Todd W. Hall – författare

MIDWC Book AwardAs 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.Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) Books explore how Christianity relates to mental health and behavioral sciences including psychology, counseling, social work, and marriage and family therapy in order to equip Christian clinicians to support the well-being of their clients.

It''s no secret that we live in an increasingly isolated world. The pandemic has only exacerbated what was already a startling trend: loneliness and disconnection have been on the rise for a long time in our society. We long for a deep sense of meaning to make sense of our lives, but we don''t know how to find it. Even worse, we often search for it in unhealthy ways that hinder the very thing we''re desperate for: genuine relational connection.Psychologist Todd Hall has been researching human relationships and ways of connecting for many years. In The Connected Life, he offers the fruit of that work, contending that real human growth doesn''t come through head knowledge alone but through relational knowledge and strong attachment bonds. It''s our relationships—with God and others—that lead to authentic transformation. Ultimately, the family of God provides the best context for lasting growth.Here is a wise, accessible introduction to transformative relational connection, addressing the deeply felt disconnection in our society and inviting us into lasting relationships with God and others.

Integrating psychology and theology has come with various intellectual challenges, including the challenge of valuing various ways of knowing. Psychology, deeply rooted in a scientific epistemology, places great value in systematic and measurable observations. Christian theology is bounded by central doctrines, forged over centuries of dialog and based on the authority of a sacred text. Those integrating psychology and theology most effectively have learned to value both epistemologies-the scientific and the authoritative-and have often been maligned and misunderstood in both worlds for valuing the epistemology of the other.This book is focused on Christian spirituality. The editors believe that Christian spirituality can contribute to both the evangelical integration dialogue, and to the broader discussion of spirituality and religion because of its insight into the nature of God, human development and maturity, and the means of spiritual change.