MIDWC Book Award

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.

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



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. He is an award-winning researcher, focusing on relational approaches to spirituality, virtue, and leadership. He is a coauthor of Psychology in the Spirit, developer of several widely used spiritual assessments, and co-developer of the Flourish Assessment.







Dr. Liz Hall is professor of psychology at Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, in La Mirada, California. For the past decade, she has led a team exploring the resources Christianity offers during difficult times. She coauthored Relational Spirituality with her husband, Todd, and has published over 150 academic works.



Acknowledgments

Introduction: The Emergence of a Relational Spirituality Paradigm



Part 1: The Need for a Relational Spirituality Paradigm

1. Theology and Spirituality: Their Fundamental Unity and Historical Split



Part 2: The Nature and Goal of Spiritual Transformation

2. The Image of God: A Theology of Being-in-Relation

3. Created to Connect: A Psychology of Being-in-Relation

4. Relational Knowledge: We Know More Than WeCan Say

5. Attachment Filters: How Relationships Shape Our Capacity to Love

6. The Nature of Loving Presence: Goodwill and Connection

7. The Art of Loving Presence: Responsiveness to the Other



Part 3: The Process of Spiritual Transformation

8. Transformational Change: The Relational Dynamics of Spiritual Transformation

9. Spiritual Community: The Communal Nature of Spiritual Transformation



General Index

Scripture Index