Eschatology and Existential Psychotherapy: An inquiry into the Überwelt
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65828/1xaqm393Keywords:
Existential psychotherapy, existentialism, existential philosophy, eschatology, loveAbstract
In this paper I will explore whether Christian eschatology can enrich existential psychotherapy. Notions as hope, death and Überwelt are at the centre of the inquiry. Finally, the concept of love will be examined.
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