Using the Faith Development video presentation, the recommended reading, as well as the series of Fowler lectures which remain available in the Course Content folder, each student will prepare a 5 page minimum, 7 page maximum ( 1,500 – 2,100 words, double spaced, 1 inch margins, 12 font, Times New Roman) Personal Faith Reflection. The reflection may be prepared in MLA or APA format. Remember, the questions provided at the conclusionof each lecture can serve as a guide to your reflection and writing.
Introductory Paragraphs• Hook (to grab your reader’s attention)• Statement of your personal faith stance prior to your study of and reflection on Fowler’s work (for example, religious/non-religious, spiritual, agnostic, atheist,etc.)• Must include a discussion of the specific tradition and practice (or traditions and practices) you were raised in or otherwise exposed to OR a discussion of the lack thereof and the rationale or reasons, if known,for that as well as your perception of the impact, if any, this may have had on you or your family
Body Paragraphs• Must include a discussion of where the student sees him/herself in relationship to the stages of faith as outlined by Fowler and informed by the work of the other developmental theorists considered• Discussion of your personal faith stance with direct reference to at least four of the foundational concepts presented in the Fowlermaterials (such as faith as something we do, 60 points as a coat against the nakedness, as the object of ultimate concern, as relational, imaginative, as a function of your family ethos, etc.)
Concluding Paragraphs• Summary of the salient features of your personal faith stance after your study of and reflection on Fowler’swork; in other words, a discussion of how you have grown as a result of this study, how this study has helped you to understand the dynamics of your current life experience and/or what growing edges you may have identified• A discussion of why/how your faith stance has remained the same as a result of this study if that is the case
