Abstract
This paper attempts to investigate and analyze the stages of conversion for elderly male Christian converts, especially those coming from Taoism background. The analysis will be illustrated through presenting interviews conducted with two elderly male Christian converts with Taoism background, as well as their Christian children's observations throughout their conversion processes. Issues raised from analyzing the interviews include:
1. what are the converts' reasons for conversion;
2. whether the converts truly understood the meaning of conversion;
3. whether past experience in spiritual phenomena affected the converts' present commitment to Christ; and
4. what process of denunciation of idols should be performed at point of conversion.
This paper seeks to answer one of the overarching questions of the conference by addressing pastoral concerns of converts from other religions with spiritual experience, which has not been discussed enough in academia. The reason of conversion is usually related to family or community ties, and as such this paper addresses how churches can foster an environment that allows those in the same situation to remain committed to the church.
1. what are the converts' reasons for conversion;
2. whether the converts truly understood the meaning of conversion;
3. whether past experience in spiritual phenomena affected the converts' present commitment to Christ; and
4. what process of denunciation of idols should be performed at point of conversion.
This paper seeks to answer one of the overarching questions of the conference by addressing pastoral concerns of converts from other religions with spiritual experience, which has not been discussed enough in academia. The reason of conversion is usually related to family or community ties, and as such this paper addresses how churches can foster an environment that allows those in the same situation to remain committed to the church.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 14 May 2016 |
| Event | Canadian Theological Students Association Annual Conference: Theology from the Margins - Montreal, Canada Duration: 12 May 2016 → … |
Conference
| Conference | Canadian Theological Students Association Annual Conference |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Canada |
| City | Montreal |
| Period | 12/05/16 → … |