Attachment Theory, God’s Presence, & The Image of God: How God Heals Us (Geoff Holsclaw) Ep. #220

2025-10-02

What does attachment theory have to do with discipleship, theology, or the church? According to Dr. Geoff Holsclaw, more than we realize. In this episode, Holsclaw—a pastor, theologian, and co-author of Landscapes of the Soul—joins Dru Johnson to explore how neuroscience and interpersonal attachment can illuminate both human development and the biblical story. From early childhood bonds to the way we experience God’s presence, he explains how secure and insecure attachments shape how we relate to other...

What does attachment theory have to do with discipleship, theology, or the church? According to Dr. Geoff Holsclaw, more than we realize.

In this episode, Holsclaw—a pastor, theologian, and co-author of Landscapes of the Soul—joins Dru Johnson to explore how neuroscience and interpersonal attachment can illuminate both human development and the biblical story. From early childhood bonds to the way we experience God’s presence, he explains how secure and insecure attachments shape how we relate to others, ourselves, and the divine.

The conversation dives into the four “attachment landscapes” (Jungle, Desert, War Zone, and Secure), and how trauma or neglect in childhood can subtly shape a lifetime of relational patterns—unless there is healing. But the episode offers real hope: not only is repair possible, but Scripture itself shows us the way. Holsclaw connects attachment theory to key biblical moments—from God’s face in the Psalms to Jesus’ sending of the disciples.

This is not a self-help take on neuroscience. It’s a theologically rich exploration of embodied faith, community healing, and how God repairs the ruptures in our lives.

To get your copy of Landscapes Of The Soul:
https://www.tyndale.com/p/landscapes-of-the-soul/9798400505546

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Chapters:

00:00 Neuroscience in Counseling and Theology
06:19 Understanding Attachment Theory
14:04 The Impact of Attachment Styles
20:13 Scriptural Foundations of Attachment
26:26 Jesus and Attachment Dynamics
33:50 Healing and Growth in Attachment
40:57 Community and Relationships in Healing

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