Abstract
James W. Fowler is a practical theologian whose main influence has been in shaping a theory of the development of faith in the context of a programme of empirical research. Although this theoretical framework and the research support for it have both been vigorously critiqued, many educators, pastors and counsellors have found their own thinking illuminated by Fowler’s claims. This essay provides an overview of Fowler’s theory. It begins by relating Fowler’s broad account of human faith to a generic concept of “horizontal” spirituality. In describing Fowler’s work in more detail, reference will then be made to its psychological and religious roots, its empirical support, and the critical literature that it has attracted. In its final part, the essay traces the relevance of Fowler’s account of faith and its development for those concerned with pastoral care and spiritual counselling, as well as readers engaged in more educational contexts.
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Astley, J. (2009). The Psychology of Faith Development. In: de Souza, M., Francis, L.J., O’Higgins-Norman, J., Scott, D. (eds) International Handbook of Education for Spirituality, Care and Wellbeing. International Handbooks of Religion and Education, vol 3. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9018-9_13
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