Summary of "Marie-Louise von Franz on What Kills Religions"

Main Ideas and Concepts:

Nature of Worship: Most world religions emphasize group or extroverted forms of worship, which are often emotional and archetypal experiences that lead to spontaneous rituals.
Risks of Formalism: When rituals become overly organized, they risk losing their genuine emotional connection. Participants who are not in a conducive mood can transform these rituals into mechanical and insincere gestures, which she identifies as detrimental to the essence of religion.
Spontaneity vs. Structure: Von Franz advocates for maintaining a space for spontaneous happenings, akin to the informal gatherings of the hippie movement, where genuine experiences can emerge naturally.
Cultural Practices: She references American Indian dances as examples of genuine and living expressions of archetypes, emphasizing the importance of community participation and preparation in creating an authentic experience.
Impact of Rationalism: The encroachment of rational thought and formal education can alienate individuals from these genuine experiences, making it difficult for them to reconnect with their cultural or spiritual roots.
Collective Ecstasy and Control: While collective emotional experiences can lead to genuine religious phenomena, they can also devolve into negative expressions if not properly controlled. She contrasts this with the disciplined ecstasy found in traditional Indian dances.
Religious Shadows: Von Franz warns that religions can have a significant shadow side, where mass movements driven by emotion can lead to violence and coercion, as exemplified by historical events in Islam.

Methodology/Instructions:

Encourage Spontaneity: Create opportunities for spontaneous gatherings rather than strictly organized rituals.
Community Participation: Foster environments where community members can actively participate and contribute to rituals, enhancing the emotional and archetypal connection.
Maintain Emotional Integrity: Ensure that rituals are performed by individuals who are genuinely engaged and emotionally present, avoiding the pitfalls of mechanical or formalistic expressions.