In exploring my own human development, I feel that I am in a good place in my life and right where I should be in terms of spiritual maturity and moral reasoning. This paper will discuss my experiences and placement in each of the theories set forth by Ericson, Kohlberg, and Fowler, and the areas in which I think I could improve upon.
In Erickson’s theory of development, I find myself in stage 7, or the level of Generativity vs. Stagnation. I have a career, a settled relationship, and never before have I wanted to take action for a better future as I do now. Although I do not have children, I do have a niece and nephew that I love dearly and I worry about the current state of our country, not only for their sake but for all children. I feel
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I find myself in the Conjunctive faith stage, where I will remain because I am not, nor will I ever be anything like Ghandi or Mother Teresa, but as I read each level, I can see my own progression. I was raised in a Pentecostal Christian church, attending every Sunday morning and evening, and Wednesday nights, so God and religion has always been ingrained in me. From as far back as I can remember, I was either a part of, or attended many plays that portrayed stories from the Bible. Under some of the characteristics listed in Stage 1, it says that plays and programs are very successful with this age, which I strongly agree with. I can remember ever song and play that I saw in church over the years. This reminded me of the Easter plays that my church would put on every year and how affected I was by the crucifixion of Jesus. In all honesty, I think it is kind of horrifying for very young children, but it really resonated with me. I dreaded that horrible scene but then was so excited when He rose …show more content…
Growing up in church, I learned how to pray. Pray when times are good and pray when times are bad, but never stop praying. What I was not taught, or maybe I just did not learn to do very well, was when the praying stops, it is not time to run back to my daily tasks, but to let God speak as well. I think discernment takes time. Practicing many of the Jesuit values is something that I have done even before I knew what they were, and I find myself wanting to become even stronger and more involved in how I represent those values. I have plenty of room for improvement but will continue to allow God to make those changes as He sees