Psychology Series for Church Leaders by Gray R. Collins (review)

BOOK REVIEWS professional. The attempts to change the terminology for the neuroses could have been more forgivable if the authors had given better definitions. It is hard to read. Even a psychiatrist of 42 years practice had trouble with its lack of clarity and definitions. To this reviewer, the need for an " absolutely mature " person to do therapy is beyond my comprehension . The Catholic University of America Washington, D. 0. JOHN R. CAVANAGH, M.D. Psychology Series for Church Leaders. By GRAY R. CoLLINS. Vol. I. Man in Transition: The Psychology of Human Development. Vol.ll. Effective Counseling. Carol Stream. Ill.: Creation House, 1971 and 1972. Pp. 202 and 203. $4.95 each. Man in Transition is written for pastors, missionaries, lay church leaders, and theological students. Its purpose is " to summarize the basic principles and latest findings from the field of psychology and to present these in a way that will be meaningful to church leaders who are not professional psychologists and who have little or no background in psychology." (p. 9) Both this book and the entire series is intended as a presentation of psychological conclusions which have direct or indirect application to the problems and work of the church. Gary R. Collins tells his readers that he writes from a conservative theological position and is sympathetic in his writing to biblical truth. This theological bent is evident in his writings. He also succeeds well in addressing his pre-determined audience in a style that is free from complicated · psychological or theological jargon. The author's treatment of the psychological and physical condition of man extends from conception to the grave. Attention is paid to areas which are frequently neglected, such as the unmarried adult. Some sound advice is also given to the pastor who has too many expectations set for him by himself or by his parishioners. The final chapter on " Making the Best of Stress " has value, but it seems like an after-thought which could have been more helpful had it been integrated into the entire volume. Effective Counseling seeks to impart a knowledge of counseling techniques and discusses the various kinds of counseling: vocational, marital, mentally and physically ill, dying, bereaved, physically handicapped and socially deprived, as well as presenting ideas on preventive counseling. This overview is good as an introduction, but group counseling, which is treated briefly, should have been given more extensive development. Collins stresses BOOK REVIEWS 263 that a religious counselor should let his personal values be known while preserving the freedom of the client. The client seeks out a religious counselor because he has a set of values, and the counselor who hides his values does a disservice. His writings draw on Scripture, but its use is somewhat forced at times. Collins gives some consideration to spiritual counseling or direction. It is unfortunate that he did not incorporate some insights from masters of the spiritual life such as Francis de Sales and Theresa of Avila. Perhaps he will co-author a future volume in the series with a spiritual or ascetical theologian. Although Collins gives an occasional illustration from his pastoral practice, some church leaders may find his books too theoretical. It is hoped that future volumes will be enriched by case studies drawn from his pastoral experience and that of other church leaders. The outlines, summaries, and charts throughout both books are excellent for immediate understanding and future reference. Each chapter has a short annotated bibliography, and the general bibliography and indices in each volume are good. Man in Transition and Effective Counseling are very good as an introduction and overview and should be beneficial to the student or church leader with little background in pastoral counseling. It will be of limited value to either the experienced pastor or trained counselor who has kept abreast with the field. For Roman Catholic church leaders it may have the special value of introducing them to some writings which may not have been a part of their pastoral training. Oluater of Independent Theological Schools Washington, D. 0. WILLIAM J. NESSEL, O.S.F.S. The Mystery of Christ and the Apostolate. By F. X. DURWELL. London and New York: Sheed & Ward, 197Q. Pp...