The Connected Life: The Art and Science of Relational Spirituality, By Todd W. Hall
The Connected Life
Paperback
$21.99
  • Length: 224 pages
  • Dimensions: 5.5 × 8.5 in
  • Published: November 24, 2026
  • Imprint: IVP
  • ISBN: 9781514017050

Find Authentic Transformation Through Lasting Relationships

In our increasingly isolated world, the longing for genuine connection has never been more profound. The Connected Life by psychologist Todd Hall offers a transformative roadmap for Christians seeking real relational connection and authentic spiritual growth.

Drawing from years of research on human relationships and attachment theory, Hall uncovers a profound truth: real transformation doesn't happen through head knowledge alone—it flourishes through the deep, meaningful connections we form with God and others.

This book is a research-backed, biblically grounded guide that addresses the deeply felt disconnection plaguing our generation. Through compelling stories and accessible insights, Hall demonstrates how the family of God provides the best context for lasting spiritual growth.

What you'll find in The Connected Life:

  • Psychological research combined with biblical principles for a comprehensive approach to connection
  • Real-life stories and practical ideas for building meaningful relationships
  • Insight into the roots of the isolation and disconnection epidemic affecting our world today
  • Psychological and theological concepts presented in engaging and accessible language

If you've struggled to form lasting relationships, or if you minister to those who do, this book is your guide for navigating the relational challenges in today's world. The Connected Life transforms the way we understand spiritual growth, moving beyond individual effort to embrace the transformative power of authentic community.

"The Connected Life blends social science with spiritual truths to reveal why we feel so discombobulated, and tells us how to put ourselves back together."David Burkus, author of The Myths of Creativity and Friend of a Friend
"The Connected Life is a brilliant book that is very important for the future of the church. It offers practical insights that will help you find meaning and thrive in life. Drawn from Todd's faith, personal experiences, counseling practice, and psychology research, The Connected Life brings a fresh perspective. Todd's beautiful writing style really connects, and his storytelling ability is icing on the cake."Michael Lee Stallard, president of Connection Culture Group and author of Connection Culture: The Competitive Advantage of Shared Identity, Empathy, and Understanding at Work
"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
"Todd Hall understands the connected life, largely because he's known firsthand the disconnected life. He grew up looking for love, longing for a place to belong. Thankfully, he found it all, and more, in the welcome of a good God, the love of a good woman, and the grace of a good church. But he knows deeply and clearly what it is to lack such things, so he also knows the gifts that these things are and how best to receive, foster, and steward them. How do you or I overcome our tendencies tohide, evade, resist, and resent? How do we truly, deeply connect? I can hardly think of a question more relevant to our times or one for which we need, and urgently, real wisdom. This book is just such wisdom."Mark Buchanan, pastor and author of Spiritual Rhythm
"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
"Although most of us recognize the importance of relationships in our lives at some level, we often find ourselves stuck, unsure of how to cultivate healthy, thriving relationships. In this book, Todd clarifies the path toward adopting new habits and frameworks that help us to love others, and ourselves, well. The Connected Life communicates profound insights about how to love winsomely and live meaningfully."Steve Saccone, author of Relational Intelligence and Talking About God
"We live in the most distracted and disrupted culture in the history of the world. That radical disruption is affecting our families, personal relationships, careers, and spiritual lives, which is why I'm so thrilled Todd Hall has released The Connected Life. The truth is, this book is a road map for navigating today's world—if you can't change, the world will pass you by. So read The Connected Life, underline it, and keep it on your desk. It could very well be your ticket to the future."Phil Cooke, filmmaker and media consultant, author of One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born to Do
"In The Connected Life, Todd Hall demonstrates powerfully that we are hardwired for close, empathic relationships, but we suffer deeply from our increasingly fragmented culture. Through compelling stories, research results clearly explained, and practical action steps, Todd helps readers learn how to build life-giving relational connections. This book challenged me and fed my soul. I heartily recommend it."Joshua Miller, author of Unrepeatable: Cultivating the Unique Calling of Every Person
"We live in a world where 'friends' usually means contacts, accountability most often refers to associates, and the best intimacy means FaceTime. Todd Hall challenges us to examine our earthly relationships in light of the potential and power of the spiritual glue that can hold them together. The Connected Life presents an oasis of hope in a desert of disconnection."Kenneth C. Ulmer, senior advisor to the president, Biola University
"I love that the thoughtful engagement with neuroscience, attachment psychology, theology, and more from Todd's previous book is now offered in this engaging and accessible work. The Connected Life offers a kind of antidote to our disconnected lives and to the hidden suffering we endure as a result. It envisions a way back to each other and to God."Chuck DeGroat, professor of pastoral care and Christian spirituality at Western Theological Seminary
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Read an Excerpt

CONTENTS

Foreword by Curt Thompson
Introduction: The Power of Loving Connection
Part One: The Connection Crisis
1. The Causes of Our Connection Crisis
2. The Spiritual Effects of Our Connection Crisis
3. Misguided Spirituality
Part Two: Relational Knowledge
4. We Know More than We Can Say
5. Once More with Feeling
Part Three: Attachment Bonds
6. Born to Connect
7. Becoming Attached
8. How We Connect to God and Others
Part Four: Transformation
9. Born to Love
10. Deep Love
11. Understanding Deep Growth
12. Cultivating Deep Growth
13. Suffering Well
14. Born to Belong
Acknowledgments
Notes

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Todd W. Hall

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.