How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #1
An example of this procedure is to be seen in the explanation of Pharaoh's dream propounded by Joseph in the Bible. The seven fat kine followed by seven lean kine that ate up the fat kine—all this was a symbolic substitute for a prophecy of seven years of famine in the land of Egypt which should consume all that was brought forth in the seven years of plenty. (2.1.3)
Although Freud didn't exactly set out to write a book that would challenge religious beliefs, many elements of The Interpretation of Dreams do just that. By dismissing "the old prophetic significance of dreams" (2.1.3)—that is, the belief that some dreams might be communications from a higher power—Freud develops a purely secular method of dream-interpretation.
Quote #2
Other people who are attacked by thirst in the night may wake up without having had a dream; but that is no objection to my experiment. It merely shows that they are worse sleepers than I am. Compare in this connection Isaiah xxix, 8: "It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awakes and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite." (3.1.4)
Throughout The Interpretation of Dreams, Freud frequently uses scriptural references to support or illustrate his points. As in this example, he tends not to use these references for their spiritual meaning; instead, he uses them to make points about culture rather than to debate the finer points of theology.
Quote #3
He told me that on this occasion he had driven the exalted official into a corner and had asked straight out whether the delay over his appointment was not in fact due to denominational considerations. The reply had been that, in view of the present state of feeling, it was no doubt true that, for the moment, His Excellency was not in a position, etc. etc. (4.1.8)
In his "preamble" to the Dream of Uncle Josef, Freud explains that he recently had a visit from a colleague who had been recommended for an appointment as "professor extraordinarius"—an academic position that would be something like an assistant professor today (4.1.7-8). When Freud speaks of "denominational considerations" here, what he really means is "religious discrimination." His colleague's nomination was rejected because he was Jewish.