View source for Religious conversion

{{short description|Adoption of religious beliefs}}
{{Other uses of|conversion||Conversion (disambiguation)}}
{{about|voluntary acceptance of a religion|forced conversion|Forced conversion|renunciation of a religion|Apostasy}}
{{conversion}}

'''Religious conversion''' is the adoption of a set of beliefs identified with one particular [[religious denomination]] to the exclusion of others. Thus "religious conversion" would describe the abandoning of adherence to one denomination and affiliating with another. This might be from one to another denomination within the same religion, for example, from [[Protestant Christianity]] to [[Roman Catholicism]] or from [[Shia Islam|Shi'a Islam]] to [[Sunni Islam]].<ref>Stark, Rodney and Roger Finke. "Acts of Faith: Explaining the Human Side of Religion." University of California Press, 2000. p.114. {{ISBN|978-0-520-22202-1}}</ref> In some cases, religious conversion "marks a transformation of religious identity and is symbolized by special rituals".<ref>{{cite journal | title = When There Is No Conversion: Spiritualists and Personal Religious Change | journal = Anthropologica | first = Deirdre | last = Meintel | volume = 49 | issue = 1 | pages = 149–162 }}</ref>

People convert to a different religion for various reasons, including active conversion by free choice due to a change in beliefs,<ref>Falkenberg, Steve. "Psychological Explanations of ''Religious'' Socialization." Religious Conversion. Eastern Kentucky University. August 31, 2009.</ref> [[secondary conversion]], [[deathbed conversion]], conversion for convenience, [[marital conversion]], and [[forced conversion]]. Religious conversion can also be driven by practical considerations. Historically, people have converted to evade taxes, to escape military service or to gain political representation.<ref>{{Citation |last=Mikdashi |first=Maya |title=Chapter 3 Regulating Conversion: Sovereignty, Bureaucracy, and the Banality of Religion |date=2022-05-03 |work=Sextarianism: Sovereignty, Secularism, and the State in Lebanon |pages=83–116 |url=https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9781503631564-005/html |access-date=2025-02-26 |publisher=Stanford University Press |language=en |doi=10.1515/9781503631564-005 |isbn=978-1-5036-3156-4|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

[[Proselytism]] is the act of attempting to convert by persuasion another individual from a different religion or belief system. [[Apostasy|Apostate]] is a term used by members of a religion or denomination to refer to someone who has left that religion or denomination.

== Religion and proselytization ==
The religions of the world are divided into two groups: those that actively seek new followers (missionary religions) and those that do not (non-missionary religions). This classification dates back to a lecture given by [[Max Müller]] in 1873,<ref>''[[iarchive:onmissionslectur00ml|On Missions]]'' (1874), pp. 35–41.</ref> and is based on whether or not a religion seeks to gain new converts. The three main religions classified as missionary religions are [[Buddhism]], [[Christianity]], and [[Islam]], while the non-missionary religions include [[Judaism]], [[Zoroastrianism]], and [[Hinduism]]. Other religions, such as Primal Religions, [[Confucianism]], and [[Taoism]], may also be considered non-missionary religions.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Rambo |first1=Lewis R. |url= |title=The Oxford Handbook of Religious Conversion |last2=Farhadian |first2=Charles E. |date=2014-03-06 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-971354-7 |pages=429 |language=en}}</ref>

==Abrahamic religions==
===Baháʼí Faith===
{{Further|Baháʼí Faith}}{{More citations needed section|date=March 2022}}
In sharing their faith with others, Baháʼís are cautioned to "obtain a hearing" – meaning to make sure the person they are proposing to teach is open to hearing what they have to say. "[[Baháʼí teaching plans#Pioneering|Baháʼí pioneers]]", rather than attempting to supplant the cultural underpinnings of the people in their adopted communities, are encouraged to integrate into the society and apply Baháʼí principles in living and working with their neighbors.

Baháʼís recognize the divine origins of all revealed religion, and believe that these religions occurred sequentially as part of a divine plan (see [[Progressive revelation (Baháʼí)|Progressive revelation]]), with each new revelation superseding and fulfilling that of its predecessors. Baháʼís regard their own faith as the most recent (but not the last), and believe its teachings – which are centered around the principle of the oneness of humanity – are most suited to meeting the needs of a global community.

In most countries conversion is a simple matter of filling out a card stating a declaration of belief. This includes acknowledgement of [[Bahá'u'llah]] – the Founder of the Faith – as the Messenger of God for this age, awareness and acceptance of his teachings, and intention to be obedient to the institutions and laws he established.

