Fraternity-Testvériség, 1964 (42. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1964-10-01 / 10. szám

FRATERNITY

5

DEZSŐ TROMBITÁS:

DREAMS AS MESSAGES

There are many theories concerning dreams — some merely popular, some bizarre, some more scientific. What is astonishing is that the dream theories, from Freud to Fromm, in spite of their interesting, even fascinating, evidence, frequently contradict each other. Thus, in their conclusions, they weakened each other. Furthermore, “the use of dream-analysis in psycho-therapy is still a much debated question” — states Jung. My approach to explain dreams is the Biblical way, and as such it demands to be the theology of the dream.

It is evident that God used His Word and not the dream to disclose His will. But it pleased God to speak through dreams, too. However, dreams were only additional channels for those who have already received the Word of God. The message of the dream will never reveal anything but what agrees strictly with the Scriptures. “Hear now my words; if there be a prophet among you, I, the Lord, will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” (Num. 12:6.) It is clearly written in the Book of Job: “God speaketh once, yea, twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon man, in slumberings upon the bed; then he openeth the ears of men and sealeth their instruction; that he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.” (33:14-18.)

From the contents of our dreams, being often incoherent, grotesque and shameful, we could gather almost everything but divine guidance. Isn’t it just a pietist distortion to maintain — and this is the essence of my concept — that dream, every dream is a message, a snapshot made by God, a heavenly report on the very situation we stand before God, and as such, the most personal document? Furthermore, if God elevated every dream to serve our salvation, as Job states that, then why isn’t every dream-message unambiguous and clear? If God wants to say something through dreams, then why does He not speak plainly? If the dream is dealing with a problem in relation and response to particular thoughts and deeds, and trying to suggest a divine solution, then why does it address its answer in double entendre and obscurity?

These questions are justified. We must not forget, however, that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph. 6:12.) We have to realize that there is a power existing which is against God. I prefer to use the word Satan, instead of evil force or psychic poison. No matter what name you call it, it still exists.

The elements of the dream-action, individuals, surroundings and feelings, as they appear, were manufactured in Satan’s workshop, and they have precisely the effect of disguising the meaning, of avoiding the