmore and Carl Jung.”  Many people are familiar with Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, founder of the school of analytical psychology; but not as many know Charles Fillmore, co-founder of Unity School of Christianity.  In many ways the two were very similar.

Charles Fillmore

Carl Jung

Over the years I had seen references to dream interpretation in the writings of Charles Fillmore.  Then, while doing research in the archives at Unity Village in Missouri, I made an important discovery – Unity, in the 1920’s, had a department of its spiritual work dedicated to dream interpretation called the Inner Vision Department.  This discovery, along with many others, provided the material for my thesis.

Dream work is an important spiritual practice, as important to me as meditation and prayer.  To some that may seem a bold statement; but I am convinced the development of a dream work practice can lead one into a deeper appreciation of the Divine in his or her life.

For the next few weeks, I’ll be posting installments of my thesis on this blog.  I hope readers will feel inspired to pursue this spiritual practice.  So here’s the abstract to get us going, and be sure to check back often…

ABSTRACT

It is well-known that the analytical psychology of Carl Gustav Jung (1875-1961) places tremendous importance on religion and the dreams of the analysand, the individual whose dreams are being analyzed.  Jung was able to articulate that dreams offer not just an avenue to the unconscious, but provide a vehicle for the process of individuation, the claiming of one’s wholeness.

What is not so well-known is that Charles Fillmore (1854-1948), co-founder of Unity School of Christianity, also had a keen interest in psychology and the power of dreams.  He, too, believed and taught that an understanding of one’s dreams was an important tool for living a balanced and healthy life.

Although contemporaries with large followings, there is scant evidence to suggest they knew of each other’s work; however, in an apparent case of synchronicity, what they were teaching about dreams is markedly similar.  This essay will examine those similarities along with presenting key ideas relating to their understanding of religion and psychology.