FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY

Institute of Nursing

Theory: Faith Development

Theorist: James Fowler

Background of the Theory:

The theory of faith development proposed by James Fowler is believed to be parallelized with other
theories, such as Sigmund Freud’s Psychosexual Theory involving five different stages, Erik Erikson’s
Stages of Psychosocial Development, and other developmental theories that helps develop a skill in
a specified aspect. Thus, this theory suggests that there are different stages in developing our faith.

Some research says that there are 7 stages, yet some says 5. Let us have the five-step theory.

Theory Description

In simple terms, this stage is all about accepting

what has been the standard within your family.
As an example, Justin Timberlake’s song mirror
is the great example of it. You are the mirror of
Stage 1- Intuitive/Projective
your family’s faith. If your family has always
been doing the sign of the cross, then you are
also going to do it. You are like a sponge
accepting whatever your family is doing.

In this stage, it is to be believed that we are

Stage 2- Mythic or Literal Faith
taking things literally, in means of faith.
Example, the story of Adam and Eve having
eaten the fruit of the tree of knowledge.
Wherein it means to you that this is a history. It
takes longer than usual when you are at this
stage.

This stage is wherein we start to question things

regarding faith and belief, yet peers are also
Stage 3- Synthetic/Conventional Stage
important in this stage because we need their
approval when we talk about faith and religion.

Valeriano, Tuliao, Sta. Ana, Solleza, Sarmiento, J., Sarmiento, S., Sabando
Theory of Faith Development by James Fowler

Stage 4- Individual/Reflective Faith
This stage is where we are going to have our
own faith, as an example even though our
parents are catholic, there will be a change in
faith because we all have our individual faith as
stated in the stage.

The stage wherein trust is needed. We accept

Stage 5- Conjuctive Faith that the answer we need is inly coming from the
heavenlies, accepting that God only knows.

This stage is what we should reach. The stage

Stage 6- Universalizing Faith wherein we respect each other’s faith, as simple
as that.

Learning Objectives:
After the group has performed, the class should be able to;
a. Identify the different stages and;
b. differentiate one from another.
c. Define what stage they are in as of the moment
d. Enumerate the stages in an orderly manner.

Activity:
The performance that will be done is a mix and match of radio drama and radio broadcasting. Then
afterwards, the performers will explain in the class what stages are in the drama.

Outline:
Scene 1 is the radio station’s opening billboard
Infomercial 1 states the first 1st stage
Scene 3 is wherein the radio broadcasters are back
Scene 4 is the radio drama from stage 2-5
Infomercial 2 is the stage 6 depiction
Last one is the conversation of the closing billboard

References:

Mrs. Harrison St Joan of Arc C.S.S. (2016, September 19). Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IviWaa_QuM

Valeriano, Tuliao, Sta. Ana, Solleza, Sarmiento, J., Sarmiento, S., Sabando
Theory of Faith Development by James Fowler
Valeriano, Tuliao, Sta. Ana, Solleza, Sarmiento, J., Sarmiento, S., Sabando
Theory of Faith Development by James Fowler