Week 3

Now that we have a macro-esque theoretical foundation on the psychology of religion, let’s look at how we develop R/S as individuals from a psychological perspective. Most of what we see from a theoretical perspective emerges as stage theories based on famed psychologist Jean Piaget. However, there’s been an evolution in recent years in considering different frameworks for R/S development that are not stage-based. Within R/S development is usually a discussion of moral development (although some scholars argue R/S and moral development should be considered separately) and a consideration of the development of traits found within positive psychology (i.e. wisdom, hope, gratitude, etc.)

Provide a written response to ONE of following questions (max. 3 pages). Post your write up directly into the forum (no attachments) by Sunday, and then respond to two of your classmates by the following Thursday. Feel free to consult the supplementary reading listed, but you’ll need to do some additional research to fully address these questions.

Should moral development be considered as separate from R/S development? Support your argument with (cited) evidence.
OR 
Are stage theories of R/S development somehow outdated? Make an argument for either why stage theories still apply, or why different frameworks should now be considered as a leading paradigm.
OR
Choose a life stage (childhood, adolescence, old age, etc.) and discuss how R/S development occurs within that life stage. How might what we know about development within that stage be impacted by changing societal norms around life transitions, etc.?

What is your personal reaction to this week’s reading?

Required Reading (for the best experience, read in order!)

Hood, R.W., Hill, P.C. & Spilka, B. (2018). The Psychology of Religion: An empirical approach (5th ed.). New York: Guilford. (Chapter 4: Religion in Childhood)

Carpendale, J. I.M. (2000). Kohlberg and Piaget on stages and moral reasoning. Developmental Review, 20, 181–205. doi:10.1006/drev.1999.0500.

Fowler, J.W. (2001) Faith development theory and the postmodern challenges. The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion, 11(3), 159-172. DOI: 10.1207/S15327582IJPR1103_03.

Supplementary Reading

King, P.E., Ramos, J.S. & Clardy, C.E. (2013). Searching for the sacred: religion, spirituality and adolescent development. In K. Pargament, J. Exline, & J. Jones (eds.) APA handbook of psychology, religion, and spirituality (Vol 1): Context, theory, and research. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. DOI:10.1037/14045-002

Day, J.M. (2017). Religion and human development in adulthood: Well-being, prosocial behavior, and religious and spiritual development. Behavioral Development Bulletin, 22 (2), 298-313.

Krause, N. (2013). Religious involvement in the later years of life. In K. Pargament, J. Exline, & J. Jones (eds.) APA handbook of psychology, religion, and spirituality (Vol 1): Context, theory, and research. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. DOI:10.1037/14045-002