Introduction
James William Fowler III (1940–2015) was an American theologian who was Professor of Theology and Human Development at Emory University. He was director of both the Center for Research on Faith and Moral Development, and the Center for Ethics until he retired in 2005. He was a minister in the United Methodist Church
Task
Fowler's (1981) concept of “faith” as a “quest for meaning” is closer Frankl's sense of “will to meaning,” as a component of self-transcendence, in that Fowler argues that meaning is derived through the ways one relates to the “centers of value” that are of ultimate importance to the person.
Process
In this study Fowler, a psychologist and theologian, develops a six-stage theory of faith development. Stage 1 – Intuitive-Projective Faith, Stage 2 – Mythic Literal Faith, Stage 3 – Synthetic-Conventional Faith, Stage 4 – Individuative-Reflective Faith, Stage 5 – Conjunctive Faith and Stage 6 – Universalizing Faith
Evaluation
Fowler’s developmental model has been empirically investigated, with the creation of research instruments, such as the Faith Development Scale of Gary Leak. More importantly, Fowler’s Stages of Faith theory has been used in pastoral counseling and spiritual care, and continues to be taught in seminaries, and other faith-based educational institutions worldwide
Conclusion
James Fowler's Stages of Faith Development is a theory that outlines a framework for understanding how individuals develop their faith and spirituality throughout their lives. Fowler proposed six stages of faith development, each representing a different way of approaching and understanding one's faith.
Fowler's Stages of Faith Development form a framework for the spiritual development of people throughout their lives. The model was developed by theologian James W. Fowler. He argues that the development of people's spiritual awareness runs parallel to other aspects of human development.