As our society becomes more socially fragmented, many Christians feel disconnected and struggle to grow spiritually. Common models of spiritual transformation are proving inadequate to address “the sanctification gap.” In recent decades, however, a new paradigm of human and spiritual development has been emerging from multiple fields. It’s supported by a critical mass of evidence, all pointing to what psychologists Todd W. Hall and M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall call a relational revolution. In Relational Spirituality, Hall and Hall present a definitive model of spiritual transformation based on a relational paradigm. At its heart is the truth that human beings are fundamentally relational―we develop, heal, and grow through relationships. While many sanctification models are fragmented, individualistic, and lack a clear process for change, the relational paradigm paints a coherent picture of both process and goal, supported by both ancient wisdom and cutting-edge research. Integrating insights from psychology and theology, this book lays out the basis for relational spiritual transformation and how it works practically in the context of relationships and community. Relational Spirituality draws together themes such as trinitarian theology, historical and biblical perspectives on the imago Dei, relational knowledge, attachment patterns, and interpersonal neurobiology into a broad synthesis that will stimulate further dialogue across a variety of fields. Highlighting key characteristics of spiritual communities that foster transformation, Hall and Hall equip spiritual leaders and practitioners to more effectively facilitate spiritual growth for themselves and those they serve.
Curt Thompson, M.D.
Author, The Soul of Desire and The Soul of Shame.
Steven J. Sandage, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology, Boston University;
Co-Author of Relational Spirituality in Psychotherapy: Healing Suffering and Promoting Growth
Chuck DeGroat, Ph.D.
Professor of Pastoral Care and Christian Spirituality, Western Seminary;
Senior Fellow, Newbigin House of Studies
Kelly M. Kapic, Ph.D.
Professor of Theological Studies, Covenant College;
Author of Embodied Hope
Everett L. Worthington, Jr. Ph.D.
Commonwealth Professor Emeritus, Virginia Commonwealth University
Eric L. Johnson, Ph.D.
Professor of Christian Psychology, Gideon Institute of Christian Psychology and Counseling; Houston Baptist University
Todd W. Hall (PhD, Rosemead School of Psychology) is professor of psychology at Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University, where he teaches courses on the integration of psychology and theology, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and positive psychology. He is a faculty affiliate at the Harvard Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University and a founding partner at Flourishing Metrics. Hall is an award-winning researcher, focusing on relational approaches to spirituality, virtue, and leadership. He is a coauthor of Psychology in the Spirit and author of Relational Spirituality and The Connected Life. He is the developer of several widely used spiritual assessments, and codeveloper of the Flourish Assessment.
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