God Attachment: Why You Believe, Act, and Feel the Way You Do About God

by Tim Clinton, Joshua Straub

Why has the human race, the world over, been so fascinated with . . . some might say obsessed with . . . God? This built-in attachment to God crosses religious, political, ethnic, cultural, and generational barriers.

Drs. Clinton and Straub reveal fascinating research about this worldwide phenomenon. From avoidant, anxious, and fearful to secure and personal, the range of responses to our internal attachment to God has a profound influence on the way we do relationships, intimacy, and life choices.

With helpful self-assessments, intriguing questions, and surprising revelations, this book moves from worldwide statistics to personal challenge, offering the means to become securely attached to God in a way that can have positive effects on our attitudes, approach to life, and overall life satisfaction.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Psychology, Counselling, Theology, Christian Non Fiction, Religion

256 pages, Hardcover

First published July 16, 2010

About the author

Also credited as Timothy Clinton

Tim Clinton, Ed. D. is President of the nearly 50,000-member American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), the largest and most diverse Christian counseling association in the world. He is Professor of Counseling and Pastoral Care, and Executive Director of the Center for Counseling and Family Studies at Liberty University. Licensed in Virginia as both a Professional Counselor (LPC) and Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Tim now spends a majority of his time working with Christian leaders and professional athletes. He is recognized as a world leader in faith and mental health issues and has authored 20 books including his latest, Breakthrough: When to Give In, When to Push Back. Most importantly, Tim has been married 31 years to his wife Julie and together they have two children, Megan and Zach.

Reviews

[David Bradley · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was barely tolerable. I have an interest in the way that people develop their religious beliefs, and I had hoped for a discussion of the role of attachment theory played on the development of various God concepts. What I got was an awful attempt to convert the reader to the author's particular view of God -- and even that was boring. This book was a wasted opportunity.

Psychology takes a back seat to theology here. Several times, the authors make a statement of fact, then ignore the fact when inconvenient to their theories. The authors occasionally teeter on the edge of a mystery, a question begging for explanation and exploration, only to retreat back to faith and Christian self-help nonsense -- stuff I never found satisfying even when I was a believer.

If you're looking for a book to bolster your faith, and you're a liberal Protestant, you may enjoy this book, as it will feed into your preconceptions; who doesn't love having their prior beliefs reinforced from time to time? There are enough people telling us we're wrong, that it's nice to retreat to someone telling us we're right. I wouldn't fault you for that.

[Ashley Chesnut · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid introductory read for someone wanting to understand attachment theory and how our attachment style affects how we relate to God. Written on the popular level with the average person in mind, easy to read and access.

[Adrian · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many things to say about this book. First, I enjoyed the read and thought that their integration of attach enemy theory's styles into the Christian framework was reasonable. I enjoyed the multiple discussions on the issues that arise in forming relationships with others and God due to previous neglect, abuse, or parental misguidance.

The pros:
A worthy discussion of attachment in the context of following Christ.
Helps to understand how our past experiences shape or current behavior, views, beliefs, and values.

Cons
The "science" in this book was lacking. They mention one study in multiple sections and begin to make overreaching conclusions and generalizations with regard to development and human attachment.
The neuroscience that they cite is again speculative and not exactly how the brain functions. They seem to have approached it from an absolute "this is how the brain works" rather than a relative "maybe this is what is happening"

Overall, an ok attempt and one that's hours be considered by anyone who has had previous abuse, neglect, or is trying to understand how they currently relate to others.

[Brandon H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an unusual read for me. I checked out this book from my local library because I wanted to learn about how our attachment styles affect our perception and view of God. Some chapters touched on that subject but other chapters seemed to wander into other topics and down unrelated rabbit trails.

The book felt like a smorgasbord of subjects, really. It touched on everything from apologetics and philosophy to important devotional habits to Christian discipleship to social justice, etc.

It is clear that the authors are well read and grounded in what they discussed. (In one chapter alone they quoted from Augustine, Os Guinness, Bonhoeffer, Bob Pierce, N.T. Wright, and Jonathan Edwards, along with 3 different books of the Bible). But all of these various topics (and references) didn't always connect or flow well together. They seemed to distract from the book's title and the (intended) theme of the book. Perhaps other readers could see all of the connections but I had a hard time seeing how some of the chapters related to attachment styles. So, I think they could have done a better job in that regard. That said, I liked it and even bought myself a copy for future reference.

Unbelievers who are coming from a psychological interest may feel like the authors went overboard in proselytizing.

I did think that their descriptions of the four basis attachment styles were well explained and better described than other books I have read on the subject. So, I'd give it 3.5 stars.

[Matthew Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're unfamiliar with attachment theory or the application of attachment to our relationship with God, then this is a decent introduction, though pitched so that things are generally very simple. The intention is largely to use attachment theory as a basis for how we can grow and develop a healthy relationship with God, and they present worthwhile ideas and practices for this. However, they stray from their original topic in the second half. What they add isn't wrong; it's just no longer directly tied to the topic.

I had hoped Clinton and Straub were putting together a comprehensive look at their topic or even a solid introduction, but it just didn't live up to that. It's not as thorough as it should be, in my mind, and the presentation is almost over-optimistic and over-friendly (it sometimes felt like it was written by a golden retriever trying to convince you that throwing the ball was going to change your life). However, their intention was different than mine, so it's partially a matter of differing ideals. They're writing a basic book on Christian growth with attachment as a foundation, and this is okay for that. It's just not what I was looking for.