Conversion to the Baháʼí Faith carries with it an explicit belief in the common foundation of all revealed religion, a commitment to the unity of mankind, and active service to the community at large, especially in areas that will foster unity and concord. Since the Baháʼí Faith has no clergy, converts are encouraged to be active in all aspects of community life. Even a recent convert may be elected to serve on a local [[Spiritual Assembly]] – the guiding Baháʼí institution at the community level.<ref>{{cite book |last = Smith |first = P. |year = 1999 |title = A Concise Encyclopedia of the Bahá'í Faith |publisher = Oneworld Publications |location = Oxford, UK |isbn = 1-85168-184-1 |url-access = registration |url = https://archive.org/details/conciseencyclope0000smit }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last = Momen |first = M. |year = 1997 |title = A Short Introduction to the Baháʼí Faith |publisher = One World Publications |location = Oxford, UK |isbn = 1-85168-209-0 |url = https://archive.org/details/bahaifaith00mooj }}</ref>

===Christianity===
{{Main|Conversion to Christianity|Christianization|List of converts to Christianity}}
[[File:The Conversion of Saint Paul-Caravaggio (c. 1600-1).jpg|thumb|upright|''[[The Conversion of Saint Paul (Caravaggio)|The Conversion of Saint Paul]]'', a 1600 painting by Italian artist [[Caravaggio]] (1571–1610)]]
Within Christianity conversion refers variously to three different phenomena: a person becoming Christian who was previously not Christian; a Christian moving from one Christian denomination to another; a particular spiritual development, sometimes called the "second conversion", or "the conversion of the baptised".<ref>{{cite web |work=Catechism of the Catholic Church |title=The sacrament of penance and reconciliation |url=https://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c2a4.htm |access-date=24 Mar 2016 |publisher=The Holy See |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328130510/https://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c2a4.htm |archive-date=Mar 28, 2016 }}</ref>

Conversion to Christianity is the religious conversion of a previously non-Christian person to some form of Christianity. Some Christian sects require full conversion for new members regardless of any history in other Christian sects, or from certain other sects. The exact requirements vary between different churches and [[Christian denominations|denominations]]. [[Baptism]] is traditionally seen as a sacrament of admission to Christianity.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|encyclopedia=Britannica|title=Baptism, Christianity}}</ref>  Christian baptism has some parallels with Jewish immersion by ''[[mikvah]]''.

In the [[New Testament]], [[Jesus]] commanded his disciples in the [[Great Commission]] to "go and make disciples of all nations".<ref>{{bibleverse|Matthew|28:19}}, {{bibleverse|Mark|16:15}}</ref> [[Evangelization]] – sharing the Gospel message or "Good News" in deed and word, is an expectation of Christians.<ref>"Evangelization." Evangelization. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2016.</ref>

Conversions to Christianity have been widespread. Even Christian communities not known for proselytization, such as the [[Armenian Apostolic Church]], are known to have accepted converts among [[Muslims]], [[Yazidis]], and [[Jews]] in the nineteenth century.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Hamed-Troyansky |first=Vladimir|date=2021|title=Becoming Armenian: Religious Conversions in the Late Imperial South Caucasus|journal=Comparative Studies in Society and History|volume=63|issue=1|pages=242–272 |doi=10.1017/S0010417520000432|doi-access=free}}</ref>

====Comparison between Protestant denominations====
While Calvinism is [[Monergism|monergistic]],<ref>Paul ChulHong Kang, ''Justification: The Imputation of Christ's Righteousness from Reformation Theology to the American Great Awakening and the Korean Revivals'' ([[Peter Lang (publisher)|Peter Lang]], 2006), 70, note 171. Calvin generally defends Augustine’s “monergistic view”.</ref> like Lutherism,<ref>http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Monergism and Paul ChulHong Kang, ''Justification: The Imputation of Christ's Righteousness from Reformation Theology to the American Great Awakening and the Korean Revivals'' ([[Peter Lang (publisher)|Peter Lang]], 2006), 65.</ref> its monergism is through the inner calling of the Holy Spirit, which is [[Irresistible grace|irresistible]] according to the tradition. Lutherism, on the other hand, is monergistic through the [[means of grace]], and holds the Word to be [[Irresistible grace#Lutheran|resistible]]. The Arminian view on salvation, unlike the other two, is [[Synergism|synergistic]],<ref>Roger E. Olson, ''Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities'' (InterVarsity Press, 2009), 18. “Arminian synergism” refers to “evangelical synergism, which affirms the prevenience of grace”.</ref> and considers salvation resistible due to the common grace of free will.

