Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian : Adult Development and Christian Faith [Paperback]

James W. Fowler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1999 | Series: A Jossey Bass Title

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

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

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

"Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian is an excellent resource for pastoral ministers and religious educators, offering practical insights based upon solid research." --Barbara J. Fleischer, director, Loyola Institute for Ministry, Loyola University

From the Publisher

A groundbreaking look at the development of faith that points the way to responsible, mature Christian selfhood. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; Revised edition (November 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078795134X
• ISBN-13: 978-0787951344
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #67,756 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #9 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Psychology & Christianity

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I read in 1996., June 11, 1997

By 

D. G Sinclair (california) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian: Adult Development and Christian Faith (Hardcover)

According to M. Scott Peck's endorsement of Fowler's scholarly Stages of Faith, Fowler is the leader in faith develoment theory. In _Becoming Adult_, Fowler describes, in simpler, accessible language, the stages of faith and how they relate to emotional development. Fowler summarizes the work of Erik Erikson and two other prominent developmental theorists, and compares his stages to theirs. Fowler's summarization of these theorists' views is very helpful. Students of Erik Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development will appreciate this book very much.

Despite the book's title and Fowler's Christian faith, the book is surprisingly non-Christian in orientation, and applies to faith development in general. Examples used in the book span many faith traditions. The chapters on vocation and divine calling are interesting, thought provoking, and insightful.

For the reader seeking for models of normal, healthy spiritual and emotional development, this easy to read (but not simplistic) book is an excellent seminal volume in the personal library

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian . . .even women mature!, February 13, 2000

By 

Margaret Hunsucker, Christian Educator (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian : Adult Development and Christian Faith (Paperback)

Fowler answers critics of his earlier writing, Stages of Faith, with a more inclusive view of what constitutes faith maturity. He acknowledges the more relational approach of women may be as valid to determine maturity as the predominately male model from his previous work. Research by feminist scholars, such as Carol Gilligan are inculded for a more comprehensive view of the markers indicating maturity. Fowler also offers greater recognition of the work of the Holy Spirit within each stage to encourage movement toward trainsitions needed for deeper maturity.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Potentially Life and World Changing, May 2, 2004

By 

C. Stan Cross (San Luis Obispo, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian: Adult Development and Christian Faith (Hardcover)

I believe that this work and his previous "Stages of Faith" constitute some of the most important and potentially culture changing works of our time. Some day these works by Fowler will be embraced by more of the church and will aid its effort to help people make progress along their own spiritual journeys.

As I read this book and reflected upon my own life, I sensed a deep resonance with most of the stages of faith that Fowler outlined. The truth of the book was confirmed in remembering my own development. Once this resonance occurs for someone, the greater value of the book will be in discovering what higher levels of faith may lay ahead. At this point the book can serve as an invaluable guide to spiritual growth.

I believe that the real answer to the world's most difficult conflicts is the growing interest in and effort to grow spiritually. When a person grows from egocentric, to ethnocentric, and then eventually to worldcentric awareness and beyond, rather than being a source of dissonance and human confrontation, they become a source of Unconditional Love and Harmony. Fowler's works aid those whose ego-shells have been cracked enough to let in a little light and will help them move toward a greater peace and harmony.