386 - Christo-Psychology

Christo-Psychology
By Morton T. Kelsey
New York, Crossroad, 1983. 154 pp. $12.95.

This practical guide attempts to present some of Carl Jung's contributions in bridging psychology and theology. Jung's personal and professional development is presented in the first three chapters. Subsequent chapters apply Jungian insights to the process of individuation, spiritual direction, psychological types, dreams, and meditation.

The book belongs to the psychotheological genre that has become rather popular over the past decade. In his attempts to combine "the insights of depth psychology with those of vital Christianity," Kelsey leaves little doubt about the vitality and significance of Jung's insights. Since the book was based on a transcript of lectures, the text is casual in style and free of extensive psychological jargon. Though there is frequent mention of Jung's works in the text, more footnotes plus a bibliography would have been helpful. The author, who professes to be a Christian first and a Jungian second, presents complex material with an eye for pastoral practice. Spiritual directors and pastoral counselors will benefit from this book.

Leroy Kremer
St. John's University
Collegeville, Minnesota.