I just wrote a blurb on another TypePad blog with a similar name to mine, the owner of which describes himself as a "baby boomer minister." I was directed to his blog via a Wikipedia article on stages of faith.
One of the areas I'm examining for my dissertation--specifically my literature review--is stages of development. I've noticed that the developmental level someone (I'm looking at adults here) has attained, directly relates to their reaction to a "text"--the subject of my research. (I define "text" as a cultural artifact that results from an author-->message-->medium-->recipient process.) I'm trying to find out what causes one person to have a profound reaction to a text (e.g., a movie such as many describe in relation to a number of movies including Titanic, Brokeback Mountain, Pride and Prejudice, and Harold and Maude), or lack such a reaction. Exactly what makes the difference and how does it occur?
In the course of my investigation, I came upon a developmental model related to stages of faith. After reading it, here's the thought that popped into my head, that I shared with the "baby boomer minister."
I Choose vs. I'm Right
The purpose of faith and the religions formed around it, is to serve the believer. To the extent that the believer can adopt a position of "I choose" vs. "I'm right," they are able to apply the principles embodied by the religion to grow in and through that faith and thereby, improve their lives.
Those who take an "I'm right" position cannot focus on applying the principles of their faith to their own lives because they are, instead, invested in an ego and power-battle with others to establish dominance. The reason for the difference relates to personal development (cognitive, psychological, moral, and spiritual).
The goal of a religious leader, be he/she priest, minister, rabbi, mullah, or teacher, should be to support followers and congregants in their personal development--one that leads to adopting the "I choose" position. How much easier it would be to sit down and talk with each other to resolve problems, were that the case!
P.S. Paige, if you read this, I found a book that very much relates to the one you are writing and explains why one person makes a commitment to an "inspired" life direction while another does not.
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