Season 4 Episode 6: Attachment Styles and Our Relationship to God with Dr. Ted Wueste

Guide for Cross-Cultural Workers

Join Brandi and James as they interview Dr. Ted Wueste on Attachment Theory and how it impacts our relationship with God. You can find more about Ted at https://desertdirection.com.

“attachment theory, in developmental psychology, the theory that humans are born with a need to form a close emotional bond with a caregiver and that such a bond will develop during the first six months of a child’s life if the caregiver is appropriately responsive.”- John Bowlby

When discussing attachment, we are talking about something that is part of God’s design in how he made us. Jesus, in scripture, has all of the commands summed up into loving God and loving each other. This is attachment and a bond between people. Being made in the image of God, the Trinity, is to have the ability to bond and connect in the same way. Attachment theory can give people a better handle on what God is talking about with the word love. This word is Hesed (חָסַד )in Hebrew and is often translated as Loving Kindness. Attachment theory is incredibly helpful for those seeking to walk with God to understand how. – Ted Wueste

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” – Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)

Krispin Mayfield, in Attached to God, suggests that ambivalent, avoidant, and disorganized attachments can be understand as relating to God …

• Anxious attachment/spirituality
• Shut-down attachment/spirituality
• Shame-Filled attachment/spirituality

The movement toward secure attachment to God (grace, safety, freedom) (Mayfield):

• From anxiety to rest
• From shut-down to engagement
• From shame to delight