In 1981, Dr. James W. Fowler published the book, Stages of Faith: The Psychology of Human Development and the Quest for Meaning, in which he detailed his theory and research on developmental stages of faith through life. Fowler defines faith as the patterns and structures through which we give value and meaning to our lives. These things determine our actions. In other words, our actions are shaped by those things that we value or that give meaning to our lives. In hundreds of interviews Fowler found that people use consistent patterns and structures. These patterns change throughout life according to recognizable stages.
I find it interesting to examine these Stages of Faith from a Mormon perspective. I've collected a few explanatory materials on the theory and some of my own writings. Not all of these writings necessarily represent my current beliefs or my current stage. Rather than reworking them to bring them up to date, or removing stuff I no longer agree with, I have decided to leave them as is, as a snapshot of my ideas at a particular time.
Fowler's book, Stages of Faith was re-released as a paperback in 1995. It's available online, including Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble, or at your local bookseller. Here's full reference information:
Stages of Faith: The Psychology of Human Development and the Quest for Meaning
by James W. Fowler
ISBN: 0060628669
Publisher: Harper San Francisco
Pub. Date: August 1995
Retail Price: $16.00
The book is rather technical and uses high grade-level style and words. Some may find it an difficult read but I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
Peggy's article got me started on this topic. She originally posted this review or summary to the USENET group soc.religion.mormon on September 15, 1998. I am reposting it here with permission. I think her review is very informative and well-done. Thanks, Peggy!
I thought of writing a summary of the different stages, but I have decided I cannot do it justice. Instead, if you find this interesting, I recommend you buy the book. Fowler's detailed examples and discussions are very helpful. I decided to write a few of my thoughts on his book and describe why I enjoy it.
What do you think about Stages of Faith? Visitor comments requested.
This is a brief article I wrote on my impressions of Fowler's work.
I define Concepts of Enduring Utility as those faith concepts that continue to provide us utility (value or meaning) through different stages of faith. In this article I describe three methods or categories whereby this utility endures. I propose that we concentrate on Concepts of Enduring Utility as they will have the most benefit to us over our lives.
Here I examine how the stages of faith relate to the LDS Church. This focuses on institutional and cultural aspects, things Fowler refers to as a faith community. This has nothing to with whether or not the doctrines or teachings of the LDS church are true.
Does the Stages of Faith theory result in judgementalism or compartmentalizing our faith or others' faith? In this brief article, I examine these questions and decide that Stages of Faith is a Stage 5 answer to a long debated question.
I have reproduced Fowler's table showing how seven different personality aspects map onto the stages. Some of my commentary accompanies the table.
I have also reproduced Fowler's table depicting the results of his studies. This table shows the distribution of stages based upon the age of the individual. My commentary introduces the table.
A description of some facets of my own transitions through stages of faith.