The Connected Life

The Art and Science of Relational Spirituality

By: Todd W. Hall, Curt Thompson - foreword

Narrated by: Timothy Andrés Pabon

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.

©2022 Todd W. Hall (P)2022 eChristian

Our Early Attachments Affect Our Relationships

The author perfectly blends science, spirituality, stories, and personal anecdotes to create an informative and engaging book. Throughout the book, he draws heavily on his experiences as a clinical psychologist, a Christian, and a husband.

This book is a great primer on attachment theory. The role that early attachments play in how we relate to God and others is a main thread throughout the book. The biggest thing I got out of this book was an appreciation of how much we need each other. The author makes the point that personal transformation happens in the context of relationships, and we can't be healthy without close relationships. I also liked what he says about "integrating the two ways of knowing" (implicit & explicit knowledge), which we can do by listening to stories, telling our own stories, and engaging in contemplative practices.