Faith Development Response-Fowler (1)

Reply and includedialogue regarding impressions of Fowler’s faith theory or contribute to personal reflections and analysis of faith development. Seek to integrate insight from the article, or relevant source of information, to support your and include ideas.

faith development

There are seven stages that Fowler illustrates. “Faith in the sense used here, even extends beyond religious faith”(Fowler & Dell, 2004). Fowler’s seven “stages” are not as distinct or self-contained as they appear.  The transition from one to another often takes place gradually, and usually depends upon a variety of personal and social circumstances in addition to chronological age.  It is possible in fact, likely that individuals may incorporate aspects of more than one stage, particularly during periods when they are growing gradually from one stage to the next.  As a rule, Fowler’s stages are sequential, and individuals move from one to the next along the continuum which he outlined.  However, in any given stage, circumstances may cause individuals to return to elements of previous stages.  Personal images of God, which may seem to be quite distinct in each stage, usually contain aspects or characteristics of two or more different types.

The development of faith in a person is not simply a case of being taught and indoctrinated into the religious beliefs followed by their peers or family members, the person has to want to know about the faith experience themselves. Development in the stages of faith includes things such as biologic maturation, emotional and cognitive development, psychosocial experience, and religious/cultural practices so it becomes complex therefore it is not possible for human development to be automatic or assured at the same time (Fowler & Dell, 2004).

I believe there is an interconnection for children and adults where they may base some of their core believes. There may be stressors or other life events such a divorce in the family that children cannot control, this still causes stress and questions to arise for children. Children often question their beliefs during times of stress or these types of life events.

As growing up my mom set a good example for me as far as saying my prayers, going to Sunday school, attending church, and participate in every activity in the church for me to become closer to God. My dad was the complete opposite, he did not have all those rules for me to follow and he did not believe so much in God. As I got older, I soon realized I wanted to make the decision for myself and see if I would have the same outlook and outcome on life. I gradually declined going to church once I attended college because I forced to go my whole life it felt easier to make the decision to stay at home. However, things were not going in my favor and I lost my way and my faith. So now that I am older, I know where my strength and health comes from and I am grateful for my guidance along the way.

References:

Fowler, J. W. & Dell M. L.  (2004). Stages of faith and identity: birth to teens. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America.Volume 13, Issue 1,, 17-33 https://doi.org/10.1016/S1056-4993(03)00073-7.