==== Latter Day Saint movement ====
{{Overly detailed|section|date=June 2025}}
{{Main|Baptism in Mormonism}}
Much of the theology of Latter Day Saint baptism was established during the early [[Latter Day Saint movement]] founded by [[Joseph Smith|Joseph Smith, Jr]]. According to this theology, baptism must be by [[Immersion baptism|immersion]], for the remission of [[sin]]s (meaning that through baptism, past sins are forgiven), and occurs after one has shown faith and repentance. Mormon baptism does not purport to remit any sins other than personal ones, as adherents do not believe in [[original sin]].<ref>(2010, September 15). The Original Sin – What Do Mormons Believe?. Whatdomormonsbelieve. https://www.whatdomormonsbelieve.com/15/09/2010/the-original-sin/ 

Archived Link: https://archive.today/20220314005237/https://www.whatdomormonsbelieve.com/15/09/2010/the-original-sin/</ref> Latter Day Saints baptisms also occur only after an "[[age of accountability]]" which is defined as the age of eight years.<ref>See {{lds|Doctrine and Covenants|dc|68|25|27}}</ref> The theology thus rejects [[infant baptism]].<ref>See {{lds|Moroni|moro|8|4|23}}</ref>

In addition, Latter Day Saint theology requires that baptism may only be performed with one who has been called and ordained by God with [[priesthood (Latter Day Saints)|priesthood]] authority.<ref>See, e.g., {{citation |url= https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/gs/baptism-baptize?lang=eng |title= Guide to the Scriptures: Baptism, Baptize: Proper authority |work= churchofjesuschrist.org |publisher= LDS Church }}</ref> Because the churches of the Latter Day Saint movement operate under a lay priesthood, children raised in a Mormon family are usually baptized by a father or close male friend or family member who has achieved the office of [[Priest (Latter Day Saints)|priest]], which is conferred upon worthy male members at least 16 years old in the LDS Church.<ref>See, e.g., {{citation |url= https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/priest |title= Gospel Topics: Priest |work= churchofjesuschrist.org |publisher= LDS Church }}</ref>

Baptism is seen as symbolic both of [[Jesus]]' death, burial and [[Resurrection of Jesus|resurrection]]<ref>See, e.g., {{citation |contribution-url= http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/baptism |contribution= Baptism |title= KJV (LDS): LDS Bible Dictionary |publisher= LDS Church }}</ref> and is also symbolic of the baptized individual putting off of the natural or sinful man and becoming spiritually reborn as a disciple of Jesus.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

Membership into a Latter Day Saint church is granted only by baptism whether or not a person has been raised in the church. Latter Day Saint churches do not recognize baptisms of other faiths as valid because they believe baptisms must be performed under the church's unique authority. Thus, all who come into one of the Latter Day Saint faiths as converts are baptized, even if they have previously received baptism in another faith.

When performing a Baptism, Latter Day Saints say the following prayer before performing the ordinance:

{{Blockquote|Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.<ref>See {{lds|3 Nephi|3-ne|11|25}}</ref>}}

Baptisms inside and outside the temples are usually done in a [[baptistry]], although they can be performed in any body of water in which the person may be completely immersed. The person administering the baptism must recite the prayer exactly, and immerse every part, limb, hair and clothing of the person being baptized. If there are any mistakes, or if any part of the person being baptized is not fully immersed, the baptism must be redone. In addition to the baptizer, two members of the church witness the baptism to ensure that it is performed properly.<ref name="Performing Priesthood Ordinances">{{citation |contribution-url= http://www.lds.org/manual/duties-and-blessings-of-the-priesthood-basic-manual-for-priesthood-holders-part-b/priesthood-and-church-government/lesson-5-performing-priesthood-ordinances |contribution= Performing Priesthood Ordinances |title= Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Holders, Part B |year= 2000 |publisher= LDS Church |pages= 41–48 }}</ref>

Following baptism, [[Latter Day Saint]]s receive the [[Confirmation (Latter Day Saints)|Gift of the Holy Ghost]] by the [[laying on of hands]] of a [[Melchizedek priesthood (Latter Day Saints)|Melchizedek Priesthood]] holder.<ref name="Performing Priesthood Ordinances" />

Latter Day Saints hold that one may be [[Baptism for the dead|baptized after death]] through the vicarious act of a living individual. Members of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] with a valid temple recommend (beginning in the year they turn twelve, and after being ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood for men and boys) have the opportunity to practice baptism for the dead as a missionary ritual. However, individuals for whom such baptisms are performed are not counted in figures regarding church membership statistics, such as total membership in the church, or the number of convert baptisms in a given year. Other churches of the Latter Day Saint movement also perform baptisms for the dead. This doctrine, in combination with others regarding the time between an individual's death and resurrection, also explains what happens to the righteous non-believer and the unevangelized by providing a post-mortem means of repentance and salvation.

