Book Review and Note: In Religion Good for Your Health?

Abstract

ogy of pastoral care...religious rituals and symbolism...religious research?" (p. 14). He also asked whether CPE should playa role in training lay people (p. 13). Oglesby challenged the organization to focus on the "greater involvement of women in CPE at all levels" and to "break out of its middle-class shell" (p. 34). In response to Oglesby, Thomas describes the emerging role of women in CPE since 1975. In addition to an increase in female supervisors, women became more active in governance. Joan Hemenway was the first Regional Director (Eastern Region) in 1983. Kathy Turner (1992) andJo Clare Wilson (1998) were the first female Presidents. The increase in female supervisors changed the very nature of CPE. Quoting several female supervisors, Thomas points out that women became more than nurturing mothers, they helped the ACPE face "the sexual dynamic inherent in the supervisor-student relationships, including misuse of power by male supervisors on some occasions" (pp. 50-51). Regarding its middle-class shell, Thomas points out that along with an increase in female supervisors, came an increased emphasis in religious diversity (an increase in Jewish and Roman Catholic involvement as well as other world religions) and multicultural involvement (the multicultural network had over 300 participants at its February 2000 meeting). Perhaps its greatest indication of inclusiveness is seen in the 1979 formation of the now Gay/Lesbian network. In response to Powell, Thomas presents statistics showing that the ACPE has seen an increase in laity involvement and a greater focus on spirituality and research over the last twenty-five years. He notes, however, that none of these changes could have occurred if supervisors had not been willing to adjust to changing times. In 1975 Powell reminded supervisors that they would "provide the current context and answers" (p. 14) to the challenges before them. As Thomas puts it, 'What was and is unique about the CPE experience was not that CPE had created a new model, but that it had blended together in the person of the Supervisor a unique individual who was willing to live on the 'boundaries'" (p. 107). I found A 'Snap Shot' History a pleasant and interesting journey, as ifI were sitting with John looking at his photo album of the ACPE. The great strength of this book is that Thomas tells a powerful and important story of how the ACPE has faced its challenges in the last twenty-five years. Indeed, referring to the last 75 years, he notes, "it has changed the health and welfare institutions of the United States..." (p. 108). As is the case with most photo albums, not every picture interested me. Also, a significant drawback is that Thomas shows us primarily the good pictures, such as the student testimonies of the Ah ha experiences. Little attention is given to the Uh oh and Oh no experiences. Thus, we see no testimonies from dissatisfied students. Nonetheless, those with any CPE experience will find A 'Snap Shot' History a valuable resource. It will be of even greater value to beginning students and those unfamiliar with CPE such as hospital administrators who can benefit from hearing the ACPE story.