Hofmann, J. Joseph

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The Linacre QuarterlyVolume 27 | Number 3 Article 68-1-1960Book Review of Counselling the Catholic, by GeorgeHagmaier and Robert GleasonJ. Joseph HofmannFollow this and additional works at: http://epublications.marquette.edu/lnqPart of the Ethics and Political Philosophy Commons, and the Medicine and Health SciencesCommonsRecommended CitationHofmann, J. Joseph (1960) "Book Review of Counselling the Catholic, by George Hagmaier and Robert Gleason," The Linacre Quarterly:Vol. 27 : No. 3 , Article 6.Available at: http://epublications.marquette.edu/lnq/vol27/iss3/6Book Revie � George Hagmaier, C.S Review by J. Joseph Hofmann, S.J. Chaplain, Kings County Hospital Brooklyn, New York"Grace builds upon nature" is commonplace presumption in dog matic theology. It is for the pro fessional theologian to describe the nature and operations of grace and it is for the psychologist am'. psychiatrist to shed light on the intricate and interacting workings of human nature as we live it. The priest in his role of confessor and pastoral guide should be familiar with both of these fields. The area of grace is covered thoroughly in his training in the theological seminary, and, in more recent years, courses in pastoral psychol­ogy are also being presented to the seminarians. This excellent book is for those who were never privileged to have had such a psychology course; or, if they had one, this book is an outstanding one to have on the bookshelf for review and for re­newing the proper attitudes about the problem-solving process. 120 and Robert Gleason, S.J. Does the reading and stua of this book turn out amateur pi '.St­psychologists? No! It is defir ely not intended as such ( and fa, his reason and to avoid casual ": at" references, the authors have ho­sen to omit an index). The au 1ors aim to present a compendiu of practical psychology, a simple ,,ut­line of fundamental counsr ling concepts and techniques. It s a certain minimum of inform. :ion which every priest should ha- �-Although primarily intende, for Catholic priests and seminar ans, still parents, teachers, doctors, guidance counsellors, youth work­ers, psychologists, and psychia'rists may find considerable portior.s of this material useful. In addition to excellent chapters on the psychological and moral perspectives of masturbation, ho, mosexuality, and alcoholism, there are three chapters that stand out in the estimation of this reviewer. LINACRE QUARTERLY The first of these is the chapterthat stresses the fundamental prin­ciple of all counselling and has animportance that cannot be over­stressed: be a listener and show awholehearted acceptance of the client. Silent listening precludesinadequate or even wrong advice.It allows the client to talk out theproblem, which, in some cases, issufficient to solve the problem be­cause, being crystalized in words,the problem is seen more objec­tively. This might be a difficulttechnique for a counsellor to adopt,but it is essential. The chapter on the "psychologyof human weakness" highlightsanother principle: that in complexhuman emotional conduct, there arevery few "blacks" and "whites"but much "gray." Man's personalproblems are not always open toeasy and quick solutions. TheTen Commandments are reviewedinally, the treatment of scru­•)sity does credit to the authors.1ey disarmingly show how thelitional approach to this prob-is inadequate in the light of,cnt psychological findings.er sympathetically consideringL approach of the great coun­s ·ors of the past, they gently .s ,w a better way to handle theupulous person. Llesides a complete and modern,liography that rates a specialrd of praise, there is also in-c .ded a list of referral agenciesJ facilities to be found in mosties that are available to give1 ofessional help to such cases asi 1 !icate the need. The list itemizess ·h groups as those concerned,,. h the aged, the alcoholic, labor,I, ,al aid, the Negro, veterans,,, !fare, young adults, and manyothers. to show some possible underlyingelements that can color the treat­ment to be given in the confes­sional or in the parlor. For ex­ample: the problem .of negligencein religious duties may have itsfoundation in a disregard for allauthority s t e m m ing from poorparent-child relationships duringYouth. The strength of the sexdrive, the difficult distinction be­tween "wanting" with the sensesand "choosing" with the will, andPDsitive sex education are excel­lently and constructively presentedshowing factors and insights fre­quently overlooked in traditionalcounselling approaches.The authors modestly contendthat their book is only a beginningin clarifying and refining the sci­e11ce and art of pastoral counsel­ling. This volume sets a standardof excellence which may profitablybe emulated by subsequent writersin this field. AUGUST, 1960 Counselling the CatholicPublished by Sheed and Ward 64 University Place New York, N.Y. 1959- $4.50 121 

Book Review of \u3cem\u3eCounselling the Catholic\u3c/em\u3e, by George Hagmaier and Robert Gleason

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Book Review of \u3cem\u3eCounselling the Catholic\u3c/em\u3e, by George Hagmaier and Robert Gleason

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