The Connected Life: The Art and Science of Relational Spirituality

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....

Praise for The Connected Life

"It is no secret that people worldwide are increasingly disconnected from each other. For a number of reasons, we are detached from feeling we can be vulnerable about ourselves with others. This issue ties directly into massive problems in physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual health. Todd Hall has provided a biblical and scientifically validated path to learn and experience true connection with God, others, and our very selves. The chapters on relational knowledge are a highlight. I highly recommend this book."

-- John Townsend, author of the Boundaries book series and founder of the Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling

"People seem more relationally disconnected today than ever and yet are desperate for meaning and connection. This is one big reason I am thrilled about this new book by my friend Todd Hall. The Connected Life is research based and yet full of stories and practical ideas. I am honored to offer an endorsement and look forward to helping spread the word when it releases."

-- Sean McDowell, professor at Biola University and author of So the Next Generation Will Know

"By weaving personal stories with psychological theory and research, Dr. Hall guides his readers to an understanding of healthy attachment and the way in which it can heal. His soulful explanation of psychological theory provides a guidebook of sorts for how we can be more deeply connected to ourselves, each other, and God. This book will help readers understand themselves—and those they care for—better and more deeply, enhancing their relationships and creating the conditions for better health and transformed connections."

-- Doreen Dodgen-Magee, psychologist and author of Restart: Designing a Healthy Post-Pandemic Life

"Todd Hall has spent his career plumbing the practical aspects of psychology and drawing out the deep connections with Christian theology. In The Connected Life, he marshals all his wisdom to help us understand the best way to live, love, and lead. This book will provide more practical aha! moments than any book you'll read this year. I highly recommend it!"

--Ken Wytsma, author of The Grand Paradox and The Myth of Equality

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Relational Spirituality: A Psychological-Theological Paradigm for Transformation

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....

Praise for Relational Spirituality

"I have been waiting for this book for a long time. With Relational Spirituality, Todd Hall and Elizabeth Hall have, with erudition and mercy, given us a masterpiece that not only tells us who we are but also points us in the direction of who we long to become. Broad in its scope, prophetic in its conviction, beautifully imaginative in its synthesis of multiple domains of human experience, and accessible in its application, this is sure to become a wellspring of hope and transformation—one that could not come at a more timely moment."

Curt Thompson, author of The Soul of Shame and Anatomy of the Soul

"This outstanding book is a pivotal contribution within the relational revolution in both psychology and theology. Todd and Liz Hall are both longtime, creative leaders in this emerging work on relational spirituality and bring a wealth of integrative expertise as scholars, practitioners, and (most importantly) mature persons. I look forward the conversations and initiatives that will result from deep reflection on their work. Clearly, we need much more healthy relational spirituality in our world, and they help us move in that direction."

Steven J. Sandage, Boston University, coauthor of Relational Spirituality in Psychotherapy: Healing Suffering and Promoting Growth

"Working from the premise that God's love is the reason, model, and source for the transformation of our natural love into Christian love, Todd and Liz Hall have provided an extended reflection that ably moves from theology to therapy, from psychological literature to implications for pastoral care. I think this volume will be especially generative for those in ministry who are trying to think in fresh ways about how to move 'relational' ministry from being a slogan to a reality."

Kelly M. Kapic, professor of theological studies at Covenant College, author of Embodied Hope

"Relational Spirituality is a significant contribution that brings together attachment psychology, neuroscience, theology, spirituality, and other disciplines in an emerging and dynamic conversation, all for the sake of a deeply relational vision of Christian spiritual formation. Frankly, this is a book I've been waiting and hoping for, one that will be well used by my students in years to come."

Chuck DeGroat, professor of pastoral care and Christian spirituality at Western Theological Seminary, senior fellow at Newbigin House of Studies

About Dr. Todd Hall

I was raised in the Los Angeles area, where I now live with my wife, Liz, and our two sons, Brennan and Aiden.

I’m a professor of psychology at Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University, where I teach courses on the integration of psychology and theology, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and positive psychology. My research focuses on relational approaches to spirituality, virtue, and leadership. I maintain a small clinical practice focusing on psychodynamic therapy with adults. I serve as a faculty affiliate at the Harvard Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University. I’m also a founding partner at Flourishing Metrics, where we focus on measuring and promoting employee well-being.

I’m the author/co-author/editor of of seven books: Spiritual Formation, Counseling, and Psychotherapy; Psychology in the Spirit; Psychology and Christianity: Five Views; The Motivation Code; Connection Culture; Relational Spirituality; and my latest book, The Connected Life.

I’ve developed several widely used spiritual assessments, and co-developed of the Motivation Code assessment, and the Flourishing Assessment.

In terms of my educational background, I have an MA and PhD in clinical psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology, and an MA and doctoral specialization in measurement and psychometrics from UCLA.

I hope my writing is helpful to you on your journey of healing and growth. You can contact me here, and learn more about my leadership development work at drtoddhall.com.

Dr. Hall’s Books

The Connected Life

Relational Spirituality

Psychology in the Spirit

Psychology and Christianity

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