Christine Downing, born in Germany in 1931, is a scholar, educator, and author whose work bridges mythology, religion, depth psychology, and feminist studies. Her family emigrated to the United States in 1935 due to her father's persecution by the Nazi party. Downing earned her doctorate from Drew University, becoming the first woman to do so.

Her academic career began at Rutgers University in 1963, followed by a significant tenure at San Diego State University, where she chaired the Department of Religious Studies. She also served as the first female president of the American Academy of Religion. Downing's teaching and scholarship are characterized by a blend of rigorous academic research and introspective, biographical writing, often drawing on her own dreams and experiences. She has explored the influence of depth psychology on autobiographical thought and the psychological significance of myth, particularly Greek goddesses and women's relationships with male deities. She later became a core faculty member at Pacifica Graduate Institute, contributing to its Mythological Studies program.

Christine Downing's scholarly pursuits have centered on the intersection of mythology, religion, and depth psychology. Her academic career, spanning positions at Rutgers University and San Diego State University, laid the groundwork for her unique approach. She is particularly recognized for her ability to weave together rigorous academic scholarship with deeply personal and self-reflective writing. Downing has explored how the concepts of the self and the unconscious, as articulated by figures like Sigmund Freud and C.G. Jung, have influenced autobiographical writing. Her own work often uses personal dreams as starting points for scholarly investigation, highlighting the potent connection between the individual psyche and broader mythic narratives. This approach has made her a significant voice in understanding the psychological dimensions of myth and personal experience.

A significant focus of Christine Downing's work involves the exploration of mythological imagery, particularly concerning the feminine divine and women's experiences. She has extensively researched and written about Greek goddess mythologies, with specific attention paid to figures like Demeter and Persephone, and their relevance to contemporary women's lives. Downing's scholarship delves into the psychological significance of these ancient narratives, examining how they can illuminate aspects of the female psyche and life transitions. Her work also addresses women's perspectives on male gods, offering a nuanced view of gender dynamics within mythological frameworks. This focus on the feminine divine and its psychological resonance has been a cornerstone of her contribution to mythological studies.

Downing has made substantial contributions to the field of religious studies and mythological studies through her teaching and institutional leadership. She was instrumental in developing the Mythological Studies program at Pacifica Graduate Institute, where she continues to teach. Her tenure at San Diego State University included a significant period as Chair of the Department of Religious Studies. Furthermore, she broke barriers by becoming the first woman president of the American Academy of Religion. Her commitment to education has been recognized with awards, including the Distinguished Educator Award from the International Forum for Psychoanalytic Education. The annual Christine Downing Lectures at San Diego State University further attest to her lasting impact on the academic community.