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The Six Stages of Faith

The Six Stages of Faith. What does “Stages of Faith” mean?. Just as we humans go through certain physical and psychological stages as we develop into adults, so do we experience stages of faith development as we grow into adulthood. Stage 1: Imaginative Faith.

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The Six Stages of Faith

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  1. The Six Stages of Faith

  2. What does “Stages of Faith” mean? • Just as we humans go through certain physical and psychological stages as we develop into adults, so do we experience stages of faith development as we grow into adulthood.

  3. Stage 1: Imaginative Faith • We use our imagination to understand religious concepts

  4. Stage 2: Literal Faith • We believe that religious stories are literally true • Example: God created the world in six days 6000 years ago rather than billions of years ago • Example: What God did to the people in the Bible he can do to us today (Sodom and Gomorrah, Hurricane Katrina)

  5. Stage 3: Group Faith • Faith is shaped by the community we belong to; we believe what they believe. • Church, family, school, friends

  6. Stage 4: Personal Faith • As we experience life we begin to examine, question, change, reaffirm, and even discard our long-held religious beliefs

  7. Which Stage should I be in? • Stages 1 through 4 • Going through Stages 1-4 is a normal part of faith development for everyone • Though Stages 1 and 2 are more typical of children, it is possible for adults to be in them, too—and some children reach Stages 3-4. • Each of us will always retain some of Stages 1-4 in our faith development • What about Stages 5 and 6? • VERY FEW people ever reach these stages, though we may have brief experiences of them

  8. Stage 5: Mystical Faith • We become aware of God’s presence within us and around us, all the time, and it changes us.

  9. Stage 6: Sacrificial Faith • Our love for God and others is so absolute that we are willing to give our lives completely to our faith—even if it means dying.

  10. Stages of Faith • Remember, there is NO right or wrong Stage of Faith. • Knowing which Stage or Stages you might be in is helpful for you in understanding what you believe about religion, faith, and God, and why you believe it!

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