Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian

In this updated reissue of his 1984 classic, James Fowler applies his groundbreaking research on the development of faith to Christianity. In his revised first chapter Fowler locates his approach to the study of human and faith development in relation to the contemporary conversation about identity and selfhood in postmodernity. Fowler invites readers to explore what it means to find and claim vocation: a purpose for one's life that is part of the purposes of God. Reclaiming covenant and vocation as ideals for responsible, mature, Christian selfhood, Fowler shows how a dynamic understanding of what vocation involves can both inform and transform lives.

Preface vii

The Author xi

1. Adult Development Theories and the Crisis of Vocation 1

2. Developmentalists as Philosophers and Gossips 14

3. Faith Development Theory and the Human Vocation 37

4. Adulthood, Vocation, and the Christian Story 62

5. Christian Community and Adulthood 87

6. Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian 105

Index 123

"Here we have Fowler's own and explicitly Christian word on theinterface of faith development research and the particularity ofChristian covenant/vocation. A gift to us and an invaluableresource." --Thomas H. Groome, professor of theology and religiouseducation, Boston College

"No one, we believe, has provided more valuable scientific findingsand theoretical formulations for those whose care for others isfocused principally on the growth of the spirit, and of the personas a whole, than James. W. Fowler." --James J. Gill,editor-in-chief, Human Development

"Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian is an excellent resource forpastoral ministers and religious educators, offering practicalinsights based upon solid research." --Barbara J. Fleischer,director, Loyola Institute for Ministry, Loyola University JAMES W. FOWLER is Charles Howard Candler professor of theology and human development and director of Emory University's Center for Ethics in Public Policy and the Professions. Explore Yourself-in Spirit and FaithIn this updated reissue of his 1984 classic, James Fowler-author of the bestselling Stages of Faith-applies his groundbreaking research on the development of faith to Christianity. Grounded in developmental psychology, theology, and practical ethics, Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian shows how communities of shared beliefs can support and nurture individuals as they shape themselves, and are shaped, in spirit and faith. In his revised first chapter Fowler locates his approach to the study of human and faith development in relation to the contemporary conversation about identity and selfhood in postmodernity. Fowler invites readers to explore what it means to find and claim vocation: a purpose for one's life that is part of the purposes of God. Reclaiming covenant and vocation as ideals for responsible, mature, Christian selfhood, Fowler shows how a dynamic understanding of what vocation involves can both inform and transform lives. Explore Yourself-in Spirit and Faith

In this updated reissue of his 1984 classic, James Fowler-author of the bestselling Stages of Faith-applies his groundbreaking research on the development of faith to Christianity. Grounded in developmental psychology, theology, and practical ethics, Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian shows how communities of shared beliefs can support and nurture individuals as they shape themselves, and are shaped, in spirit and faith. In his revised first chapter Fowler locates his approach to the study of human and faith development in relation to the contemporary conversation about identity and selfhood in postmodernity. Fowler invites readers to explore what it means to find and claim vocation: a purpose for one's life that is part of the purposes of God. Reclaiming covenant and vocation as ideals for responsible, mature, Christian selfhood, Fowler shows how a dynamic understanding of what vocation involves can both inform and transform lives.