Presenting a rich account of women's faith lives and, mapping women's meanings in their own right, this book offers an alternative to dominant accounts of faith development which failed to account for women's experience. Drawing on Fowler's faith development theory, feminist models of women's faith and social science methodology, the text explores the patterns and processes of women's faith development and spirituality in a group of thirty women belonging to, or on the edges of, Christian tradition. Integrating practical theological concern with Christian education and pastoral practice, this book will be of interest to all concerned with women's faith development, spirituality, education and formation, and those working in the fields of practical theology, pastoral care, adult theological education, spiritual direction and counselling.

Table of Contents

Preface; The nature and aims of the study; Women's faith development: a framework; Developing a feminist research methodology; The processes of women's faith development; The patterns of women's faith development: alienation; The patterns of women's faith development: awakenings; The patterns of women's faith development: relationality; Conclusions and implications for Christian education and pastoral practice; index.