Episode 147: The Stages of Spiritual Development

We grow and evolve in specific ways as we go through the stages of childhood, adolescence, and maturity – and so does our faith! How are the stages of human development interrelated to the stages of spiritual development? Find out in this week’s episode of Being Human!

Discussed in the episode: 

• Connecting the stages of human development with the stages of spiritual maturity;

• The importance of allowing others space and freedom to make their own decisions and learn from their mistakes;

• Common ways children understand and interact with God in an attempt to decrease death anxiety and feel a sense of control; 

• The meaning of “infantilizing” and why it can be detrimental to children;

• Mature faith as something that needs to come from a place of one's own volition and self-determination;

• The importance of maintaining a peaceful disposition when supporting others in their spiritual development;

• The meaning of faith and the different ways our faith grows and evolves throughout our lives.

Resources mentioned or relevant:

• Past Being Human Episodes:

• Episode 144: The Surprising Truth About the Spiritual Life (Hint: It’s Messy)

• Spiritual Passages: The Psychology of Spiritual Development by Fr. Benedict Groeschel; 

• Childhood and Society by Erik Erikson;  

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