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The general tenor of these essays appears to voice the fear that modern psychology is trespassing on the preserves of the Church. L. F. Grensted, in a general survey, reviews the development of psychology as a science and criticizes Freud's theories. In common with most of his following essayists he fails to realize the significance of unconscious mental processes and rather naturally favours McDougall's recognition of 'purpose' as the central factor in behaviour.
Dr. Relton thinks that if mysticism is really religious hysteria it should weaken rather than strengthen character and would not create men like St. Paul. We think that certain theologians might agree that his choice of St. Paul is not a particularly happy example. It is perhaps the hysteria of Paul that is responsible for modern Christianity. It is conceivable that the original doctrine of Jesus undistorted by Paul might have produced a broader-minded Christianity.
The next three papers are chiefly concerned with a superficial application of psychology to public worship, religious education, preaching, evangelism, etc. The true attitude of psychology to religion is neglected
Dr. O. Hardman thinks that psycho-analytical claims may be partly