Stages of Faith, by James W. Fowler is published in paperback by Harper Collins, 1995.

Stage 1–Magical World

Ages 2-6, perceives the world through lens of imagination and intuition unrestrained by logic e.g., lives in a magical world in which anything is possible

Stage 2–Concrete Family

Ages 6-12, sees the world as a story–concrete, literal, narrative family of ritual and myth e.g., “In the beginning, God created the . . .” Stage 2 collapses when teenagers use newfound power of abstract thought to deconstruct previous understanding of the world e.g., risk of rejecting religious beliefs of parents, and identifying with surrounding secular culture

Stage 3–Faith Community *

Teenager to early adulthood or beyond, sees the world through the lens of the peer community e.g., unconsciously “catches” faith, values, and way of thinking from peer group or subculture tends not to question the accepted ways of thinking e.g., “if the Bible says . . . it must be true” or “if some group says . . . it’s the Truth” difficult dealing calmly and rationally with issues that touches on one’s identity

Stage 4–Rational Constructs *

Adulthood (if) traditional answers stop making sense e.g., beliefs previously unquestioned are called into account develops the capacity to step back (usually for the first time) and examine beliefs with reason universe is reconstructed with self-chosen concepts might experience deep disappointment/anger on finding some beliefs did not stand up to investigation

Stage 5–Numinous (Supernatural/Mysterious) Universe

Mid-life or latter (if) it seems we have run up against the limits of rational thought e.g., the search for certainty can end in feelings of failure/despair we come to live in a spiritual universe of mystery, wonder, and paradox e.g., we might return to sacred symbol, story, tradition, liturgy, spiritual community, but no longer captured in a theological box

Stage 6–Selfless Service **

Rare stage for many. Identifies deeply with all humanity, and spends themselves in service of worldwide issues of love, and justice e.g., Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa, etc.

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(*) To those in stage 3 or higher, the next stage looks like a loss of faith, and the previous stage is repulsive. This can be seen when stage 3 engages in witch hunting, and stage 4 baits and taunts stage 3.

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Also read Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian by the same author ( San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1984)

Mark