Relational Integration, Part II: Relational Integration as Developmental and Intercultural

Abstract

In Part II of this two-part manuscript, we continue to outline the contours of a relational integration approach to the relationship between psychology and theology. Part I focused on relational integration as embodied and hermeneutical; here, in Part II we describe relational integration as developmental and intercultural. We start with hermeneutical work on Colossians 3:1–11 to probe biblical perspectives on the developmental and intercultural dynamics of Christian spiritual formation in community. Developmental research on attachment and interpersonal neurobiology are utilized to frame the prospects and challenges of interpersonal and interdisciplinary collaboration. Spiritual and psychological dynamics of idealization and disintegration are described in relation to developmental and integrative processes. Finally, we argue for the importance of intercultural, gender, and other diversity factors as valuable dimensions for relational integration within our differentiation-based approach.