EXPIRIENCING CHRISTIAN FAITH

APOSTLE'S CREED
DIVISION
GROUP 4
 OVERVIEW
WHAT IS FAITH, INDIVIDUATIVE, REFLECTIVE?
CONTRIBUTIONS OF JAMES FOWLER
DISCUSSION ABOUT INDIVIDUATIVE REFLECTIVE FAITH
CONCLUSION
REFLECTION
FOR YOU, WHAT IS
FAITH
 Faith in God, in the sense of Trust in God, is based on
knowing Him through an established, strong and lasting
relationship centered on mutual Loyalty and Faithfulness to
the contract we have in Jesus when we conform to Him.
 WHAT IS
INDIVIDUATIVE
AND REFLECTIVE
INDIVIDUATIVE AND REFLECTIVE STAGE
This stage is often characterized by angst and
struggle as the individual takes personal
responsibility for her beliefs or feelings. Religious or
spiritual beliefs can take on greater complexity and
shades of nuance, and there is a greater sense of
open-mindedness, which can at the same time open
up the individual to potential conflicts as different
beliefs or traditions collide.
INDIVIDUATIVE AND REFLECTIVE STAGE
In this this stage, it is usually at young adulthood when the late adolescent or adult
takes seriously the responsibility for his or her own commitments, lifestyle, beliefs and
attitudes. Unavoidable tensions will have to be faced.

In this stage engage in a journey of self-discovery, exploring and re-evaluating

their beliefs. Faith communities can foster a supportive environment for this personal
growth by promoting open dialogue and understanding, as well as providing resources
and guidance.
The person's own self (identity) and outlook (world view) are differentiated from those
of others and are acknowledged factors in reactions, interpretations and judgements
made on his or her own actions or those of others. Its intuitions of coherence in an
ultimate environment are expressed in terms of an explicit system of meanings.
This is the stage of demythologizing, with minimal attention to unconscious factors
influencing judgement and behaviour.
The strength of this stage is related to the capacity for critical reflection on identity,
self and on outlook, ideology.
 DID YOU KNOW?
James Fowler's fourth stage of faith is characterized
by "universalizing faith," in which individuals have a
commitment to a universalizing religious system and
a sense of connectedness to all humanity and the
universe. This stage is characterized by a
recognition of the interconnectedness of all life and
a sense of openness to the divine. People in this
stage have a greater appreciation for the
paradoxes of life and a greater understanding of
their own place in the world. They are more tolerant
of other beliefs and more willing to accept multiple
ways of looking at the world.
 CONTRIBUTIONS OF JAMES FOWLER
James Fowler's "Stages of Faith" model describes the different
ways that individuals may approach and understand their faith
over the course of their lives. The fourth stage, known as the
"Individuative-Reflective" stage, typically emerges in late
adolescence or early adulthood, although some people may not
reach this stage until later in life.
At this stage, individuals begin to question and critically examine
the beliefs and values they were taught in childhood, and may
challenge or even reject some of the traditional religious
doctrines they once accepted. They often become more aware
of the diversity of religious and spiritual beliefs and practices,
and may explore other traditions or philosophies in search of
personal meaning and purpose.
Overall, the Individuative-Reflective stage is marked by a
greater degree of self-awareness, critical thinking, and
openness to new ideas and perspectives. While it can be a
challenging and sometimes unsettling time of transition, it can
also be a time of great personal growth and spiritual
development.
 Conclusion
With the transition to Individuative-Reflective, Fowler explains,
the individual begins “to take seriously the burden of
responsibility for his or her own commitments, lifestyle, beliefs
and attitudes.”12 Previously, the individual’s faith was in large
measure chosen for them. They were Catholic or Protestant or
Jewish or Muslim because they were raised that way. Authority is
located externally to the self. Beginning with Stage 4, one’s faith
is self-chosen, and while external authorities may be consulted,
the final authority resides in the individual’s own judgment.
 Reflection
The Individuative-Reflective stage, as described by James Fowler, marks
a turning point in an individual's faith journey. Characterised by a
searching inquiry into one's beliefs and a quest for personal
significance, this stage is characterised by a departure from the rigid
adherence to religious teachings and traditions of the previous
Synthetic-Conventional stage. Individuals in this stage may confront
their foundational beliefs, leading to a sense of ambiguity and
uncertainty, but also creating a space for personal growth and deeper
understanding. The process of questioning and integrating personal
experiences and beliefs into their faith provides a unique opportunity
for self-discovery and spiritual evolution.
Group Members
Ara Villajuan
Jo Brylle Payumo
Farrah Payawal
Lance Shervic Puno
Irish Ramos
Iran Ryton Sevilla
Mikylo Alexis Soriano
Charles Adreean Torrijos
John Linuel Tulliao
John Vincent Tuyay
Sean Rex Umayam
Jannuar James Villena
 Thank You
for Listening!