===Islam===
{{Main|Conversion to Islam|Dawah|Islamic missionary activity}}
{{Further|Al-Baqara 256|Conversion to Islam in prisons|List of converts to Islam}}
[[File:Al Shahada.svg|thumb|The ''Shahada'', or Islamic creed.]]
Converting to [[Islam]] requires one to declare the ''[[Shahada|shahādah]]'', the Muslim profession of faith ("There is no deity worthy of worship but [[God in Islam|Allah]](Arabic word for the God); and [[Muhammad]] is the [[Prophets and messengers in Islam|messenger]] of Allah").<ref name="Bennett 2015">{{cite book |editor-last=Bennett |editor-first=Clinton |editor-link=Clinton Bennett |year=2015 |orig-date=2013 |chapter=Glossary |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pHweBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA330 |title=The Bloomsbury Companion to Islamic Studies |location=[[New York City|New York]] and [[London]] |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Academic]] |edition=1st |pages=330 |isbn=9781441138125 |oclc=777652885 |quote=''[[Aqidah]]'' – translates as "creed". Technically, the ''[[Shahadah]]'' ([[Five pillars of Islam|first pillar]]) is the only obligatory statement of [[Iman (Islam)|faith in Islam]]; however, over time a list of six items evolved, the essentials of faith (''Iman Mufassal''), namely: belief in God, in God's angels, scriptures, messengers, day of judgment, and God's power.}}</ref> According to [[Clinton Bennett]], British–American scholar of [[Religious studies]], one's declaration of the Muslim profession of faith does not imply faith in God alone, since the conversion to Islam includes other distinct Islamic beliefs as well as part of the [[Aqidah|Muslim creed]] (''ʿaqīdah''):<ref name="Bennett 2015"/>

{{Blockquote|Technically, the ''[[Shahadah]]'' ([[Five pillars of Islam|first pillar]]) is the only obligatory statement of [[Iman (Islam)|faith in Islam]]; however, over time a list of six items evolved, the essentials of faith (''Iman Mufassal''), namely: belief in God, in God's angels, scriptures, messengers, day of judgment, and God's divine decree (Al-Qadr).<ref name="Bennett 2015"/>}}

In the Islamic religion, it is believed that [[Fitra|everyone is Muslim at birth]].<ref name="Reeves 2004">{{cite book |author-last=Kueny |author-first=Kathryn |editor-last=Reeves |editor-first=John C. |date=2004 |chapter=Abraham's Test: Islamic Male Circumcision as Anti/Ante-Covenantal Practice |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WNId86Eu4TEC&pg=PA161 |title=Bible and Qurʼān: Essays in Scriptural Intertextuality |location=[[Leiden]] and [[Boston]] |publisher=[[Brill Publishers]] |pages=161–173 |series=[[Society of Biblical Literature|Symposium Series (Society of Biblical Literature)]] |volume=24 |isbn=90-04-12726-7 |issn=1569-3627}}</ref> Due to this, those who convert are typically referred to as reverts. In Islam, the practice of [[Khitan (circumcision)|Islamic circumcision]] is considered a ''[[sunnah]]'' custom, not a requirement for conversion and there is a valid difference of opinion on whether it is [[fard]] (obligatory) or not.<ref name="Reeves 2004" /><ref name="EncyclopediaofIslam">{{cite encyclopedia |author-last=Wensinck |author-first=A. J. |year=2012 |orig-date=1986 |title=K̲h̲itān |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cJQ3AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA20 |editor1-last=Bosworth |editor1-first=C. E. |editor1-link=Clifford Edmund Bosworth |editor2-last=van Donzel |editor2-first=E. J. |editor2-link=Emeri Johannes van Donzel |editor3-last=Lewis |editor3-first=B. |editor4-last=Heinrichs |editor4-first=W. P. |editor4-link=Wolfhart Heinrichs |editor5-last=Pellat |editor5-first=Ch. |editor5-link=Charles Pellat |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopaedia of Islam#2nd edition, EI2|Encyclopaedia of Islam, Second Edition]] |location=[[Leiden]] and [[Boston]] |publisher=[[Brill Publishers]] |volume=5 |pages=20–22 |doi=10.1163/1573-3912_islam_SIM_4296 |isbn=978-90-04-07819-2|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref name="Aldeeb 1995">{{cite journal |author-last=Aldeeb Abu-Sahlieh |author-first=Sami A. |author-link=Sami Aldeeb |date=1994 |title=To Mutilate in the Name of Jehovah or Allah: Legitimization of Male and Female Circumcision |journal=Medicine and Law |volume=13 |issue=7–8 |pages=575–622 |publisher=[[World Association for Medical Law]] |pmid=7731348}}; {{cite journal |author-last=Aldeeb Abu-Sahlieh |author-first=Sami A. |date=1995 |url=https://scholar.valpo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1036&context=twls |title=Islamic Law and the Issue of Male and Female Circumcision |journal=Third World Legal Studies |volume=13 |pages=73–101 |publisher=[[Valparaiso University School of Law]] |access-date=13 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112162823/https://scholar.valpo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1036&context=twls |archive-date=12 November 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> The majority of [[Ulama|clerical opinions]] holds that circumcision is not required upon entering the Muslim faith.<ref name="Reeves 2004" /><ref name="EncyclopediaofIslam" /><ref name="Aldeeb 1995" /> In the [[Sunni Islam|Sunnī]] [[Islamic schools and branches#Sunnī Islam|branch of Islam]], the [[Shafiʽi school|Shāfiʿī]] and [[Hanbali|Ḥanbalī]] schools regard male circumcision obligatory for Muslims, while the [[Maliki|Mālikī]] and [[Hanafi|Ḥanafī]] schools regard it as non-binding and only a recommendation.<ref name="Reeves 2004" /><ref name="EncyclopediaofIslam" /><ref name="Aldeeb 1995" />

