Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian : Adult Development and Christian Faith Paperback – November 1, 1999

The product was received as advertised. Even though the copy is old, there were no marks, highlights or signs of wear and tear. Glad I bout from this seller.

I recently purchased "Becoming Adult Becoming Christian" based on my exposure to Fowler's earlier book, "Stages of Faith." I've only begun to get into this book because it is so thorough and fascinating that it's slow going. Well written, insightful and captivating material like this deserves more than a speedy page-flipping approach. Consequently, it will be some time before I've processed this book well enough to write a proper review. So far: it's terrific.

I purchased this book because it is required reading for one of my courses at Seminary. It is what I would expect for master's level reading material.

This is a summary of Fowler's theory of the development of faith, and it reflects the clarity and completeness of an idea that has matured and been shaken down to the basics. Also,the discussion of vocation in the last chapters is inspirational and well articulated.

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.

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

This presentation is much more approachable and less intimidating than Fowler's "Stages of Faith". He still uses a lot of psychological terminology. This history major kept his dictionary app handy and it was worth the effort. It's a valuable resource for those wanting to tailor their disciple-making to their disciples.

Fowler's book contains some of the best material on Christian vocation available. His complex writing style can be both frustrating and fun.

Great book

Good summary by fowler and one of his last