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This article builds a case for the centrality of the affect of shame in human life, and its importance in understanding the psychic power, meaning and transformative potential of the Christian Incarnation. It draws upon scriptural descriptions of the life, words, trial and passion of Jesus to demonstrate that he-or at least the archetypal figure that the gospelers describe-experienced the sting of shame at many points in his life and death. This article claims that shame is an integral and archetypal part of the human condition, and indeed is at the core of the most profound religious conversion experience because it is the affect closest to the experience self. If shame is not invidiously defended against, shame can draw us to God. Depth psychologists have seen that when shame experience is honestly confronted instead of bypassed, it is transformative and revelatory of identity. Pastors can use the shame ex-Jill L. McNish is an Episcopal priest engaged in parish ministry, spiritual direction and adjunct teaching. Her book on shame is forthcoming from The Haworth Press, Inc.

who want to keep up with literature on Christianity and families should add this book to their list. It is to be praised for its identification of important questions and interlocutors and its insistence on a christocentric and theocentric reading of the dilemmas facing contemporary families.

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Burgeoning understanding of unconscious processes should inform the work of the church and its ministries. Understanding derived from depth psychology can lead to deeper understandings of relationship with God and with one another, of the vicissitudes of spiritual life, of the meaning of ritual and sacraments, and to more profound and relevant scriptural hermeneutics and theological understandings. These claims are illustrated with examples.