Attachment and Spiritual Maturity 30
Figure I: The Social Structure of Human Spirituality Self
Other
God - Spirit
God - Spirit
1s
Social!
ersonj1
rer
Physical
Mental
Sexual
Physical
~sy
ychicb1
V
V
Social - Self
)
Ego - Self
Ego - Self
Evidence of these deficiencies is experienced often for the first time during the
separation-individuation process which gives birth to the self. The delicate balance of
maintaining social connection while gaining autonomy gives opportunity for distortion of
the created relational image of God. The process could be visualized as a continuum
between absolute autonomy with no social belonging on one end and social belonging with
no autonomy on the other end. A balance in behavior must be achieved. This balance is
explored in the separation-individuation process ofMahler, Pine, and Bergman (1975) and
Stern (1985).
An argument can be made that the psychological process of separation
individuation of Mahler et al. (1975) and Stern (1985) can be viewed in light of the
theological sense ofestrangement put forth by Tillich (1954). This is evident in Tillich's
statement: "Man is estranged from the ground of his being, from himself, and from his
world" (1954, p.115). This estrangement comes from his/her conflicting desires between
love and power, which is only resolved through justice. All humans long to overcome
their isolation and wish for social cohesion with God and others. This is not unlike what
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