The unconscious: Your assistant minister

Abstract

A pre-theological student reports a recurring dream: "I am at the pulpit in the church in which I grew up. I am aware that the congregation is filled with people who seem hostile. Suddenly, I 'm not sure whether I have any clothes oa under my robe. While reading the Old Testament lesson, I stumble over one of the long and complicated Hebrew names. Unable to go on, a man who had fought with my family when I was a child comes forward and leads me out of the chancel. The congregation divides into two groups. One group leaves and the second group follows my mother forward as she comes to me. I 'm not clear on whether she says ' I t 's all right,' or ' I told you that you couldn't do it.' As she speaks, she places a crown on my head. I realize that the crown is the ring that my father has worn for many years." It doesn't require a great deal of psychological sophistication to understand some of the anxieties with which this young man lives. He is unsure of his decision to become a clergyman. If he does, will he really be himself or will he be playing a part? Will he be able