http://www.umcphilippines.org/pagsubok-sa-ilang-ika-apat-na-mukha-ni-satanas-a-book-review/
Bibliovore
Pagsubok Sa Ilang: Ika-Apat Na Mukha Ni Satanas: A Book Review
By Mighty ⋅ March 14, 2010 ⋅ by Alteo Falla
Pagsubok sa Ilang: Ika-Apat na Mukha ni Satanas: A book Review
Author: Tony Perez
Publisher: Anvil Publishing, Inc., 2005
As intriguing as this book’s title is its unique interpretation of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness using Carl Jung’s Depth Psychology. It is written in Filipino by Tony Perez, former mentor of the Spirit Questors (a group that became popular in Philippine TV during the late 1990s till the early 2000s). The book’s content was derived from the author’s masteral thesis (M.A. Religious Studies) under the Adult Theological Education Program of the Maryhill Scool of Theology, New Manila, Quezon City.
We commend the author’s and the publisher’s noble intention of sharing with fellow Filipinos a work that marries the celestial heights of Theology with the innermost depths of Psychology. I must confess though that due to my limited background in both fields, I had difficulty in digesting the material. It’s not easy to read unless you are well-versed in Psychology and/or in Theology, but reading it is definitely worth the effort.
In this book, Tony Perez describes the “four faces” of Satan.
The first one is the perspective presented by Gerald Massadie based on his research of ancient religions, World mythologies and the Old Testament. Here Satan is viewed as a member of God’s heavenly council and as an ally, not an enemy of God.
The second is the perspective presented by Elaine Pagels based on Jewish history, Sociology, Social Psychology and the psychological defense mechanism called “projection.” Here Satan is perceived as the enemy of God and of God’s people.
The third is the theological point of view of biblical scholars. And the fourth, which is the main subject of the book, presents the perspective of Jungian Analytic Psychology. Here Satan is viewed as the Shadow, the disowned aspect of the complete Self.
According to Jungian psychology, in order to be whole we must learn to acknowledge and reintegrate our Shadow. The book briefly mentions some Shadow therapy techniques: journal writing, dream study,
creative writing, imaginative role playing, and creative painting or drawing. Depth psychologists say that when we are able to reintegrate our Shadow, we become more tolerant, understanding and forgiving of ourselves and of others. We develop a healthier sense of humor that enables us to laugh at ourselves more
and to see more of the funny side of life. Our creativity and vitality are also enhanced.
On the other hand, if we fail to integrate our Shadow, we tend to project its negative aspects on other people. We perceive in others the undesirable traits which we do not want to acknowldege within our own psyche. That person or group then becomes for us the devil incarnate whom we hate with such ferocity.
Tony Perez underscores the fact that this psychological defense mechanism of projection has contributed to wars, violence and discrimination in our society. He suggests that in order to heal these social diseases, we must also apply the biblical injunction “love your enemy” (Luke 6: 27) towards our Shadow. Jesus demonstrated this during the temptation in the wilderness. Jesus faced Satan (his own Shadow), he responded to him, and even enagaged him in witty dialog; but Jesus didn’t hurt, kill or worship him. Tony Perez suggests that we extend the same unconditional love to our Shadow.
It’s quite ironic that this book helps us gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and of Jesus Christ by throwing light on the obscure bible character named Satan. It would be good material for meditation and reflection during this Lenten season. I only wish that the author spent more time in expounding the process and methods of Shadow therapy, giving readers more concrete and practical suggestions on how to apply his thesis in their everyday lives.
For some people, reading this book might feel like penitence because of its heavy theological and psychological concepts, which the author attempted to explain in Filipino. Nonethelesss, Pagsubok sa Ilang: Ika-Apat na Mukha ni Satanas will surely help its readers to open minds, open hearts and open doors.
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Filed Under Bibliovore, book review, Pagsubok sa Ilang
My leather-bound "Ichabod Crane" journal and brass-ferrule dip pen with peacock feathers on top of my "Virginia Woolfe" writing tablet, replete with ink holder, vintage ink bottle--and rose cyclamen ink! The tablet was especially created for me by antique dealer and restorer Gerry Esposo, father of Lady, a former college student of mine.
2006 Book-Signing at Tiendesitas, Pasig City, sponsored by Anvil Publishing, Inc. Photo by fellow-writer and colleague Boy Martin. My writing "paraphernalia," as Boy calls them, from Left to Right: portable neo-classical mahogany campaign desk organizer with miniature drawers and shelves; paraffin oil lamp; silver seal ring; goose-feather quill pen; brass Italian monogram seal; tin box of sealing wax sticks, Sailor ink bottle with orange fountain pen ink; and portable campaign writing box; all on top of my green satin gypsy tablecloth embroidered with gold stars. I bring my own cloth because co-sponsors are alarmed whenever I spill sealing wax and fountain pen ink.
In this photo I am signing a book for Boy, wearing my signature antique "vampire" bat ring with a black star sapphire from Khabul. A fan is reading a volume from my Sitio Catacutan Series in the background. Yes, I do wear glasses when I read, write, and paint, but I can manage without distance glasses.
After signing this book Boy and I had a long conversation about our country's current political and economic situation, and how the efforts of our classmates Emman Lacaba, Bill Begg, and company, who were tortured and killed during the early martial law years, seem to have come to naught.
In this photo I am signing a book for Boy, wearing my signature antique "vampire" bat ring with a black star sapphire from Khabul. A fan is reading a volume from my Sitio Catacutan Series in the background. Yes, I do wear glasses when I read, write, and paint, but I can manage without distance glasses.
After signing this book Boy and I had a long conversation about our country's current political and economic situation, and how the efforts of our classmates Emman Lacaba, Bill Begg, and company, who were tortured and killed during the early martial law years, seem to have come to naught.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
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