Attachment and Spiritual Maturity 34
available in times of trouble for comfort and protection is related to the safe haven aspect
of attachment theory, whereas the daily presence of God to consult with about the daily
difficulties and problems is related to the secure base aspects of attachment theory. This
daily presence ofGod is particularly important in the lives of future Christian leaders.
In summary, the relational aspects of spiritual maturity, can be explained and understood through attachment theory. The roots of spirituality are found in relational attachments as social cohesion is established. Deficiencies in social cohesion will result in a lack of spiritual maturity.
Relational Attachments and Spiritual Maturity of Seminary Students
Seminary students today were described by Hall ( 1997) as being rootless;
(alienated and powerless) having addictions, and lacking belonging which may reflect a deficit in relational attachments resulting in spiritual immaturity. Therefore, attachment
history of seminary students should be considered when addressing spiritual maturity.
The implied question seeks after the nature of spiritual maturity among seminary
students. Important to this question is the specific relationship of their attachment
history to their relationship with God. It is suggested that the more experience seminary
students have with secure affectional bonds, the more they will develop a healthy
representational model of attachment. With a healthy model they will form affectional
bonds in intimate relationships with others and with God. Since secure affectional bonds
provide a safe haven as well as freedom for them to explore and initiate their autonomy,
the more they are free to hear and respond to the inner need for social cohesion, creating
relational maturity, the more they will enjoy the fulfillment of spiritual maturity.
Spiritual maturity will manifest itself in a devotional relationship to God, compassion and
concern for others, and service and work in the community and the world.
In response to this review of the literature, the following hypotheses are
considered.
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