===Judaism===
{{Main|Conversion to Judaism|Gerim|List of converts to Judaism}}
[[File:Scali Farm Alon More 137.jpg|thumb|The traditional normative conversion process to Judaism (''gijur'') of one, two or more years is finalized with [[Ritual washing in Judaism#Full-body immersion|ritual immersion]] in a natural collection of water, e.g. a river, a lake, or a [[mikveh]].]]
Conversion to Judaism is the religious conversion of [[gentile|non-Jews]] to become [[Gerim|members of the Jewish religion and Jewish ethnoreligious community]].<ref name="autogenerated1" /> The procedure and requirements for conversion depend on the sponsoring [[Jewish denominations|denomination]]. A conversion in accordance with the process of a denomination is not a guarantee of recognition by another denomination.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|title=Converting to Judaism|date=July 12, 2011|newspaper=BBC|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/judaism/beliefs/conversion.shtml|access-date=November 18, 2016}}</ref> A formal conversion is also sometimes undertaken by individuals whose Jewish ancestry is questioned, even if they were raised Jewish, but may not actually be [[Who is a Jew?|considered Jews]] according to [[halakha|traditional Jewish law]].<ref>{{cite news|title=So You Want to Convert to Judaism? It's Not That Easy|first=Uriel|last=Heilman|date=October 6, 2014|url=https://www.haaretz.com/jewish/features/1.619493|access-date=November 18, 2016|newspaper=Haaretz}}</ref>

As late as the 6th century, the Eastern [[Byzantine Empire|Roman empire]] and [[Umar|Caliph Umar ibn Khattab]] were issuing decrees against conversion to [[Judaism]], implying that this was still occurring.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://legacy.fordham.edu/halsall/source/pact-umar.asp|title=Internet History Sourcebooks: Medieval Sourcebook|website=legacy.fordham.edu}}</ref>

=== Spiritism ===
There are no rituals or dogmas, nor any sort of procedures in conversion to [[Kardecist spiritism|Spiritism]]. The doctrine is first considered as science, then philosophy and lastly as a religion. [[Allan Kardec]]'s [[Spiritist Codification|codification]] of Spiritism occurred between the years 1857 and 1868. Currently there are 25 to 60 million people{{specify|date=October 2018|reason=That's a VERY large range.}}{{citation needed|date=October 2018}} studying Spiritism in various countries, mainly in Brazil, through its [[Spiritist Codification|essential books]], which include ''[[The Spirits Book]]'', ''[[The Book on Mediums]]'', ''[[The Gospel According to Spiritism]]'', ''[[Heaven and Hell (Allan Kardec)|Heaven and Hell]]'' and ''[[The Genesis According to Spiritism]]''.

[[Chico Xavier]] wrote over 490 additional books, which expand on the [[Kardecist spiritism|spiritualist doctrine]].

As explained in the first of the 1,019 questions and answers in ''The Spirits Book'':  
<blockquote>1. What is God? Answer: "God is the Supreme Intelligence-First Cause of all things."<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://www.allankardec.com/Allan_Kardec/Le_livre_des_esprits/lesp_us.pdf|title=The Spirits Book|access-date=2018-10-23|archive-date=2018-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417105431/http://www.allankardec.com/Allan_Kardec/Le_livre_des_esprits/lesp_us.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref></blockquote>

The consensus in Spiritism is that God, the Great Creator, is above everything, including all human things such as rituals, dogmas, denominations or any other thing.

=={{anchor|Conversion to Dharmic religions}}Dharmic religions==

=== Buddhism ===
{{See also|List of converts to Buddhism}}
Persons newly adhering to Buddhism traditionally "[[Refuge (Buddhism)|Taking Three Refuge]]" (express [[faith in Buddhism|faith]] in the [[Three Jewels]] – [[Buddhahood|Buddha]], [[Buddhist paths to liberation|Dhamma]], and [[Sangha (Buddhism)|Sangha]]) before a [[Bhikkhu|monk]], [[Bhikkhunī|nun]], or similar representative, with often the sangha, the community of practitioners, also in ritual attendance.

Throughout the [[timeline of Buddhism]], conversions of entire countries and regions to Buddhism were frequent, as Buddhism spread throughout Asia.  For example, in the 11th century in [[Burma]], king [[Anoratha]] converted his entire country to [[Theravada Buddhism]]. At the end of the 12th century, [[Jayavarman VII]] set the stage for conversion of the [[Khmer people]] to Theravada Buddhism.  Mass conversions of areas and communities to Buddhism occur up to the present day, for example, in the [[Dalit Buddhist movement]] in India there have been [[Dalit Buddhist movement#Organized mass conversions|organized mass conversions]].

