The appeal of faith development theory : a sociological perspective
This thesis seeks to examine James Fowler's faith development theory from a sociological perspective in order to understand the theory's appeal and function within mainstream British churches. Assuming that all claims to knowledge articulate the interest of a particular social group, the thesis begins by outlining the intellectual tradition in which faith development theory stands and then examines its social base within Britain. Insights from the sociology of knowledge and the social psychology of religion are used to suggest that faith development theory operates as a theory of identity amongst those to whom it appeals, acting as a legitimising framework for those of a post-liberal theological outlook who work within the context of religious diversity. Looking at these dynamics in operation through the results of a questionnaire and an examination of relevant literature, it is concluded that faith development theory functions amongst church leaders who are constructing a post-liberal identity, as a framework for interpreting their own faith experience and that of those to whom they must relate. Finally, we consider the implications of this perspective upon faith development theory for pastoral theology,
Leach, Jane
Philosophy
The appeal of faith development theory : a sociological perspective. This thesis seeks to examine James Fowler's faith development theory from a sociological perspective in order to understand the theory's appeal and function within mainstream British churches. Assuming that all claims to knowledge articulate the interest of a particular social group, the thesis begins by outlining the intellectual tradition in which faith development theory stands and then examines its social base within Britain. Insights from the sociology of knowledge and the social psychology of religion are used to suggest that faith development theory operates as a theory of identity amongst those to whom it appeals, acting as a legitimising framework for those of a post-liberal theological outlook who work within the context of religious diversity. Looking at these dynamics in operation through the results of a questionnaire and an examination of relevant literature, it is concluded that faith development theory functions amongst church leaders who are constructing a post-liberal identity, as a framework for interpreting their own faith experience and that of those to whom they must relate. Finally, we consider the implications of this perspective upon faith development theory for pastoral theology,
appeal faith development theory sociological_perspective seek_examine james faith development theory sociological_perspective order theory appeal function_within mainstream british church assuming claim knowledge articulate interest particular social_group begin_outline intellectual_tradition faith development theory stand examines social base within britain insights sociology_knowledge social_psychology religion use suggest faith development theory operate theory identity amongst appeal act legitimise framework post liberal theological outlook work within_context religious diversity looking dynamic operation questionnaire examination_relevant literature conclude faith development theory function amongst church_leader construct post liberal identity framework interpret faith experience must relate finally_consider implication perspective upon faith development theory pastoral theology