Conversion

Definition

Conversion refers to a profound change in an individual's beliefs or identity, often resulting from a spiritual or religious experience. In the context of new religious movements, conversion can be viewed as both a personal transformation and a social phenomenon where individuals adopt new faith systems, sometimes leaving behind their previous religious affiliations. This process can involve emotional, psychological, and communal aspects that influence how individuals relate to their new beliefs and the larger society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conversion experiences in new religious movements can be intense and may include emotional highs, visions, or feelings of divine presence.
2. Some individuals are drawn to new religious movements because they seek community, belonging, or answers to existential questions that they feel are unmet by traditional religions.
3. Social networks and peer influence play significant roles in facilitating conversion as people often convert in groups or are encouraged by friends or family members.
4. The process of conversion is often portrayed as a journey that involves phases such as exploration, commitment, and integration into the new faith community.
5. After conversion, individuals may undergo significant lifestyle changes, including new practices, moral codes, and shifts in social relationships, which can lead to tension with previous communities.

Review Questions

• How does conversion impact an individual's identity and sense of community in new religious movements?
  • Conversion significantly reshapes an individual's identity as they adopt new beliefs and practices that often differ from their previous religious affiliations. This shift can create a strong sense of belonging within the new religious community, offering support and shared values. However, it may also lead to tension with former communities as converted individuals navigate their new identity while reconciling past connections.
• In what ways do social networks influence the process of conversion to new religious movements?
  • Social networks play a critical role in the conversion process by providing support and encouragement to individuals considering a change in faith. Friends or family members who are already part of a new religious movement can act as influencers, inviting others to join and participate in communal activities. This communal aspect not only facilitates the initial interest but also helps sustain commitment to the new faith through shared experiences and relationships.
• Evaluate the psychological factors that contribute to successful conversions in new religious movements and their implications for individuals' lives.
  • Psychological factors such as a desire for meaning, belonging, or personal transformation significantly contribute to successful conversions in new religious movements. Individuals may seek out these communities during times of crisis or uncertainty when they feel disconnected from traditional belief systems. The implications for their lives include profound changes in worldview, lifestyle adjustments, and potential conflicts with former affiliations. These shifts can enrich their lives but also challenge their relationships and self-conception as they navigate their newly embraced identity.

Related terms

Proselytism: The act of attempting to convert people to a particular religion or belief system.

Cults: Groups characterized by their unorthodox beliefs and practices, often centered around a charismatic leader, which may attract converts.

Religious Identity: The social identity that individuals associate with their religious affiliation, impacting their behaviors, beliefs, and community ties.