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Rating: 
Summary: Best book I read in 1996.
Review: According to M. Scott Peck's endorsement of Fowler's scholarly Stages of Faith, Fowler is the leader in faith develoment theory. In _Becoming Adult_, Fowler describes, in simpler, accessible language, the stages of faith and how they relate to emotional development. Fowler summarizes the work of Erik Erikson and two other prominent developmental theorists, and compares his stages to theirs. Fowler's summarization of these theorists' views is very helpful. Students of Erik Erikson's eight stages of psychosocial development will appreciate this book very much.
Despite the book's title and Fowler's Christian faith, the book is surprisingly non-Christian in orientation, and applies to faith development in general. Examples used in the book span many faith traditions. The chapters on vocation and divine calling are interesting, thought provoking, and insightful.
For the reader seeking for models of normal, healthy spiritual and emotional development, this easy to read (but not simplistic) book is an excellent seminal volume in the personal library
Rating: 
Summary: Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian . . .even women mature!
Review: Fowler answers critics of his earlier writing, Stages of Faith, with a more inclusive view of what constitutes faith maturity. He acknowledges the more relational approach of women may be as valid to determine maturity as the predominately male model from his previous work. Research by feminist scholars, such as Carol Gilligan are inculded for a more comprehensive view of the markers indicating maturity. Fowler also offers greater recognition of the work of the Holy Spirit within each stage to encourage movement toward trainsitions needed for deeper maturity.
Rating:
Summary: Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian . . .even women mature!
Review: Fowler answers critics of his earlier writing, Stages of Faith, with a more inclusive view of what constitutes faith maturity. He acknowledges the more relational approach of women may be as valid to determine maturity as the predominately male model from his previous work. Research by feminist scholars, such as Carol Gilligan are inculded for a more comprehensive view of the markers indicating maturity. Fowler also offers greater recognition of the work of the Holy Spirit within each stage to encourage movement toward trainsitions needed for deeper maturity.
Rating:
Summary: a fresh look at Christian vocation
Review: Fowler's book contains some of the best material on Christian vocation available. His complex writing style can be both frustrating and fun.
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Summary: Potentially Life and World Changing
Review: I believe that this work and his previous "Stages of Faith" constitute some of the most important and potentially culture changing works of our time. Some day these works by Fowler will be embraced by more of the church and will aid its effort to help people make progress along their own spiritual journeys. As I read this book and reflected upon my own life, I sensed a deep resonance with most of the stages of faith that Fowler outlined. The truth of the book was confirmed in remembering my own development. Once this resonance occurs for someone, the greater value of the book will be in discovering what higher levels of faith may lay ahead. At this point the book can serve as an invaluable guide to spiritual growth. I believe that the real answer to the world's most difficult conflicts is the growing interest in and effort to grow spiritually. When a person grows from egocentric, to ethnocentric, and then eventually to worldcentric awareness and beyond, rather than being a source of dissonance and human confrontation, they become a source of Unconditional Love and Harmony. Fowler's works aid those whose ego-shells have been cracked enough to let in a little light and will help them move toward a greater peace and harmony.
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