ORGANIZING QUESTIONS
1. How do we distinguish between conversion and more mundane types of religious change?
2. How can conversion be conceptualized?
3. To what extent is conversion an individually or group influenced process?
4. What are the implications of conversion for the individual and the group?
Conversion is typically defined in terms of a radical personal transformation and distinguished from reversible change (alternation), such as commonplace role or membership change
Two approaches to individual change- Social Network Change and Individual Identity Change
Social Network Change Approach
Value Added Model (John Lofland)
In the Value Added Model, conversion is precipitated by tension and individual problem solving and involves a change in social network loyalties. There are three predisposing conditions and four situational contingencies that together result in a completed conversion.
1. Conditions usually present if an individual is attracted to a specific religious group (predisposing conditions)
Dissatisfaction with one’s current life (tension)
Iidentifying one’s problems as having a religious significance and potential solution (religious problem solving perspective)
Dissatisfaction with one’s own or conventional religious groups and a perceived cultural connection between one’s worldview and that of the new group that one encounters (religious seekership)
2. Conditions that influence the relationship between members of a group and potential recruit
Reaching a "turning point in life" when current “lines of action” have failed to produce satisfaction or success (turning point)
Developing close affective bonds with group members. These usually precede cognitive bonds, and pre-existing friendship networks are an important source of affective bonds (close cult affective bonds).
Weakening affective bonds outside the group. Weaker external bonds facilitate building and strengthening ties to a new group and diminish the probability of conflict with other groups having claims to the individual’s loyalty (weakening extracult affective bonds)
Intensifying interaction within the group members so as to solidify commitment beyond verbal commitment (intensive interaction)
The above seven conditions can be conceived as a funnel. Individuals must experience all of the conditions to be a likely convert, although they do not have to be experienced in the above order.
Individual Identity Change Approach
Symbolic Universe Model (David Snow)
In the Symbolic Universe Model conversion involves a process of symbolic reconstruction of an individual’s personal identity
1. Jjettisoning one's past identity and reorganization of identity around the new group’s symbolic system (Biographical reconstruction)
2. Adopting a single causal schema that informs all causal explanations about self, others, and events in the world (master attributional scheme)
3. Suspending metaphorical reasoning in favor of literal reasoning to establish the unique truth of the group world view
4. Organizing one’s identity and all of one’s activities in terms of the convert role so that one acts not in terms of self-interest but as a proponent of the group’s mission (embracement of the convert identity)
Group Influence in the Conversion Process
Mechanisms of Commitment (Rosabeth Kanter)
The Mechanisms of Commitment Model identifies organizational means through which communal groups heighten and sustain individual member commitment
Commitment is generated is generated on three dimensions – instrumental, affective, and moral. The mechanisms for generating commitment on each dimension involve limiting individual control and expanding collective control
Instrumental Commitment Dimension
Sacrifice Mechanism – suppression of individual need fulfillment and experience of personal deprivation
Investment Mechanism – financial and physical commitment to the community
Affective Commitment Dimension
Renunciation Mechanism – social and symbolic separation from outside groups and relationships as well as competing influences within the group
Communion Mechanism – integration between member and group through processes of sharing sociocultural backgrounds, daily rounds of activity, ritualized activities, property in common.
Moral Commitment Dimension
Mortification Mechanism – Limitation on individuality through monitoring individual motivation and activity, emphasis on group rather than individual values, common modes of individual demeanor, and group sanctions
Transcendence Mechanism – Expansion of group power through elevation of members’ status, elevation of group leaders’ status, group tradition, group control over daily routine, symbolic pledges of loyalty to the group and group leadership
CLASS DEFINITION OF CONVERSION
Conversion is a process whereby an individual changes the source of authorization for his/her behavior and identity and the religious group certifies that the change is legitimate. The process entails varying degrees of initiative and control by the group and individual, linking individual and group identity, and internalizing appropriate role behavior and symbolic behavior.
Implications and complexities of these models of conversion
"Complete conversion" involves both identity and social network change
It is possible that participants in a religious group may manifest one type of change but not the other
Since conversion is a process, in any group individual participants may be a different points in the process
The extent to which individual or group initiative results in identity and social network change varies
The more identity and social network change involve dramatic shifts from prior identities and networks, the greater opposition to the conversion
Group influence is more likely to be negatively valued than individual initiative, particularly for conversions to disreputable groups
Groups that rely on conversion for their membership base are likely to consist of individuals with mixed types and degrees of involvement
Conversion creates the potential for "deconversion" and leave-taking
The mix of converts and leave-takers influences the stability of religious groups