Am J Psychiatry 1984; 141:1343-1348
Copyright © 1984 by American Psychiatric Association
Nuclear death: an unprecedented challenge to psychiatry and religion
JD Frank
The growing danger of a nuclear holocaust has intensified two aspects of
the human predicament that concern both religion and psychiatry: the
inevitability of death and the disastrous consequences of the
characteristic termed "pride" by theologians and "narcissism" by
psychiatrists. For the first time, humans have power to exterminate
themselves and death threatens all ages equally. Pride of power causes
leaders to exaggerate their ability to control nuclear weapons; moral pride
leads to demonizing enemies. The author considers implications for
psychiatrists and clergy, with special reference to preventing a nuclear
holocaust.
