Stages of Faith Development
Navigating the journey of faith with James Fowler
Faith is a profound aspect of the human experience. It shapes our perceptions, guides our actions, and imbues our lives with meaning. But what exactly is faith, and how does it change over time?
Psychologist James Fowler, a distinguished American theologian and psychologist, revolutionized our understanding of faith development. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach and drawing from psychology, anthropology, and theology, Fowler’s extensive research provides a comprehensive framework for faith evolution across the life span. In his seminal work titled, “Stages of Faith: The Psychology of Human Development and the Quest for Meaning,” Fowler proposed six distinct stages of faith development, each characterized by unique beliefs, attitudes, and existential questions.
The Six Stages of Faith Development
Intuitive-Projective Faith (birth-6): This stage represents the earliest phase of faith development, typically observed in infancy and early childhood. During this period, individuals form their understanding of the world primarily through intuitive beliefs influenced by familial and cultural contexts. Symbols, stories, and rituals serve as fundamental elements in shaping their perception of reality. Children may view religious narratives as literal truths, accepting them without critical analysis. Their faith is characterized by a sense of wonder and awe, as they navigate the mysteries of existence guided by the stories and symbols that surround them.
Mythic-Literal Faith (6-12): As individuals mature cognitively, typically during childhood and adolescence, their faith transitions to the mythic-literal stage. During this phase, religious narratives and teachings are interpreted in a literal manner, with sacred texts regarded as historical accounts of divine intervention and moral guidance. Believers adhere to religious doctrines and traditions with conviction, viewing them as immutable truths that govern their lives. This stage is marked by a black-and-white understanding of morality and spirituality, where adherence to religious authority and tradition is highly valued. Some individuals do not progress past this stage.
Synthetic-Conventional Faith (13-Young Adulthood): Moving through adolescence and into adulthood, individuals enter the synthetic-conventional stage of faith development. At this juncture, faith integrates with broader social, cultural, and intellectual frameworks. Individuals critically examine their beliefs, seeking coherence amidst diverse perspectives and experiences. They may engage in dialogue with peers, mentors, and religious leaders to deepen their understanding of faith and morality. While still influenced by societal norms and cultural traditions, individuals in this stage begin to develop a more personal and nuanced relationship with their faith, rooted in critical reflection and personal commitment. Typically at this stage, individuals place high emphasis on a leader or institution for religious authority. In this stage, individuals also begin to claim their faith tradition as their own choice. Many people do not progress beyond this stage.
Individuative-Reflective Faith (Young Adulthood): As adulthood progresses, individuals enter the individuative-reflective stage of faith development. During this phase, they embark on a journey of self-examination and intellectual inquiry, reassessing their beliefs in light of personal experiences and existential questions. They may grapple with doubts, uncertainties, and philosophical quandaries as they seek to reconcile their faith with their evolving sense of self and the world around them. This stage is characterized by introspection, critical thinking, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, as individuals strive to forge a faith that is authentic and personally meaningful. Ironically, individuals in stage 3 tend to see individuals in this stage as “back sliding”, when they are in fact progressing.
Conjunctive Faith (Mid Life): In the conjunctive stage of faith development, individuals deepen their appreciation for the complexity and interconnectedness of existence. Embracing paradox and ambiguity, they transcend dualistic thinking and grapple with existential questions that transcend conventional understanding. They may draw wisdom from diverse religious and philosophical traditions, recognizing the inherent value in different perspectives. This stage is marked by a profound sense of awe and reverence for the mysteries of life, as individuals seek to cultivate a deeper spiritual awareness and understanding of their place in the cosmos.
Universalizing Faith (Late Adulthood): At the pinnacle of development, individuals attain the universalizing stage of faith, characterized by a profound sense of interconnectedness and compassion. Transcending personal ego boundaries, they embody principles of justice, love, and service to humanity. Their faith becomes expansive and inclusive, embracing the inherent worth and dignity of all beings. Motivated by a deep sense of moral responsibility, individuals in this stage are committed to social transformation and the realization of shared human flourishing. In this stage, individuals can relate to those in any other stage and provide meaningful guidance to others on their journeys without condescension. Few people progress to this stage. Fowler identifies Mother Teresa and Martin Luther as individuals who reached this stage.
Faith and Brain Development
Recent studies have highlighted the intricate relationship between faith development and brain development. Neuroscientific research suggests that various regions of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, play significant roles in shaping beliefs, moral reasoning, and spiritual experiences.
As individuals progress through Fowler's stages of faith development, corresponding changes in brain structure and function may occur. Increased activity in areas associated with empathy and social cognition, for example, may accompany the transition to a universalizing faith perspective, characterized by a profound sense of interconnectedness and compassion.
Embracing the Journey
Fowler's theory offers a roadmap for understanding faith's evolution as a dynamic and multifaceted process, while insights from brain development research provide valuable context for the neurological underpinnings of belief and spirituality. These provide a deeper understanding of the human experience and the deeply personal journey of faith.
Faith is not merely a concept but a force that shapes our understanding of ourselves, others, and the world around us. It is intricately intertwined with our physiological development and the culture and community that surrounds us. Understanding that faith is meant to evolve and shift provides wisdom and compassion for the sometimes turbulent, and oftentimes lonely, journey. May we honor the diversity of human experience and cultivate a faith that is both deeply personal and generously inclusive—a faith that inspires us to seek truth, embody love, and contribute to the flourishing of all beings, at all stages of faith development.
Take care,
Kaylee Rudd, LMFT
Book Recommendation for those with a Christian faith tradition background: Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr
For paid subscribers, below is an infographic with a brief summary of each stage of faith development for quick reference!