Exceptions to encouraging conversion may occur in some Buddhist movements. In [[Tibetan Buddhism]], for example, the [[Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama|current Dalai Lama]] discourages active attempts to win converts.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cephas-library.com/na/buddhism_dalai_lama_against_prosylitizing.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209125201/http://www.cephas-library.com/na/buddhism_dalai_lama_against_prosylitizing.html|url-status=dead|title=Dalai Lama opposed to practice of conversion|archivedate=February 9, 2012}}</ref><ref>Dawei, Bei (2012).  [https://web.archive.org/web/20140219190818/http://archiv.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/savifadok/2759/1/BuddhismConference1.pdf Conversion to Tibetan Buddhism: Some Reflections], in: Ura, Dasho, Karma: Chophel, Dendup, Buddhism Without Borders, Proceedings of the International Conference of Global Buddhism, Bhumtang, Bhutan, May 211-23, 2012, The Center for Buthane Studies, pp, 53–75</ref>

===Hinduism===
{{See also|List of converts to Hinduism|Shuddhi (Hinduism)}}
[[File:Bodhinatha-samaya-diksha.JPG|thumb|upright=1.2|A yajna initiation to Hinduism ceremony in progress]]
Hinduism is a diverse system of thought with beliefs spanning [[Hindu views on monotheism|monotheism]], [[polytheism]], [[panentheism]], [[Hindu views on Pantheism|pantheism]], [[pandeism]], [[monism]], and [[Atheism in Hinduism|atheism]] among others. Hinduism has no traditional ecclesiastical order, no centralized religious authorities, no universally accepted governing body, no binding holy book nor any mandatory prayer attendance requirements.<ref name="sitachak">{{Citation | last = Chakravarti| first = Sitansu| title = Hinduism, a way of life| publisher = Motilal Banarsidass Publ.| year = 1991| page = 71| isbn =  978-81-208-0899-7}}</ref><ref>[[Julius J. Lipner]], Hindus: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices, 2nd Edition, Routledge, {{ISBN|978-0-415-45677-7}}</ref><ref>MK Gandhi, [http://www.mkgandhi.org/ebks/essence_of_hinduism.pdf The Essence of Hinduism], Editor: VB Kher, Navajivan Publishing, see page 3; According to Gandhi, "a man may not believe in God and still call himself a Hindu."</ref>  In its diffuse and open structure, numerous schools and sects of Hinduism have developed and spun off in India with help from its [[sannyasa|ascetic]] scholars, since the [[Vedic period|Vedic age]]. The six [[Āstika and nāstika|Astika]] and two Nastika schools of [[Hindu philosophy]], in its history, did not develop a missionary or proselytization methodology, and they co-existed with each other. Most Hindu sub-schools and sects do not actively seek converts.<ref name="cookson">{{citation | year=2003 | title = Encyclopedia of religious freedom | author1=Catharine Cookson | publisher=Taylor & Francis | isbn=978-0-415-94181-5 | page=180 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R0PrjC1Ar7gC&q=seek&pg=PA180}}</ref> Individuals have had a choice to enter, leave or change their god(s), spiritual convictions, accept or discard any rituals and practices, and pursue spiritual knowledge and liberation ([[moksha]]) in different ways.<ref>Bhavasar and Kiem, Spirituality and Health, in Hindu Spirituality, Editor: Ewert Cousins (1989), {{ISBN|0-8245-0755-X}}</ref><ref name="gf">Gavin Flood, Brill's Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Editor: Knut Jacobsen (2010), Volume II, Brill, {{ISBN|978-90-04-17893-9}}</ref> However, various schools of Hinduism do have some core common beliefs, such as the belief that all living beings have [[Ātman (Hinduism)|Atman]] (soul), a belief in [[karma]] theory, spirituality, [[ahimsa]] (non-violence) as the greatest dharma or virtue, and others.<ref name="subramuni"/>

Religious conversion to Hinduism has a long history outside India. Merchants and traders of India, particularly from Indian peninsula, carried their religious ideas, which led to religious conversions to Hinduism in Indonesia, Champa, Cambodia and Burma.<ref>[[Jan Gonda]], The Indian Religions in Pre-Islamic Indonesia and their survival in Bali, in {{Google books|X7YfAAAAIAAJ|Handbook of Oriental Studies. Section 3 Southeast Asia, Religions}}, pages 1–47</ref><ref>Richadiana Kartakusama (2006), Archaeology: Indonesian Perspective (Editors: Truman Simanjuntak et al.), Yayasan Obor Indonesia, {{ISBN|979-2624996}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Java's Hinduism {{sic|nolink=y|reason=error in source|Revivial}}|first=Thomas|last=Reuter|publisher=Hinduism Today|date=September 2004|url=http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/2004/10-12/52-53_revivial.shtml|access-date=2008-03-16|archive-date=2020-12-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201229174130/https://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=1308|url-status=dead}}</ref> Some sects of Hindus, particularly of the [[Bhakti]] schools began seeking or accepting converts in early to mid 20th century. For example, groups like the [[International Society for Krishna Consciousness]] accept those who have a desire to follow their sects of Hinduism and have their own religious conversion procedure.<ref>See, for example: [https://archive.org/stream/IskconLawBook#page/n0/mode/2up ISKCON Law Book], International Society for Krishna Consciousness, GBC Press</ref>

