**There seems to be some feedback that I cannot hear on the recording until I have uploaded the podcast. My apologies for the poor quality. I will find the problem and have it resolved by next week.

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Join me this week for another episode about faith journeys. James Fowler's stage four is the Individuative-Reflective Faith. This stage can be difficult because it creates, dissonance, requires work and can strain relationships. The journey of faith is dynamic. It’s a process of continuous growth, learning, and deepening connection to what gives your life meaning. Embrace the questions, seek wisdom, and trust that the very act of engaging with your beliefs, even when it feels like uncharted territory, is leading you toward a more authentic, resilient, and fulfilling life.

So, let's enjoy the ride.

Welcome to this week's podcast. Have you ever sat in a pew, a Bible study, or a family debate and thought: ‘Do I actually believe this—or am I just repeating what I’ve been told?’ If so, you’re not alone. Today, we’re unpacking James Fowler’s Third Stage of Faith—where many of us get stuck… but there is a way forward.

Imagine faith like a ladder. Stage 1 is the toddler clinging to fairy-tale images of God. Stage 2 is the kid who thinks Noah’s ark had two giraffes. But Stage 3? That’s where most of us camp out—sometimes for life.

This week, I will discuss the key characteristics, give examples of what it looks like in the "real world," quote scripture, and tell you about the research on spirituality.

It's a good one. Leave me some comments and let me know what you think.

Welcome to this week's episode, where we explore ideas about the Mythical-Literal stage of James Fowler’s Second Stage of Faith. In this phase, individuals often view their beliefs through a concrete, narrative lens, embracing the stories and symbols of their faith as absolute truths. It's a stage characterized by a strong reliance on tradition and the communal aspects of belief, where the world is understood through myths, rituals, and the teachings of faith leaders.

Understanding this stage is essential because it lays the groundwork for how individuals interpret their experiences and navigate their spiritual journeys. It highlights the importance of storytelling in shaping one's identity and belief system, serving as a bridge to deeper levels of faith development. Join us as we delve into this pivotal stage, exploring its significance in personal growth, community dynamics, and the broader context of faith development.

Welcome to this week's podcast. We will be exploring human spirituality and personal growth. Today, we're discussing the work of theologian and psychologist James Fowler and his influential Stages of Faith development.

Fowler's theory isn't just about religious belief; it offers a profound look at how we construct meaning in our lives, from childhood through adulthood. Understanding these stages is crucial for fostering spiritual maturity, as they outline how our understanding of faith transforms, influenced by cognitive growth, emotional maturity, and life experiences. This journey of faith development is also deeply intertwined with our mental well-being. A healthy progression through these stages can contribute to a more integrated sense of self and a resilient outlook, while challenges within these stages can impact mental health.

In this episode, we'll lay the foundation by focusing on Stage One: Intuitive-Projective Faith. This stage typically occurs in early childhood, roughly between the ages of three and seven. It's a fascinating period where imagination reigns supreme, and a child's understanding of faith is heavily influenced by the moods, actions, and stories of the significant adults in their lives. I hope you enjoy.

In today's podcast, we will dive into the topic of spiritual maturity. In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and neglect our spiritual growth - or maybe even more to the point, neglect growing a mature spirituality. Today, we'll explore what spiritual maturity truly means, why it's essential for our overall well-being, and how it can positively impact our relationships with others and with God. We'll be drawing insights from leading experts in the field, such as Peter Scazarro, Jenna Riemersma, Curt Thompson, and Lisa Miller, who have been exploring the intersection between good mental health and spirituality.

Join me this week to discuss spirituality and explore the characteristics of spiritual immaturity. There is a significant overlap between emotional and spiritual immaturity, and so this is a short podcast.

In today's podcast, I'll explore what emotional maturity truly means, what it looks like in action, why it’s so incredibly important, and how we can all cultivate more of it in our lives. I'll be drawing from authors like Dan Siegel, Jenna Riemersma, Brad Reedy, Curt Thompson, and Peter Scazzaro, who have dedicated their lives to understanding emotional health and its deep connection to our spiritual well-being.

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: It's Impossible to Be Spiritually Mature, While Remaining Emotionally Immature

Altogether You: Experiencing personal and spiritual transformation with Internal Family Systems therapy

Anatomy of the Soul: Surprising Connections between Neuroscience and Spiritual Practices That Can Transform Your Life and Relationships

The Audacity to Be You: Learning to Love Your Horrible, Rotten Self

The Journey of the Heroic Parent: Your Child's Struggle & The Road Home

Emotional immaturity is not a moral failing. It is more often a protective adaptation. This is true of most of us. Join me this week for the first podcast in a series discussing the interplay between emotional and spiritual maturity. The two go hand in hand, and it is critical to know how to pay attention to what we pay attention to. This increases the possibility of a healthier connection to ourselves, each other, and our spirituality.

Join me this Father's Day weekend for a podcast honoring our dads. Research supports the importance of fatherhood and having dads support children at all ages. Additionally, I'll discuss some ways dads and kids can stay connected as children grow into adulthood.

Join me this week, and I'll share some of my favorite episodes and why I think you should listen to them or listen to them again.

Let me know what some of your favorites are.