Posted: September 12th, 2023

Faith Development in Emerging Adulthood

Faith Development. James Fowler was an American theologian who was the professor of Theology and Human Development at Emory University. He has produced several pieces of literature illustrating his theory of faith development. This week, you will review an article that introduces his stages of faith in relation to the developmental concepts you have learned about in this course. Faith theorists recognize the complex interplay of factors that impact one’s faith development. Development of faith, like other aspects of human development, involves movement from one stage to another and is not always systematic or predictable. Individuals can reach chronologic and biological adulthood while reflecting structural stages of faith that are more indicative of early or middle childhood or adolescence. Spiritual nurturing and practice, combined with a person’s spiritual aptitude and discipline, impacts the pace and depth of faith development.

After reading and reflecting on the article, develop your thread addressing these questions:

What are your impressions of faith development in relation to an individual’s other developmental processes? Do you feel that there is interconnection, or do you oppose the idea that successful faith development requires successful development in other areas? Explain your answer using examples and support from the article and/or other sources of information.
Using your personal experiences, briefly describe some of the most meaningful characteristics of your faith development process. If there were pivotal moments or notable influences, good and bad, mention the significance of those people or events. Only include the most relevant details. Make sure to relate your thread to elements of Fowler’s faith development theory and your specific experiences.

Faith Development in Emerging Adulthood
Emerging adulthood, the developmental period between adolescence and young adulthood spanning the late teens and twenties, presents unique opportunities and challenges for faith progression. According to James Fowler’s model of faith development, emerging adults typically navigate Stage 4, Individuative-Reflective faith, characterized by constructing an independent identity and philosophy of life (Fowler, 1981). This stage coincides with major life transitions like finishing education, entering the workforce, and establishing new social networks separate from family of origin.
The instability and exploration inherent to emerging adulthood can either strengthen or weaken religious commitment depending on individual circumstances and support systems. Recent studies have found that while religious participation may decline compared to adolescence as emerging adults question childhood beliefs on their own terms, underlying spiritual interest remains relatively stable (Smith & Snell, 2009). Faith communities able to engage this demographic where they are developmentally can help foster meaning-making during this transition.
Subtitle: Impact of Life Changes on Religious Participation
Life changes common in emerging adulthood, such as relocating for university or career opportunities, disrupt existing religious routines and social ties (Stoppa & Lefkowitz, 2010). Without transportation and a local faith community of their own choosing, emerging adults may feel less motivated to actively practice their religion. However, those with strong intrinsic religious motivation report less negative impact on faith from life disruptions like relocation (Barry & Nelson, 2005). Intrinsic faith rooted internally rather than in external religious behaviors appears more resilient through transition.
Subtitle: Role of Peer Relationships in Emerging Adulthood Faith
Peer relationships take on heightened importance in emerging adulthood as individuals separate from parents and form their own support networks. While peers can either strengthen or weaken religious commitment depending on the norms of one’s social groups, research finds that on average peer influence does not outweigh family socialization in determining overall religiousness (Stoppa & Lefkowitz, 2010; Barry & Nelson, 2005). However, peers significantly impact the expression and style of one’s faith practice, with highly religious peers correlating to more frequent religious participation (Smith & Denton, 2009).
In summary, emerging adulthood presents both challenges and opportunities for faith progression according to Fowler’s model. While religious behaviors may fluctuate with life changes, underlying spiritual interest and intrinsic religious motivation appear more stable given strong early family socialization and individual drive to find meaning. Faith communities able to engage emerging adults where they are developmentally can support faith development through this transition.
Works Cited
Barry, C. M., & Nelson, L. J. (2005). The role of religion in the transition to adulthood for young emerging adults. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 34(3), 245–255. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-005-4308-1
Fowler, J. W. (1981). Stages of faith: The psychology of human development and the quest for meaning. HarperOne.
Smith, C., & Denton, M. L. (2009). Souls in transition: The religious and spiritual lives of emerging adults. Oxford University Press.
Smith, C., & Snell, P. (2009). Souls in transition: The religious and spiritual lives of emerging adults. Oxford University Press.
Stoppa, T. M., & Lefkowitz, E. S. (2010). Longitudinal changes in religiosity among emerging adult college students. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 20(1), 23–38. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-7795.2009.00630.x

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