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Professor Mowrer is an eminent research psychologist who has made important contributions to learning theory. A book on religion from such a source is worthy of notice by analytical psychologists, especially as, despite the absence of acknowledgements, several of the central concepts and attitudes are very similar to ideas put forward by Jung.
The author sets out to consider the reasons underlying the failure of both psychiatry and religion to deal effectively with the problem of mental disturbance. He points out that there have been unfortunate consequences from the separation of psychology, philosophy, and religion over a century ago. Concepts of biological evolution and adaptation, evident in behaviourism and psycho-analysis, have resulted in a neglect of the importance of psychological adaptation and human responsibility. Mowrer argues that personality can only be understood in terms of interpersonal, moral, and spiritual value systems, and the use of the word “illness” has obscured the fact that psychoneuroses, and even psychoses, are defective and defensive styles of life. He regards them as “moral disorders” arising from real guilt (as distinct from guilt feelings) and considers that there is much to be said for regarding the sufferer as sinful rather than sick.
Mowrer suggests that the vital factor in psychoneurosis is lack of recognition of the conscience which has been outraged by unacknowledged and unexpiated misconduct; not guilt feelings about unexpressed wishes but guilt about actual misdeeds. The task of the therapist is to release the conscience, helping the patient to recognize, admit and accept his real guilt. A sine qua non of acceptance is reparation by taking appropriate social action. Sins are against society, for man is a social creature and his health depends upon openness, community and relatedness. This social health is promoted by good actions and destroyed by evil or sinful ones. Latent guilt, resulting from concealment of deeds which are d