To Wrestle and to Dance: Reflections on the Power of Faith

William Glassman is a psychology professor at Ryerson University in
Toronto.

According to James Wilkes, a psychiatrist with theological training,
faith is crucial to solving problems of meaning in life. In a series of
short chapters, he touches on various themes—the role of action in
living, the nature of identity, and so on. In each case, he contrasts
the positive responses (which are associated with faith) with the
negative responses (which come from fear). This is an interesting
framework, and in many instances Wilkes applies it successfully.

At the same time, there are apparent inconsistencies. At one point, for
example, Wilkes says, “by focussing on myself, I’m unable to develop
myself by engaging in the world.” On the very next page, he writes
“the clearer I am about myself, the better I can listen to, care
about, and support others.” The problem here, and in a number of
similar instances, is not that it is impossible to reconcile these
statements, but that many readers may find it difficult to do so. In
addition, although Wilkes argues that faith is not limited to one
religion (or even to any religion), most of his examples are
Judeo–Christian. Both for believers of other faiths and for
nonbelievers, this emphasis tends to obscure the meanings Wilkes is
trying to express. Given the relevance of his basic themes, it would be
nice to endorse this book without reservation, but there is clearly much
wrestling required along with the dancing.