Models of Church, Faith Development and Formation
It seems that many of the disagreements (and some of the petty comments) come from different backgrounds and spiritual development. Possibly if people shared where they are in the following areas, we might better understand where the others are coming from. So, feel free to answer any of the following:
1. Based on the study by Cardinal Avery Dulles, what Model of Church do you most relate to?
In 1974, Avery Dulles (an American Jesuit) published his book, Models of the Church. This book became a text in the field of ecclesiology, the theological study of the Church. Dulles presented five models of Church:
1. Church as Institution.
2. Church as Mystical Communion.
3. Church as Sacrament.
4. Church as Herald.
5. Church as Servant.
If you are not familiar with them, please see this website for a short description of each of the models (you will have to scroll down a bit): http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/research/theology/theo102/MODULE03.htm
2. Based on Fowler's theory of faith development, what Stage of Faith do you think you are in?
Fowler's Theory
"The adult stages in Fowler's theory typically include stages three through six. The earlier stages are generally follow normal progressive development, and as stated by Lownsdale (1997), the various stages of faith are neither achievements, nor progressive steps to salvation, but simply degrees that one's faith goes through as it develops. The following is a short description of each of these stages:
Stage 3. Synthetic-conventional: In this stage, a person knows why he/she believes. One pulls together various parts of faith and tends to conform to the majority, and people are rewarded or punished for following rules laid down by the proper authority (the church or Bible). Views at this stage are often stereotyped.
Stage 4. Individuative-reflective: There is a relocation of authority within the self, along with a critical reflection of one's beliefs. Faith becomes uniquely one's own. In addition, there is usually a struggle to grow and understand.
Stage 5. Conjunctive: Individuals realize the paradoxes in faith, and learn to live with their faith and their questions. This stage involves a dynamic, trusting relationship with God.
Stage 6. Universalizing Faith: This stage is defined by feeling at one with God. People here invest their lives in a larger cause without being concerned by the personal cost (Parrott & Steele, 1995; Swensen, Fuller, & Clements, 1993). These stages are simply frameworks of understanding people and where they are in regard to their faith." from http://www.hope.edu/academic/psychology/335/webrep/faithdev.html
3. When looking for information about the Church, history, trends, current issues, etc. what sources do you use? (NCR, a priest, other websites or publications, USCCB documents, Papal Letters, Spiritual Director, Scripture, etc.)
