The Not-Yet God: Carl Jung, Teilhard de Chardin, and the Relational Whole

by Ilia Delio

We are a species between axial periods. Thus, our religious myths are struggling to find new connections in a global, ecological order. Delio proposes the new myth of relational holism; that is, the search for a new connection to divinity in an age of quantum physics, evolution, and pluralism. The idea of relational holism is one that is rooted in the God-world relationship, beginning with the Book of Genesis, but finds its real meaning in quantum physics and the renewed relationship between mind and matter. Our story, therefore, will traverse across the fields of science, scripture, theology, history, culture and psychology. Our guides for a new myth of relational holism are the psychoanalyst Carl Jung, and the Jesuit scientist-theologian Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. The complex human can no longer be simplified to one view or one must see the whole of our existence or one does not see at all.

Genres: Spirituality, Theology, Religion, God, Science

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2023

About the author

Ilia Delio, OSF is a Franciscan Sister of Washington, D.C. and American theologian specializing in the area of science and religion, with interests in evolution, physics and neuroscience and the importance of these for theology. She was born in Newark, New Jersey and is the youngest of four children.


Fordham University
Ph.D., Historical Theology
M.A. Historical Theology

Rutgers University Healthcare and Biomedical Sciences
Ph. D., Pharmacology

Seton Hall University
M.S., Biology

DeSales University
B.S., Biology

Reviews

[Priscila Kruger · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the most important theological books of the decade

Ilia gifted the world this groundbreaking book to help us navigate our transition to religion 2.0. She introduces us to many thinkers while also providing astute commentary on our time. I highly recommend it to all but especially with those tired of the current Christian story which way too small to engage with our universe.

[Ephrem Arcement · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another important work that expands on her previous works by adding Jung and, to a lesser degree, Tillich, to the conversation, while continuing to draw upon the ever fecund source of Teilhard de Chardin. She is bold and fearless and integrally creative and reveals a vision of what is happening in and through us with astounding originality and wholeness!

[Jamie Chaffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a book changes you. This was one of those books for me.

[Don Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The not-yet believer

Ilia shares a lot of great thinking and philosophy which is not found in many other Catholic/Christian writers. I recommend this book to anyone who’s thoughtful and looking and longing for someone who can point the way to a believable theology for this century.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having significant appreciation for the legacy of C.G. Jung and more recently finding treasures in the works of Teilhard de Chardin, my expectations for Ila Delio’s The Not-Yet God: Carl Jung, Teilhard de Chardin, and the Relational Whole were set quite high and, even so, my high hopes were surpassed. Delio focuses both of these giants on the function of religion: “to create stories of mythic depth, stories of meaning and purpose that animate human life toward wholeness and goodness” and that “enkindle a zest for life” (p. 40-41). The rich resources offered through contemporary science and depth psychology were mined for reinforcing “the inextricable relationship of God and matter” as “a mutual, reciprocal, and interactive relationship” (p. 57) linking to “Raimon Panikkar’s notion of cosmotheandric holism: divinity, humanity, and cosmos as three interlocking realities united in a single reality or a ‘cosmotheandric reality’” (p. 57). An example of Delio’s contribution is in her exploration of Jung’s “Answer to Job” regarding the dynamic inter-relationship between developing human consciousness and continued creation of God, as implied in the term “not-yet God.” In her concluding pages, Delio zeros in: “We are only really alive if we fall in love with matter over and over… As love draws God and self together into a unitive conscious life, God is born: the self becomes God and God becomes the self” (p. 257). Audacious! Scary good!

[Danielle Shroyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Ilia Delio and her creative, holistic approach to theology. Toward the end of the book, I found some places where I have questions and possible disagreements- mostly because I’m not yet convinced the approaches suggested actually resolve all the issues at hand. And for sure you can count me out on the concept of Jesus as cyborg! But overall, I found much worthy of head nods and appreciative clarifications.

[Sue Johannsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book 5 stars because after study and reflection, I agree with Ilia's deep understandings. I especially like the infusion of physics into religious beliefs. Matter cannot be created or destroyed and that applies to us as people. I like your use of "sky God" challenged by the God within us. This is a very tough book and I would not have read it without the book group leading and supporting my reading.

[Ed Wojniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a provocative and thoughtful book. She tackles the convergence of the thoughts of Jung and Teilhard with imagination and courage. Delio suggests that an update is needed to traditional Christianity and makes a strong argument for the inclusion of Jungian psychology, evolutionary theory, and technological advances in the development of a new religious paradigm. Refreshing!

[Miguel Panão · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind-blowing in the best sense. Whether you believe or not in God, your perspective will change with this book.

[Adam Curfman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book incredibly insightful and eye opening. The idea that we need to rethink religion and God in the context of our modern understanding of science, as compared to an Aristotelian view is hugely important for the future of Christianity and all religion.

I took away some really good thoughts and ideas for further study and investigation, even if a good portion of the book did go over my head. But overall - one of the more thought provoking books of the year.

[Yoeri Emmaneel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delio takes you on an amazing journey of the history of science and theology, around the works of Tielhard de Chardin and Carl Gustav Jung, and invites you to imaging what the world of the future can look like.

[Naum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teilhard de Chardin, Carl Jung, Trinitization, Quaternization, and the religion of tomorrow.

If you've enjoyed reading past works by Ilia Delio, you will enjoy this one too.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous!

[Otto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faszinierende Gedanken zur Wesenheit Gott

[Krista Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard reading honestly- but so good. She gives edges to things I’m thinking about but still feel like I can’t put words to. Not easy but worth the effort.

[Anita Tally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, really good. Very challenging. But, is the author creating another "system" to replace the systems that she objects to??? just wondering....