Attaching to God: Neuroscience-informed Spiritual Formation

129 Why Spiritual Directors are Reading "Landscapes of the Soul"

Aug 20, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Summer Joy Gross, an Anglican priest and author of The Emmanuel Promise, discusses the transformative impact of attachment theory on spiritual direction. She emphasizes the essential balance between intimacy and independence in spiritual growth. The dialogue uncovers how understanding attachment styles can lead to deeper connections with God and others. Summer also highlights the dual nature of spiritual environments, encouraging nurturing yet challenging practices to foster holistic development.
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INSIGHT

Attachment Meets Spiritual Formation

  • Landscapes of the Soul links attachment theory with spiritual formation to deepen faith and connection.
  • The book frames attachment as a bridge between brain science and biblical practice.
ANECDOTE

Journey From Pastor To Spiritual Director

  • Summer earned a spiritual direction certificate after a decade of pastoral ministry and watching congregants stay stuck.
  • She trained at Healing Care Ministries where attachment surfaced early in her formation.
INSIGHT

God As Adopting Abba

  • Attachment revealed to Summer how God could be experienced as an adopting Abba rather than a distant rule-giver.
  • That lens helped her see cracks in secure attachment and invited deeper relationship with God.
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