Drawing on methods from religious studies, philosophy, and cognitive science, Jack Williams develops a unique and interdisciplinary approach to the study of religious conversion. This is the first major philosophical study of conversion to treat the phenomenon as a long-term process, shaped by the convert's embodiment and immersion in a linguistic, social, and ritual community. Williams' analysis of the conversion process is rooted in a view of cognition as both embodied and affective, and is informed by the latest research in phenomenology, affect theory, neuroscience, and enactivist cognitive science. In conversation with diverse conversion narratives, he advances a theory of conversion that is not restricted to a modern, Western context but that can be applied to experiences of conversion across global history and culture. Rethinking Religious Conversion displays an original approach to the philosophical study of diverse religious practices. By bringing together a diverse array of contemporary and historical scholarship, it revitalizes the study of conversion for both philosophy and religious studies.

This volume offers much-needed theological reflection on the phenomenon of conversion and transformation. Gordon Smith provides a robust evaluation that covers the broad range of thinking about conversion across Christian traditions and addresses global contexts. Smith contends that both in the church and in discussions about contemporary mission, the language of conversion inherited from revivalism is inadequate in helping to navigate the questions that shape how we do church, how we approach faith formation, how evangelism is integrated into congregational life, and how we witness to the faith in non-Christian environments. We must rethink the nature of the church in light of how people actually come to faith in Christ. After drawing on ancient and pre-revivalist wisdom on conversion, Smith delineates the contours of conversion and Christian initiation for today's church. He concludes by discussing the art of spiritual autobiography and what it means to be a congregation.

Conversion Is A Complex And Emotionally Charged Issue. Fundamentalists Exploit It, Liberals Complicate It, Many Do Not Comprehend What The Fuss Is About, And Others Shy Away From Getting Involved. In Today S Pluri-Religious Society, Change Of Faith Can Precipitate Religious Antagonism--Or It Can Facilitate Social Diversity And Tolerance. While Religious Commitment Is Essentially A Matter Of Personal Conscience And Choice, It Inevitably Impacts Other Levels Of Individual And Social Life. Author Rudolf C. Heredia Is A Jesuit Sociologist Who, With His Long Experience Of Working With Marginalized Communities, Shows How Mass Conversions Have Alienated People From Their Past Traditions And Lived Beliefs. Challenging The Traditional Orthodoxies Which Promote Or Oppose Religious Conversions, The Author Sees No Religious Merit In Political Posturing Or Conversion For Socio-Economic Gain. Instead, To Defuse Tensions, He Advocates Rethinking Religious Conversion In India With A Determined Religious Disarmament, Discarding Aggression. Here Is A Provocative Writer Who, Remaining Anchored Firmly In His Faith, Challenges Us To Seek A Common Ground For Tolerance And Dialogue, Premised On A Constructive Interaction With Other Faith Traditions.

Critically assesses recent debates about the colonial construction of Hinduism. Written by experts in their field, the chapters present historical and empirical arguments as well as theoretical reflections on the topic, offering new insights into the nature of the construction of religion in India.

Drawing on the work of leading scholars as well as policy makers and analysts, this volume offers the most comprehensive and accessible exploration to date of the major puzzles, issues, and questions surrounding the complex and increasingly visible role of religion in world affairs.

A bold and original study of German missionaries in China, who catalyzed a revolution in thinking among European Christians about the nature of Christianity itself In this accessibly written and empirically based study, Albert Wu documents how German missionaries—chastened by their failure to convert Chinese people to Christianity—reconsidered their attitudes toward Chinese culture and Confucianism. In time, their increased openness catalyzed a revolution in thinking among European Christians about the nature of Christianity itself. At a moment when Europe’s Christian population is falling behind those of South America and Africa, Wu’s provocative analysis sheds light on the roots of Christianity’s global shift.