Transgressions of innate moral codes - transgressions in service of the Self

Beginning with a discussion of transgressions against innate, archetypal moral codes, I also present those transgressions carried out in service of the Self. While both represent an affront to a universal moral code, the latter often furthers an individual's relationship to the Self. These themes are illustrated through the stories of Pontius Pilate, Jephthah, Il Padrino - the Godfather, then coupled with clinical vignettes. An important theme throughout this paper concerns humanity's ongoing hunger to expiate guilt through the practices of scapegoating, sin-eating and confession. While these practices promise redemption, each seriously fails through their reluctance to address the unconscious recognition and consequences of transgressions.