[Dr. Chad Newton, PhD-HRD · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, I felt very disappointed with this text. The authors began their book with a good description of the attachment theory and how it explains the psychological distortions about a God-image. However, the writers failed to carefully examine their own theological beliefs or assertions and did not explain why readers should agree with their claims about Scripture, God, theological perspectives, or evangelicalism.
The authors also relied heavily on common platitudes spoken in religious circles to explain away complex questions about God's love. For example, a woman was sexually molested by her mother. She eventually came to know God and healed. But, we are not told the specific details of that process. All we are told is the basic evangelical story: She came to know God, that He loved her, and she came to know Him for healing. Not much of a thorough explanation or depth, and even the exegetical methods are never mentioned. Mere quotes of common Scrioture do not impress educated readers.

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book started off great, and I was super excited about it. They did make a lot of good points throughout the book. However, they focused the attachment issues solely on childhood problems. I don’t deny this is accurate. But I’ve personally experienced my attachment issues have changed and evolved and devolved over the years, and my attachments and relationships with each person in my life is usually pretty different. I have secure relationships, anxious relationships, avoidant relationships, and probably fearful (but I avoid those…lol). And furthermore, my relationship with God has seen each of those throughout the years. I felt the writers made the issue of attachment theory pretty black or white, but I think it is Wayyyy more complex than that.

Overall, good book with lots of thoughts to ponder, but not the end of my researching my attachment styles and relational styles.

[Sarah Wechsler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a full book that seamlessly weaved psychology, sociology, trauma, real life stories theology and the gospel into how we view our relationship with others and with God and how each of those relationships affects the other. The authors go deep into the 4 types of attachments in our relationships and how we got there, how it affects us and how to turn to God for that healing.

[Cheryl Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful marriage of psychology and faith. As a trained therapist, it is common to feel like there is something missing in the theory and this is that "missing link". Would give 5 stars, but the last 1/4 of the book almost feels like they needed to fulfill a page requirement... First half is definitely worth the time!

[Sarah Keywood · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most powerful and thought provoking books I've read, as a social worker and believer. Attachment theory in light of your own relationship with God. A definite re-read.

The back and forth between authors is slightly hard to follow is my only criticism.

[Jonathan Furse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clinton and Straub do an excellent job of guiding the reader through seeking God, recognizing their attachment style and how they attach to God. As you journey through this book you will learn about your past and gain insight and courage to lean into your future and become whole and secure.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent overview of attachment theory and more importantly, good perspective of what to do to encourage healthy growth.

[Karen McEwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Led me to some emotional revelations regarding my family. Haven't been the same since! Very helpful.

[Thom Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading

This book should be required by anyone seeking the heart of God and ministering to other folks. Simply the best description of our relationship with God.

[Denise Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on different attachment styles and how they impacts our relationship with God

[Delaney Harden · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Hannah Eisenbarth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot of great info, but I just didn’t know how to apply the info on my own. Would be a great book to work through with a mentor or counselor!

[Megan Wohler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christian should read this book to know where they've been, where they are, or where they need to be headed in their walk with Christ. It's even a good read for someone who is interested in the phenomenon of Christ. Our culture has such a God Obsession (one of the chapter titles, and issues discussed). Whether we claim to know him or not, most have an opinion or particular view they stand by concerning God. I taught a class on this book last spring, and all of us grew together in the understanding of our faith and understanding in how we relate to others, and why. I thought some of the videos were a little hokey, but generally encouraged further reflection and discussion. I appreciate that the authors are doctors, and counselors themselves. They introduce examples from their clientele and personal experience. A great book that I recommend to all I know. I'm reading it now for the third time.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up at the library on a fluke,--kinda I know someone is currently reading it and we had a discussion about the topic, however I wasn't curious enough to hunt it down. So when I seen it sitting one shelf I thought, "Why not?" And I have to say I liked it. It was a one day read for me, pretty light reading. I admit the last 2/3 chapters were a little redone-dent, yet over all it proved legitimate research and thought-provoking questions on attachment and such. I also want to add that at the end of each chapter the authors have suggested exercises and also a reminder that there are companion video's online to accompany the book.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellant!!!

[Jeni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this really interesting as it looks at how our formative years "set us up" for our perception of who God is and how to relate to him.

[Katrina O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for attachment theory from a Christian perspective. I found this book very helpful and an easy read.

[William Chamberlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be a great tool for insight in how I see God through my childhood experiences.

[Brian Hohmeier · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clinton and Straub offer OK theology and OK psychology in a basically adequate book that makes up for in storytelling and verbosity all it lacks in synergy and insight. What it amounts to is barely what the subtitle promises and certainly not more, so look elsewhere for practical guidance on addressing attachment issues in your relationship with Gød. "God Attachment" is ultimately a primer on evangelical faith that uses attachment theory as a launch point to work toward its altar call (no really, the epilogue leads you through the "Sinner's Prayer"). The worse, however, it's typical evangelical cognitivism is misplaced in a book about healing earned through the lived experience of relationships, and it causes this to fall far short of the book that it could have been with more attention to the lived processes of spiritual formation and less fixation on the cognitive act of religious conversion.