Questing in the In-Between: Revisioning Faith Stage Theory

Abstract

The central purpose of this work is to present an inter-disciplinary conception of faith development that honours the strengths introduced by James Fowler's Faith Development Theory, while simultaneously suggesting both paradigm and process correctives that seek to update it. To that end, the following chapters present two main arguments: 1. Fowler's Faith Development Theory (FDT) is in need of revision. Although the three founding principles on which FDT is based (those of the importance of experience, the centrality of symbolic representation, and the grounding concept of knowing/construal) are considered cogent, they do not find sufficient operational expression within the exposition of faith stages. The elucidation of a depth model of faith development that corrects this gap in FDT is required, in order to provide the field of pastoral care a more coherent framework through which to pursue the growth of faith with their careseekers. It is for this reason that we state that FDT is in need of revision. 2. The required correctives to FDT are addressed and constructively resolved in the concept of Faith Constitutive Pastoral Care (FCPC) -a depth model of faith development that is focused on questing and soul care while remaining integrous to current inter-disciplinary thought in ministry, ego psychology, and epistemology. Faith Constitutive Pastoral Care (FCPC) presents a construct of relational, intersubjective balance that, while holding to the same three founding categories of concern as FDT, retains the strengths of Fowler's larger original intention while correcting the deficiencies inherent in FDT's formulation. Spiritual leaders can use Faith Constitutive Pastoral Care as a practical guide m shepherding careseekers towards faithful maturity and growth.