A Multidimensional Approach to Understanding Religious Conversion
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A Multidimensional Approach to Understanding Religious Conversion Lynne Taylor 1 Accepted: 13 November 2020/ # Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract
Lewis Rambo’s conversion stage model provides an invaluable heuristic device for ordering data on religious conversion and has been used extensively to explore conversions to different religions. Recent empirical research on the conversion to Christianity of previously unchurched Australians extends this model, demonstrating the importance of affect, as well as the roles of other Christians and God, across the entire conversion process rather than during particular stages. This article briefly outlines Rambo’s stage model of conversion, describes my research process, and introduces the multidimensional model (and substantive theory) of conversion the research revealed before exploring five key differences between the two models. Being attentive to the roles of each agent, and to affect, provides a fuller, multidimensional picture of contemporary conversion. Keywords Religious conversion . Relational authenticity . Conversion stage model . Lewis Rambo . Affect This article, which draws heavily on two chapters of my PhD dissertation (Taylor 2017a), builds on the seminal work of psychologist Lewis Rambo to offer an empirically based multidimensional model of religious conversion that recognizes the importance of affect, as well as the roles of other Christians and God, in the conversions to the Christian faith of previously unchurched people. This new model helpfully highlights the multidimensional, multiagent nature of contemporary religious conversion processes. The article offers a brief description of Rambo’s stage model of conversion and introduces my own multidimensional model and substantive theory of conversion before noting five key differences between the models. It argues that by being attentive to the different agents and the affects experienced throughout the conversion process, a fuller picture of contemporary conversion is possible.
* Lynne Taylor [email protected]
1
Theology Programme, School of Arts, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
Pastoral Psychology
Beginning with a story Olivia’s1 parents were anti-religious to the extent that she was not allowed to participate in anything involving Christians or Christian teachings. The accidental exception was a choir that included spiritual songs in its repertoire. The songs she sang in choir moved Olivia: she recognized that those who wrote them had something that she lacked, and that made her “wonder” about Christianity. When she went to university, Olivia met some Christians who were “warm and welcoming to everyone.” One of these friends, Hannah, shared openly as she experienced a personal tragedy, and Olivia and Hannah became good friends. Through their conversations, Olivia saw how Hannah’s Christian faith was helping her. When Olivia started teaching in a church school, she wanted to learn more about Christianity so she could be a
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