While James Fowler’s stages of faith model is deeply rooted in academic psychology and structural development, Brian McLaren’s framework in Naked Spirituality (and further developed in Faith After Doubt) is more pastoral and descriptive of the “inner weather” of a spiritual journey.
McLaren simplifies the trajectory into four seasons or stages, focusing on the lived experience of faith rather than cognitive milestones.
Comparison Table: Fowler vs. McLaren
| Feature | James Fowler (Stages of Faith) | Brian McLaren (Naked Spirituality) |
|---|---|---|
| Model Type | Psychological/Structural Development | Experiential/Pastoral Narrative |
| Structure | 6 Linear Stages | 4 “Seasons” (can be cyclical) |
| Core Driver | Cognitive & Moral reasoning | Experience of Presence & Doubt |
| Key Transition | From external authority to internal self | From “correct belief” to “revolutionary love” |
McLaren’s Four Stages (The “Seasons”)
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Stage 1: Simplicity (Spring)
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Nature: Faith is dualistic (right vs. wrong, us vs. them).
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Practices: Focused on “Here,” “Thanks,” and “O”—simple awakening to God’s presence.
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Fowler Parallel: Primarily aligns with Stage 2 (Mythic-Literal) and Stage 3 (Synthetic-Conventional), where authority is external and life is governed by clear rules.
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Stage 2: Complexity (Summer)
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Nature: A pragmatic stage focused on growth, success, and “how-to.” It values expertise and effectiveness.
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Practices: Focused on “Sorry,” “Help,” and “Please”—strengthening through the realization of needs.
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Fowler Parallel: Also fits within Stage 3, but moves toward the early “performance-based” aspects of Stage 4.
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Stage 3: Perplexity (Autumn)
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Nature: The season of doubt and disillusionment. The “simple” answers no longer work, and authority figures are viewed with suspicion.
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Practices: Focused on “When?”, “No!”, and “Why?”—surviving through lament and honesty.
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Fowler Parallel: This is a deep dive into the “Dark Night” often found in the transition to Stage 4 (Individuative-Reflective).
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Stage 4: Harmony (Winter)
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Nature: A “second simplicity.” It isn’t a return to Stage 1, but a move toward mystery, paradox, and radical love.
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Practices: Focused on “Behold,” “Yes,” and ”[…]” (Silence)—deepening through just being.
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Fowler Parallel: Aligns closely with Stage 5 (Conjunctive) and Stage 6 (Universalizing).
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Key Differences in Perspective
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The Role of Doubt
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For Fowler, doubt is a functional catalyst that forces a person to move to the next cognitive level of faith.
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For McLaren, doubt is a sacred companion. He argues that doubt is not the opposite of faith, but an essential element of it, particularly in the “Perplexity” stage.
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Age vs. Season
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Fowler’s stages are loosely tied to biological age and life milestones.
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McLaren suggests these are seasons that can recur. You might go through a “Complexity” summer and a “Perplexity” autumn multiple times in one lifetime.
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Relevance to Personal Context
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Engineering Mindset and Stage 2/3
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In an academic environment like a Chemical and Environmental Engineering degree, “Complexity” (Stage 2) is the norm—there is a formula for everything.
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However, as a student encounters the messy reality of environmental policy or ethics, they may quickly tip into “Perplexity” (Stage 3). McLaren’s model provides a more “human” way to navigate that shift than the purely structural model of Fowler.
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The “Harmony” of Mid-Life
- For those in the 55–60 age bracket, McLaren’s “Harmony” is often a comforting framework. It validates the desire to move away from “proving who is right” (Simplicity/Complexity) toward a more contemplative, quiet, and inclusive faith that prioritizes “Yes” and “Silence.”
Do you find that your own perspective on faith has felt more like a steady climb through stages, or more like the shifting seasons McLaren describes?