Pastoral Psychology by Gte Bergsten

Pastoral Psychology by Gte Bergsten

Originally published in 1951, unlike most books dealing with psychology and pastoral work at the time, this work is not concerned solely with the application of psycho-therapeutic principles to the work of the minister. It is dominated by the need for the pastoral care which the normal member of the Church needs. The author’s foremost aim is to show that pastoral psychology should find its own techniques; even if it uses the experiences of psychotherapy, it is to be considered as an independent form of personality treatment.

His introductory chapter deals with the relationships between psychology and the care of souls and gives a historical survey. He then deals with the help that medical psychology can give pastoral psychology and gives an excellent chapter on methods of treatment. The problem of scepticism which Bergsten says can often be considered as a neurotic symptom, and the problem of real and apparent guilt are treated exhaustively and in a particularly fresh manner. He is very critical of the Freudian doctrine of sublimation. In his treatment of the dream problem Bergsten stresses the similarity between dream and drama and compares the dream with an old mystery play, which shows the way out of the actual conflict. Finally, he deals with Mental Illness and Religion and gives advice for the relatives of those who are mentally ill.

Pastoral Psychology deals thoroughly with every aspect of the subject in a fresh and vivid manner. At the time it was a book from which the professional psychiatrist was thought to gain as much as the Minister or Pastor.

Reviews for the original publication:

‘This book strikes me as remarkably sane and balancedAll pastors, no matter how they describe the work, do hear confessions and all should get help from this book.’ – Manchester Guardian

‘A very good book to place into the hands of a busy minister who finds little time to read widely, yet desired to increase his efficiency in the care of souls.’ – Church of England Newspaper

‘One can strongly recommend this book to all who are concerned to help people individually.’ – Churchman

‘This is an extremely useful book and ministers especially will find that it will really help them to make their pastoral work more effective in the building up of Christian personalities.’ – Christian World

‘A very welcome and thought provoking contribution to the much needed rapprochement between psychiatry and pastoral psychology.’ – The Guardian

‘The book is both a suitable text-book for students and a helpful guide to the minister who practices psychological treatment amongst his flock… Altogether the book can be recommended as one of the best written on its subject.’ – London Quarterly Review

‘This work should be read for the way it opens up the field on which psychology and religion meet.’ – Congregational Quarterly

Göte Bergsten (d.1954) was, at the time of original publication, Superintendent and Chaplain of St. Lukasstiftelsens (St. Luke’s Foundation), Institute for Psychology and Spiritual Counsel, Stockholm.