Freud Follows Christ ?
Christianity and Fear. By Oscar Pfister. (Allen and TJnwin. 30s.) This massive volume bears the sub-tide "A study in history and in the psychology and hygiene of religion." It is a translation of Des Christentum und die Angst, published in 1944 at Zurich. The translation has been made by Mr. W. H. Johnston. Dr. Pfister calls this his "scientific testament," and it is the outcome of a life- time of experience in the healing of sick minds and souls. More than forty years ago Dr. Pfister refused a chair in theology because he felt unable to sever the close pastoral relationship with persons which the ministry offers. He wanted to understand the phenomena of religious faith, and to be able to help people who were in psychological difficulties, and this has meant constant contact with actual situations. One of the most interesting aspects of Dr. Pfister's book is his use of illustrative material from personal case histories.
• The questions which Dr. Pfister raises and endeavours to answer are of permanent interest to all students of religion. Why has Christianity, a religion offering deliverance from fear, so often been the cause of creating new fear ? How can one explain what Dr. Pfister calls "the monstrous volume of anti-Christianity in the history of Christianity " ? Why have deeply religious men so often been cruel and harsh in controversy, and yet sincerely believed that they were obeying the spirit of Christ ? There are many possible answers to these questions, but Dr. Pfister concentrates upon one line of enquiry. He holds that the neurosis of certain individuals leads to a neurotic malformation of their Christianity, and that such a type of Christianity, presented to children, will be the cause of yet further neurotic conditions in succeeding generations. Christianity is in no sense exempt front the truth of the saying Corruptio optimi pessirna.
Clearly this is a theme of very great interest and importance, both to historians and also to all who are concerned with the presentation of Christianity and with Christian education. It leads to reflection upon what Christianity is and what it does, and upon its presenta- tion, not so much as a moral demand, but as a power which can heal men and deliver them from anxiety and fear, by a Gospel of faith and love. The whole book might be described as a com- mentary on one saying in the New Testament: "Perfect love casteth out fear."
Perhaps of major importance in this book is Dr. Pfister's attempt to "baptise into the faith" the teaching of Freud. This is a field of research which has so far been hardly touched. It is true that Dr. Pfister rejects Freud's materialism and his theory of religion ps an illusion. But he regards Freud as an ally rather than as an enemy to a true understanding of Christianity. We are given by Freud positive assistance in the deliverance of man from the dominance of fear. This is what Pfister says of Freud:
"It was a scientific discovery of the first importance that all neuroses are caused by a conflict of conscience which has been repressed into the unconscious and which can be safely brought to light thtough the careful application of a system of association and interpretation ; and that the grave unconscious conflicts which can exert the most powerful influence on religious and ethical life can be effectively combated by the same method."
Dr. Pfister's study of the life and teaching of Jesus is full of fresh insights.
"Jesus displaced conscience, a strict authority promoting the formation of fear and compulsion, in favour of love a milder and a kindly authority. For a purely imperative and prohibitive system of ethics and religious practice He substituted faith through love and love through faith, where inclination and duty., become one, while the highest authority stands behind both."
In a long historical survey of the development of Christianity in history, with special reference to Catholicism and in studies of the character and teaching of Luther, Calvin and Zwingli, Dr. Pfister argues that time after time conscience, springing out of an unhealthy fear and generating more fear, has resumed its power. The truth of the revelation of God's nature in Jesus has been obscured and perverted, and Christianity been presented in such a way as first to create a neurotic fear and then as a method of dealing with it.
Dr. Pfister's approach is essentially constructive. He seeks to work out a true understanding of the place of awe, trust and love in Christianity. There is hardly any aspect of Christian faith and life on which he does not comment. At times he is critical of much which has commonly passed for Christianity, and there are many points at which individual readers will disagree with him. But time after time one responds to some illuminating insight. The author's wisdom and humanity emerge fn..= his pages.
It is unfortunate that Dr. Pfister seems to have little or no acquaintance with British and American work in the study of religion. Even more strange is his almost complete neglect of the study of the Fourth Gospel. On page 179 of his book Dr. Pfister throws out a searching challenge to Christians and non-Christians alike. "Tell me the picture of Jesus you have reached and I will' tell you some important traits about your nature." Dr. Pfister's book reflects his own picture of the character and mission of Jesus. It will open to many readers the way to a reconsideration both of the claims of the Gospel of Christ and of the power of the Gospel to deliver men from anxiety and self-concern.
• MARCUS KNIGHT.
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