ABSTRACT
The classical model of mystical development, even when re-imagined for contemporary readers, needs to be complemented by current understandings of personal and spiritual growth that are grounded in an appreciation of the psychological, cognitive, moral, and affective dimensions of human development. This chapter discusses “faith development theory” as proposed by James Fowler and then briefly considers the work of other writers in this field, such as Liebert and Empereur. It then explores recent studies in the social sciences that seek to understand how faith is passed on across generations and how individuals develop in relation to their “religiosity”, discussing particularly the work of Bengtson, Putney, and Harris; Smith and Snell; and Singleton, and commenting on their relevance for this study.
