The Henson Journals

[142]

Wednesday, October 4th, 1922.

Sir Clifford Allbolt, Regius Professor of Physic at Cambridge in his opening address of the winter session at St George's Hospital Medical School on October 2nd, spoke plainly and severely about "psycho–analysis".

"This 'psycho–analysis' was no new thing. For many a century it had been known by the churches, both in theory and practice, as confession and casuistry. The one implied the other, and broadly speaking, beneficient as might have been & still might be its value in particular cases, yet, on the whole, it had been condemned by the honour , good feeling, purity, and common sense of the majority of mankind. Yet after all this experience, it was now proposed to turn any teacher or incidental doctor who had a fancy for analysis to probe into the minds of adolescents and even children, & this too often with dirty tools".

This represents the traditional view of English laymen, and it would seem that it also expresses the verdict of scientific men, whose special studies have compelled them to come to a conclusion on the matter in question. Yet "psycho–analysis" is urged on the credit of confession, and confession is pressed as the true religious analogue of psycho–analysis; and the amalgam of bad science & worse morals is consecrated as an essential part of the Christian Ministry's task!

[143] [symbol]

Reasons why there are few Ordination Candidates in Durham:

1. The raising of the standard of the Bishop's Examination.

2. The poor quality, social & intellectual, of many of the Incumbents

3. The unpopularity of the diocese, where there are far few amenities and an obsolete type of churchmanship.

4. The "boycott" of the Diocese by the "Anglo–Catholic" colleges.

5. The dislike of the reigning Bishop.

The last may be more widely operative than I know, for it is the case that I am openly opposed to all the prevailing movements of my time – Anglo–Catholicism, Christian Socialism, Prohibition, Feminism, Spiritualism, Psych–therapy, psycho–analysis. I abhor them all, &, of course they have their revenge.

Clayton & I left the Castle at 1.30 p.m., and motored by an infamous road to Jarrow, where I preached at the Centenary Celebration of the Primitive Methodist Church. There was a crowded congregation, and a hearty & reverent service. I was particularly pleased to see the Rector of Jarrow, and some of the other clergy present. I returned to Auckland through Gateshead, dropping Clayton at Heworth, where he was pledged to preach at the Harvest Thanksgiving.

Edmund Parkes arrived in his car. After dinner we walked out to look at the Castle under moonlight.

[144] [symbol]

October 4th, 1922.

Dear Mr Bowman

I saw Mr Beaglehole on Sunday, and, subject to the necessary provisos, accepted him as a candidate for Ordination. He cannot, in any case, be ordained before Trinity: and I think it is rather premature for him to decide about his title.

My only feeling (which I find to be widely shared by experienced parish clergymen) is that whenever possible a deacon should receive his title from a parish where there are other curates. Probably the best part of a young man's training comes from his fellow curates. This consideration makes me hesitate about definitely accepting the title you offer him: but if you repeat the offer in six months time, and there is no more suitable sphere for him, I shall not refuse to accept your nomination.

Believe me.

Yours sincerely,

Herbert Dunelm.

The Rev. F. E. Bowman

Vicarage. Wingate R.S.O

---