Introduction
I will explore the differing ways people construct a belief in God, because I want to discover how people can live peaceably in a religiously plural world. I will do this ‘through the lens’ of Social Constructionism using Spiral Dynamics as a framework to explore and explain the formation of theological belief.
Statement of Originality and Significance
The theory of Social Constructionism will be applied in interpreting the formation of theological belief, seeking to identify how people arrive at what they believe. This concept is not entirely unfamiliar to theology,[1] however there has been only limited work done in regard to the why of belief. Likewise, Spiral Dynamics has a strong relationship with belief formation, but is yet to be explored deeply in the context of theological belief formation. Combining these two relatively recent psycho-sociological theories will unlock epistemological pathways into understanding and defining the realities of theological belief formation, as well as providing a framework towards creatively engaging people in contributing to greater social cohesion between people of differing belief systems in a religiously plural world.
Research Question
In exploring how Social Constructionism and Spiral Dynamics inform belief formation in a religiously plural world, I expect to discover ways this approach can contribute to religious peacemaking. To this end, a focussed, singular question will drive this research: How do Social Constructionism and Spiral Dynamics inform our understanding of how people form theological beliefs?
Exploring this question will reveal causes of inner conflict, as well as interpersonal conflict that occur at all levels of society. It will provide pathways forward in exploring how such conflict can be better resolved. Ultimately, this research aims to aid humanity in living more peacefully and peaceably with a diversity of theological belief.
Description of Proposed Methodology
A comprehensive literature review, along with some targeted one-on-one interviews of highly self-actualised, self-differentiated people, and my own creative ability to make new connections, will inform the bulk of this research.
I will ask questions to ascertain the interviewees’ level of awareness related to belief formation and maintenance, such as:
- Why do you believe what you believe about God?
- How do you think you arrived at what you believe?
- Who and/or what were major influencing factors?
- Please describe the ‘evolutionary’ experience (historical development) of your theological belief formation?
By interviewing highly self-actualised people I expect to better understand the process of belief formation as it has occurred, over time, for someone as they transition through the various stages of faith.
Social Constructionism
Social Constructionism is the prime lens through which this research will be conducted. The key insights of Social Constructionism relevant to my thesis are that
the relationship between man (sic), the producer, and the social world, his (sic) product, is and remains a dialectical one.[6]
Individuals and society create each other and do so in specific ways. Things are the way they are but could be different. We can consciously create better ways to think and be.
To say something is socially constructed is to identify that we, as humans, have made it this way; and that it could be otherwise. We create the social world we inhabit, as it creates us. Humanity, as individuals and societies, are locked in a dialectical dance where each creates and recreates the other.[7]
This extends to virtually every facet of social life, including theological formation. It sets our agendas and frames our conception of what is possible and good. On the other hand, deconstructing theological belief can be as terrifying even as it is liberating. Most people, however, appear to remain in a theological bubble they cannot penetrate, where differing belief systems are experienced as foreign and threatening. Understanding the socially constructed nature of our beliefs provide a valuable lens through which we can interpret our and other’s perceptions of our shared reality.
Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann’s seminal work, The Social Construction of Reality: A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge,[8] is the foundational text in regard to the theory of Social Constructionism as a whole. Berger’s subsequent book, The Sacred Canopy: Elements of the Sociological Theory of Religion,[9]contains a more thorough treatment of the theory as it relates to theological belief formation.
Spiral Dynamics
Spiral Dynamics provides a cognitive grid upon which I will map how people perceive reality. This theory explains how we all proceed, in various ways, increasingly to comprehend the world we inhabit. As we ascend through the oscillating spiral of self-development, which is then in turn expressed in sacrificing the self for the sake of the other, new ways of being and moving in the world are made known to us. [10]
Similarly, to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, but in considerably more detail, Spiral Dynamics allows us to locate individuals and groups on a developmental spectrum. In mapping worldviews, it lends insight into some of the major factors that influence belief formation. Applying these insights to theological belief formation will not only reveal a more detailed terrain in the nature of belief in God, but create a way to communicate and consider how healthy dialogue can take place among people with fundamentally incompatible belief systems.
Don Beck has been the principle scholar in championing Spiral Dynamics,[11] along with Chris Cowan.[12]Prior to Beck and Cowan’s involvement, the pioneering work of Clare W. Graves saw the development of the main insights of what would come to be known as Spiral Dynamics emerge. Graves posited,
…that the psychology of the mature human being is an unfolding, emergent, oscillating, spiraling process marked by progressive subordination of older, lower-order behavior systems to newer, higher-order systems as man’s existential problems change.[13]
Graves’ theory established a two-tier, eight level system against which individual or collective development across a variety of aspects of human being and doing can be plotted. This system forms the spine of Spiral Dynamics.
Belief Formation
Theological belief formation is an obvious subset of belief formation in general. While it is imperative that I declare a bias towards Christian belief within the context of my denomination (The Salvation Army) I seek to maintain an essential openness to all forms of belief about God, including non-theistic and atheistic positions. I will seek to do this with integrity, mindful of my own biases, in the interest of sound research.
Statement of Anticipated Benefits of Research
This thesis will aid individuals in better understanding the basis of their theological belief, and to experience a self-differentiated peace with their own theological beliefs in the face of the ‘theological other.’ It will enable people to live with a greater appreciation of and respect for the ‘theological other,’ providing guidance in how to live peaceably with them. It will create a framework to aid communication across incommensurable belief systems. It will produce invaluable information towards formulating a model of communication in engagements that are potentially difficult such as interfaith dialogue and LGBTIQ inclusion, amongst other issues. It will increase social capital through fostering respect and understanding between people of different faith traditions and theological persuasions.
[1] As evidenced most notably by Hermans, Chris A.M., Immink, Gerrit., Aad de Jong, A., and van der Lans, Jan. (Eds.) Social Constructionism and Theology (Leiden: Brill, 2001). amongst other sources.
[6] Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann, The Social Construction of Reality: A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge (New York: Open Road Integrated Media, 1966), 84
[7] Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann, The Social Construction of Reality: A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge (New York: Open Road Integrated Media, 1966), 67
[8] Berger, P.L., Luckmann, T. The Social Construction of Reality: A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge (New York: Open Road Integrated Media, 1966).
[9] Berger, P.L. The Sacred Canopy: Elements of the Sociological Theory of Religion (New York: Open Road Integrated Media, 1967).
[10] Don Beck. Spiral Dynamics Integral: Learn to Master the Memetic Codes of Human Behaviour (Louisville: Sounds True Inc.) Audiobook. Ch.1:16.45.
[11] Beck, D. Spiral Dynamics Integral: Learn to Master the Memetic Codes of Human Behaviour (Louisville: Sounds True Inc.)
[12] Beck, D., Cohen, C. Spiral Dynamics: Mastering Values, Leadership and Change (Carlton: Blackwell Publishing, 2014).
[13] Graves, Clare W. “Human Nature Prepares for a Momentous Leap (The Futurist 1974): 72-87.
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