150 -Fritz Kunkel: Selected Writings

Fritz Kunkel: Selected Writings
John A. Sanford, ed.
New York, Paulist Press, 1984. 410 pp. $12.95.

When Fritz Kunkel moved to Los Angeles from Germany at the start of the Second World War, he was the author of twelve books written for the general reader reflecting his roots in Jungian psychology. John Sanford was in analysis with him at the time of his death in 1956. This volume contains the major portions of Kunkel's two most important works, How Character Develops and In Search of Maturity. Sanford includes introductory chapters tracing the development of his life and thought, together with a concluding discussion of the relevance of Kunkel's religious ideas for contemporary Christian thought. Religious vision begins with the "original We" experience of unity and mutual participation with our parents. This is invariably broken by "egocentricity," which organizes life apart from our true "Self" or "Center." Mounting pressure, anxiety, and various life crises drive us to confront the "shadow" of our denied parts which we project upon others, both as individuals and through submerging ourselves in idolatrous "We groups." Only a "maturing We" experience grants us true objectivity in our human relationships and a sense of belonging to and togetherness with God. Kunkel's concept of "We-ness" as the primary and curative human experience is original, and his forthright religious commitment could place his ideas well within the current resurgence of Jungian thought.

David Steere
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Louisville, Ky.