2. Just as we humans go through certain physical and psychological stages as we develop into adults, so do we experience stages of faith development as we grow into adulthood.

3. We use our imagination to understand religious concepts

4. We believe that religious stories are literally true Example: God created the world in six days 6000 years ago rather than billions of years ago Example: What God did to the people in the Bible he can do to us today (Sodom and Gomorrah, Hurricane Katrina)

5. Faith is shaped by the community we belong to; we believe what they believe. Church, family, school, friends

6. As we experience life we begin to examine, question, change, reaffirm, and even discard our long-held religious beliefs

7. Stages 1 through 4 Going through Stages 1-4 is a normal part of faith development for everyone Though Stages 1 and 2 are more typical of children, it is possible for adults to be in them, too—and some children reach Stages 3-4. Each of us will always retain some of Stages 1- 4 in our faith development What about Stages 5 and 6? VERY FEW people ever reach these stages, though we may have brief experiences of them

8. We become aware of God’s presence within us and around us, all the time, and it changes us.

9. Our love for God and others is so absolute that we are willing to give our lives completely to our faith—even if it means dying.

10. Remember, there is NO right or wrong Stage of Faith. Knowing which Stage or Stages you might be in is helpful for you in understanding what you believe about religion, faith, and God, and why you believe it!