Conversion in Christianity: a theological study

Abstract

The dawn of the new millennium was overshadowed by the heated discussions and debates over the phenomenon of Christian conversion all sections of thinkers around the globe. The essays in academic journals, religious magazines, newspapers, news magazines, debates and seminars in religious and political forum, and books on conversion demonstrate the revived interest in the subject. It is in this context that this research is undertaken. This study hopes to provide the much needed clarity on the issue of conversion. It is my conviction that any open dialogue about conversion is possible only on the basis of a clear understanding of the theology of conversion in its Biblical context. This research will culminate in the summarizing of the research findings with the hope of providing a much-needed Biblical understanding of conversion, from the protestant perspective. In the introductory chapter, I have stated the aims, justification of inquiry, orientation and limitation, and the research methodology employed for this study. This thesis has two interrelated aims. First, to determine the basic factors that constitute conversion in the Bible.Second, in the light of such an investigation, to assess the purport of Basic Christian Beliefs in the theology of Christian conversion.The above aims derive from the following interrelated and fundamental questions of interest, which arose out of the writer?s professional orientation as a priest, and a teacher of theology of the protestant Church since 1993. ? What exactly is conversion from a Biblical standpoint? ? What is this personal reality, which would ground the experiential foundation of a contemporary theology of conversion? ? What are the criteria for discerning authentic Christian conversion? ? Is knowledge of Christian beliefs prerequisite to Christian conversion and if so, what is the degree of knowledge required? My personal role as a priest and a theology teacher had forced me to reconsider whether I actually knew the answer to these fundamental questions..