"Education is the lighting of a flame, not the filling of a vessel" This quote from the famous Greek philosopher Socrates touches on the purpose of Education as a tool used in the creation and cultivation of the desire for knowledge. Higher education provides an opportunity where emerging adults can find the tools they need to further develop and question the world they live in. Relatedly, Dr. Sharon Parks' Theory of Faith Development explores this important period. This article seeks to examine its notion of meaning and how it can be used and facilitated within a core curriculum. Faith plays a fundamental role in our construction of religion. Dr. Sharon Parks' work analyzes the development of faith across the lifespan, but pays particular attention to emerging adulthood. Dr. Parks has an extensive academic career that includes her attendance at Princeton University Theological Seminary. As well as his attendance at Harvard University's Divinity School where he earned his doctorate. Through his extensive research in areas such as “developmental psychology, religion, theology, leadership, and ethics” (Service Resources, 2014) Parks is able to focus his work on faith development. His work is influenced by theorists such as Erickson, Piaget, Perry, and Levinson, but primarily builds on Fowler's work in the development of faith. Her background in teaching and counseling has given her close access to meeting students during this important part of their lives. Additionally, her experience witnessing the experience of students in transition within the university environment provided the foundation for her exploration of her leading role. Parks sees his theory as A LOOK AT SHARON PARKS' THEORY OF FAITH DEVELOPMENT ...... middle of paper ...... Ossey-Bass.Parks, S.D. (1986). The Critical Years: Young Adults and the Search for Meaning, Faith, and Commitment. (1st ed.) San Francisco, Harper&RowParks, SD (2011) Big Questions Worthy Dreams: Mentoring Emerging Adults in Their Search for Meaning, Purpose, and Faith. (2nd ed.) San Francisco, Jossey-Bass. The Uncommon Core. (2014, January). Retrieved April 2014 from https://www2.naz.edu/uncommon-core/Quotes About Education. (n.d.). (1857 citations). Retrieved May 5, 2014, from http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/education?page=2Service Resources. (n.d.). Tools: articles, books, tip sheets, PDFs and more. Retrieved April 1, 2014, from http://www.kristafoundation.org/index.cfm/page/Service-Resources-Tools/tag/Sharon-Daloz-Parks/What Makes Naz Unique. (2014, January). Retrieved April 2014 from https://www2.naz.edu/uncommon-core/what-makes-naz-core-unique/