Since 1800 CE, religious conversion from and to [[Hinduism]] has been a controversial subject within Hinduism. Some have suggested that the concept of missionary conversion, either way, is contrary to the precepts of Hinduism.<ref name="arvindsharma">{{cite book|last=Sharma|first=Arvind|author-link=Arvind Sharma|title=Hinduism as a Missionary Religion|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3J7qJA7L4xwC&pg=PA31|date=22 April 2011|publisher=[[State University of New York Press]]|location=[[Albany, New York]]|isbn=978-1-4384-3211-3|pages=31–53}}</ref> Religious leaders of some of Hinduism sects such as [[Brahmo Samaj]] have seen Hinduism as a non-missionary religion yet welcomed new members, while other leaders of Hinduism's diverse schools have stated that with the arrival of missionary Islam and Christianity in India, the view that "there is no such thing as proselytism in Hinduism" must be re-examined.<ref name=arvindsharma/><ref>Gauri Viswanathan (1998), Outside the Fold: Conversion, Modernity, and Belief, Princeton University Press, {{ISBN|978-0691058993}}</ref>

In recent decades, mainstream Hinduism schools have attempted to systematize ways to accept religious converts, with an increase in inter-religious mixed marriages.<ref name=subramuni/> The steps involved in becoming a Hindu have variously included a period where the interested person gets an informal ''ardha-Hindu'' name and studies ancient literature on spiritual path and practices (English translations of [[Upanishads]], [[Agama (Hinduism)|Agama]], [[Itihasa]], ethics in [[Sutra]], Hindu festivals, [[yoga]]).<ref name="subramuni"/> If after a period of study, the individual still wants to convert, a ''[[Namakarana]] Samskara'' ceremony is held, where the individual adopts a traditional Hindu name. The initiation ceremony may also include ''[[Yajna]]'' (i.e., fire ritual with Sanskrit hymns) under guidance of a local Hindu priest.<ref name="subramuni">SS Subramuniyaswami (2000), How to become a Hindu, 2nd Edition, Himalayan Academy, {{ISBN|0945497822}}</ref> Some of these places are ''mathas'' and ''asramas'' (hermitage, monastery), where one or more ''gurus'' (spiritual guide) conduct the conversion and offer spiritual discussions.<ref name=subramuni/> Some schools encourage the new convert to learn and participate in community activities such as festivals ([[Diwali]] etc.), read and discuss ancient literature, learn and engage in rites of passages (ceremonies of birth, first feeding, first learning day, age of majority, wedding, cremation and others).<ref name="subramuni"/>

===Jainism===
[[Jainism]] accepts anyone who wants to embrace the religion. There is no specific ritual for becoming a Jain. One does not need to ask any authorities for admission. One becomes a Jain on one's own by observing the five vows (''vratas'')<ref name=pshah>Pravin Shah, [http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~pluralsm/affiliates/jainism/jainedu/5greatvows.htm Five Great Vows (Maha-vratas) of Jainism] Jainism Literature Center, Harvard University Archives (2009)</ref> The five main vows as mentioned in the ancient [[Jain texts]] like [[Tattvarthasutra]] are:{{sfn|Jain|2011|p=93}}{{sfn|Sangave|2001|p=67}}
# ''[[Ahimsa in Jainism|Ahimsa]]'' - Not to injure any living being by actions and thoughts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-11-08 |title=What is Ahimsa? |url=https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/what-is-ahimsa/ |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=Yoga Journal}}</ref>
# ''[[Satya]]'' - Not to lie or speak words that hurt others.
# ''[[Asteya]]'' - Not to take anything if not given.{{sfn|Jain|2011|p=99}}
# ''[[Brahmacharya]]'' - Chastity for householders / [[Celibacy]] in action, words and thoughts for monks and nuns.
# ''[[Aparigraha]]'' ([[Non-possession]]) - non-attachment to possessions.{{sfn|Jain|2011|p=100}}

Following the five vows is the main requirement in Jainism. All other aspects such as visiting temples are secondary. [[Jain monasticism|Jain monks and nuns]] are required to observe these five vows strictly.<ref name=pshah />
<!-- Do not change this to all religions, the Parsis do not let anyone convert to Zoroastrianism.-->

