Finding Space

Book excerpt: In Finding Space, Ann Belford Ulanov argues that depth psychology in general and the work of D. W. Winnicott in particular offer vital new ways in which to apprehend religious life, especially Christian religious life. Her inspiration is rooted in Winnicott's influence on her work as an analyst and how his ideas have enriched her own Christian faith and religious understanding. In addition, Ulanov feels Winnicott's focus on the intensity of aliveness is an antidote to the plight of contemporary religion - that it can be passionless or rote, and thereby irrelevant to so many people. She expands Winnicott's concept of transitional space between self and other to apply to the space between the human and divine. She explores the importance of the "illusionist element" of God images in creative approaches to the divine. Other topics include the paradox transitional reality holds with subjective and objective notions Christians have of God; the inclusion of the body - specifically sexuality and aggression and the struggle for integration within the self - in the search for relationship with God; and the importance of the feminine. In an especially helpful appendix, Ulanov includes Winnicott's thoughts on matters pertinent to religious life and thought.