Consider James Fowler’s theory of faith development. Of the four stages that can occur
in adulthood in which do you see yourself. Explain your reasoning.
Just an open discussion board. No header or footer needed. At least 250 words.
James Fowler’s Theory of Faith Development Discussion
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James Fowler’s Theory of Faith Development Discussion
I see myself in the Individuative-Reflective faith because I take responsibility for my faith
journey. There are many questions regarding my faith that I seek to get answers, and I have to
search for the answers myself. When growing up, I believed in what my parents and the religion
taught me, but now I feel that there are ideas that are not clear, and I need to seek clarification. I
have the desire to learn more and to understand the power of different authorities. There are
various paths of faith, and I have been searching for the path that will help me know what I
believe in and explain some of my feelings towards faith. I find myself drifting away from what
others believe because I feel it is not right. In recent times, I have moved to a different faith in
search of answers that I cannot find.
At this point in life, there are things I do not believe in because I feel they are not real,
and I have to reject them. It is hard for me to believe what others, especially my parents, believe
in without analyzing those beliefs to evaluate if that is what I believe in. If I have a different
option about certain, believe I discard it and look for a better explanation of what I should
believe in. Individuative-Reflective faith stage is one filled with struggle, and most of the time, I
find myself conflicted on what to believe because I am tone between believing what others
believe or believing what I feel is right. I always question my assumption because I sometimes
think they are out of line with the faith believes I grew up knowing.
References
Parks, S. D. (2018). Faith Development. In The Oxford Handbook of Religion and American
Education (p. 103). Oxford University Press.
