One of the most striking features of contemporary psychology is the return of language of the 'soul' in contemporary discourse. In this original analysis Dr Peter Tyler investigates the origins and use of 'soul-language' in the Christian tradition before turning his attention to the evolution and preoccupations of modern psychoanalysis. In his forensic examination he explores the dynamics of psychoanalysis as a 'tool to rediscover the soul' of the 21st century seeker. Central to his book is the perceived clash between analysis and the spiritual tradition. His uncompromising conclusion is that the dialogue of the two in our present time will have far-reaching repercussions for church, society and future human well-being. Read more about his work on http://insoulpursuit.blogspot.co.uk

Peter Tyler is Senior Lecturer and Programme Director of Pastoral Theology at St Mary's University College, Twickenham, UK. Previous publications include The Return to the Mystical: Ludwig Wittgenstein, Teresa of Avila and the Christian Mystical Tradition (Continuum, 2011) and The Pursuit of the Soul: Psychoanalysis, Soul-making and the Christian Tradition (T & T Clark, 2016).

Part 1: Origins of the Soul
Prologue: A Night-Dream
1. What's in a Name?
2. Plato: Our Father in Faith?
3. Jesus Amongst the Platonists: Plotinus and Augustine
4. Plato in the Desert: Origen and Evagrius

Part II: The Return of the Soul
5. Otto Rank and the Battle for Freud's Soul
6. The Soul-Making of James Hillman: The Return of the Repressed?

Part III: Whither the Soul?
7. Wittgenstein, Tagore and Merton: The Postmodern Turn
8. Edith Stein and Love of the Soul

Epilogue: The Symbolic Language of the Soul
Bibliography
Index