J. W. Fowler's Theory on the Degrees of Belief

Abstract

Fowler's theory encompasses the structural stages of faith development and points to the important connection between the psychosocial and religious dimensions of the human maturation process. The religious dynamics which Fowler discusses from an anthropological viewpoint bring a sense of purpose into the life of the individual and into the world in which he lives and works. Although each person is unique, always following his individual path in life, faith, as it is viewed in this article, is seen as universal. Thus it is possible to derive certain patterns and features which characterize the gradual development of faith. The article analyzes the following degrees of faith development: primal faith, intuitive-projective faith, mythical-literal faith, synthetic-con- ventional faith, individual-reflexive faith, conjunctive faith, universalizing faith. The concluding section points out potential applications of Fowler's theory in the field of pastoral activity.