Stage 3 Synthetic-Conventional Faith This stage begins with formal operational thought. One can examine what one believes, comparing contradictory stories. This is when one begins to form the basis for spiritual identity and outlook. For instance, which story is true, the big bang theory or the bible creation story? Which group do you believe? Information about existence comes from family, school, work, peers, society, and religion. There must be a synthesis of values and information. The individual in Stage 3 does not take an individual perspective, but seeks to conform to the group that they belong to. This individual is very tuned into the expectations and judgments of the group and seeks to reside in an ideology rather than fully adopting an individual belief. This is "unexamined" faith. Things that contribute to going on to the next stage include a contradiction from an authoritative source. (i.e. Changes in religious practices; Catholic belief that mass should only be in Latin, changes to include English; homosexuality embraced by a religion that formerly forbade it.) There must be a deep reflection and examination of what one believes compared to what his/her religion believes in order to move on to the next stage. |
-James Fowler |