What is the definition of a conversion?
- The adoption of a new religious belief that differs from a previously held belief.
- When the effects of Religious experience are LIFE CHANGING.
- Better understanding of faith.
- The effects can be temporary or permanent.
What are the 2 main mentalities in which a conversion can take place?
- A conscious and voluntary experience- volitional type, these are often gradual.
- An unconscious and involuntary experience- self surrender- these are often sudden.
What are James 6 main features of conversion experience?
- A process- our characters are constantly evolving and during the experience they are straightened out. It is common for before the experience to take place the person feel feel unhappy in themselves.
- Gradual/Sudden- James believes even if the change was sudden there was prior subconscious development.
- Self divided become unified- a) Sick soul- do not wish to change b) “Healthy minded” striving for better self.
- Volitional / Self surrendering- self surrender= the individual must give up relinquish their person will.
- Passive or active.
- Transforming- St Paul described himself as a “new man” “new creation”.
Explain Rambo and Farhadian’s processes of conversion.
- Context- everything that makes up the person prior to the experience, their set of moral values.
- Crisis- destabilised religious identity- may be a painful discovery. E.g. Stoning of Steven.
- Quest- the person searches for alternative help - links to James’ transforming experience.
- Encounter- seeker meets someone who is a role model- e.g. David Wilkerson and Nicky Cruz and introduces them to the religion.
- Interaction- seeker finds religious community that sits them better- attend rituals etc.
- Commitment- ritually join the new faith e.g. Davey Falcus was baptised.
- Consequence- person participates fully in the community whilst continuing to learn- E.g. Nicky Cruz studied the bible and became a Pasteur.
Give features of Stark and Loftland’s process model.
- Tension- similar to crisis.
- Religious problem solving perspective- seeks solutions in religion.
- Seekerskhip- person becomes a seeker of the religion.
- Turning point- new involvement in religion, the religion is seen as desirable.
- Affective bond- between the believer and potential convert- similar to interaction.
- Weak - extra cult attachments- distance potential converts from things not church related.
- Intensive interaction- new friendships and bonds- A Jesus army convert claimed there was a “sense of family and brotherhood”.
What are Stark and Loftland’s conversion Motifs?
- No faith to faith.
- One faith to another faith.
- Faith believing to faith trusting.
Give examples of conversion experiences.
1) St Paul- Went blind on the road to Damascus heard the voice “Saul, Saul why do you persecute me?”, the speaker claimed to be “the risen Christ”. Ananius helped guide Saul, and healed his eyes - Saul converted and became Paul.
2. Davey Falcus- Criminal, violent and drug addict. 1995 picked up a bible and it changed his life. Saw a bright light and Jesus standing in all of his glory “Son your sins are forgiven, go now and sin no more”. Immediately a 15 year drug habit was broken and the voices in his head went silent for the 1st time in years “A beautiful peace entered my body”.
3. Nicky Cruz- gang leader- met David Wilkerson a Christian preacher- told Cruz that Jesus loved him, Cruz responded by slapping him and threatening his life. Wilkerson replied “you could cut me up into a thousand pieces but every piece would still say Jesus loves you”. Cruz attended one of Wilkerson’s meetings and collected money for him, him and his gang all handed in their weapons. Studied the bible and became a preacher.
Give conversion patterns (ways in which they occur).
- Intellectual- intense study with little contact with the outside world e.g. C.S. Lewis, Davey Falcus.
- Mystical- sudden and dramatic- St Paul.
- Experimental- assessing religon e.g. C.S. Lewis contacted many members of various religions.
- Affectional- involved contact with other members of the religion and experiencing love and nurturing e.g. Nicky Cruz.
- Revivalist- occur at revivalist meetings.
- Coercive- persuasive usually financial or social enticements.
How permanent are Conversions?
If the conversion is sudden the person may have limited knowledge on what they have come to believe in and this means they are more likely to notice their flaws and doubt the experience.
Gradual are often more permanent as they are more thoroughly thought out- e.g. a well planned essay is more thorough than a quickly scribbled effort.
