Why Freud Would Commit Me

It has been a tough week sports fans.  I love ministering to people but there are times when I think pushing a button in a factory somewhere would be a nice change of pace!  Being a follower of Christ means painful moments sometimes.  Not just the pain of your own life (stubbing a toe, getting a ticket, work stress etc.) but choosing to bear the pain of others also (grieving a loss, bearing the weight of sin, encouraging during times trail).  Freud believed that a primary motivation for people was the seeking of pleasure and the avoidance of pain.  In fact, Freud would view any behavior that ran contrary to this principle as suspect.  So, what would make a person willingly enter into (and experience) the pain of others?  One reason would be the great command to love your neighbor as yourself (this is one way to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength).  Galatians 6:2 tells us to "bear each other's burdens..." and in so doing we "fulfill the law of Christ."  Another reason to enter into the suffering of others is to be part of the common experience.  This is expressed in Ecclesiastes 7:2.  In this passage the writer urges the reader to attend funerals instead of feasts.  The reaon given is becuase death is the common experience of all.  This is a grim reminder but it is true.  By being with others in their times of sorrow and hardship we are preparing ourselves for similar experiences.  Moreover, when we support others in their time of need we secure for ourselves a support when trouble comes to us.  This is one of the tenets of the Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16:1-15- a part of the Bible many of you know I struggle with).  Freud was against religion.  He believed that religion put unneccessary guilt and restriction on people causing neurosis.  Are there instances when religious groups have caused more harm than good?  Yes.  However, what Freud misses is the therpay of the Bible.  People called to walk with one another through trials and pain.  In the process they strengthen themselves for similar trials (can we say preventative measures?).  As Saint Nikolai of Zicca reminds me troubles have "loosed me from earth" and "driven me into Thy embrace."  (see http://www.orthodox.net/trebnic/lord-bless-my-enemies.pdf).