===Sikhism===
[[Sikhism]] is not known to openly proselytize conversions, however it is open and accepting to anyone wanting to take on the Sikh faith.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://library.thinkquest.org/07aug/00137/sikhism.htm |title=ThinkQuest – Sikhism |access-date=2011-07-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130073424/http://library.thinkquest.org/07aug/00137/sikhism.htm |archive-date=2011-11-30 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sikhism.about.com/od/glossary/g/Sikhism.htm|title=Sikhism (Sikhi) the Sikh Faith and Religion in America|access-date=2011-07-27|archive-date=2011-09-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907071508/http://sikhism.about.com/od/glossary/g/Sikhism.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Other religions and sects ==
In the second half of the 20th century, the rapid growth of [[new religious movements]] (NRMs) led some psychologists and other scholars to propose that these groups were using "[[brainwashing]]" or "[[Brainwashing|mind control]]" techniques to gain converts.  This theory was publicized by the popular news media but disputed by other scholars, including some [[Sociology of religion|sociologists of religion]].<ref name="BromleyEncy">{{cite book |chapter=Brainwashing |last=Bromley |first= David G. |year=1998 |pages= 61–62 |title=Encyclopedia of Religion and Society |editor1=William H. Swatos Jr. |publisher=AltaMira |location= Walnut Creek, CA |isbn=978-0-7619-8956-1}}</ref><ref>Barker, Eileen: ''New Religious Movements: A Practical Introduction''. London: Her Majesty's Stationery office, 1989.</ref><ref name="Wright">{{cite journal |author= Wright, Stewart A. |year=1997 |title=Media Coverage of Unconventional Religion: Any 'Good News' for Minority Faiths? |journal=Review of Religious Research |volume=39 |issue=2 |pages=101–115 |doi=10.2307/3512176 |publisher= Review of Religious Research, Vol. 39, No. 2 |jstor=3512176}}</ref><ref name="BarkerAReview">{{cite journal |author= Barker, Eileen |year=1986 |title=Religious Movements: Cult and Anti-Cult Since Jonestown |journal=Annual Review of Sociology |volume=12 |pages=329–346 |doi=10.1146/annurev.so.12.080186.001553}}</ref>

In the 1960s  sociologist [[John Lofland (sociologist)|John Lofland]] lived with [[Unification Church]] [[missionary]] [[Young Oon Kim]] and a small group of American church members in [[California]] and studied their activities in trying to promote their beliefs and win converts to their church.  Lofland noted that most of their efforts were ineffective and that most of the people who joined did so because of personal relationships – often family relationships – with existing members.<ref>[http://hirr.hartsem.edu/ency/conversion.htm Conversion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121122133/http://hirr.hartsem.edu/ency/conversion.htm |date=2012-01-21 }}, [http://hirr.hartsem.edu/ency/Unification.htm Unification Church] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113080905/http://hirr.hartsem.edu/ency/Unification.htm |date=2012-01-13 }}, ''Encyclopedia of Religion and Society'', Hartford Institute for Religion Research, [[Hartford Seminary]]</ref>  Lofland summarised his findings in 1964 in a doctoral thesis entitled "The World Savers: A Field Study of Cult Processes", and in 1966 in book form (published by [[Prentice-Hall]]) as ''[[Doomsday Cult: A Study of Conversion, Proselytization, and Maintenance of Faith]]''. It is considered{{by whom|date=July 2021}} to be one of the most important and widely cited studies of the process of religious conversion, and one of the first modern sociological studies of a new religious movement.<ref>''Introduction to New and Alternative Religions in America: African diaspora traditions and other American innovations'', Volume 5 of Introduction to New and Alternative Religions in America, W. Michael Ashcraft, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006
{{ISBN|0-275-98717-5}}</ref><ref>''Exploring New Religions'',
Issues in contemporary religion, George D. Chryssides, Continuum International Publishing Group, 2001
{{ISBN|0-8264-5959-5}}</ref>

The [[Church of Scientology]] attempts to gain converts by offering "free stress tests".<ref>The [[Foster Report]]. Chapter 5, "The Practices of Scientology;" section (a), "Recruitment;" pages 75–76.</ref> It has also used the celebrity status of some of its members (most notably that of the American actor [[Tom Cruise]]) to attract converts.<ref>"Artists Find Inspiration, Education at Church of Scientology & Celebrity Centre Nashville." ''The Tennessee Tribune'', Jan 20 – Jan 26, 2011. Vol. 22, Iss. 3, pg. 14A</ref><ref>{{cite web | first = Dana | last = Goodyear | title = Château Scientology | url = http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/01/14/080114fa_fact_goodyear?printable=true | work = Letter from California | publisher = [[The New Yorker]] | date = 2008-01-14 | access-date = 2008-01-10 }}</ref> The Church of Scientology requires that all converts sign a legal [[waiver]] which covers their relationship with the Church of Scientology before engaging in Scientology services.<ref>{{cite news|last = Friedman |first = Roger|title = Will Scientology Celebs Sign 'Spiritual' Contract?|publisher = FOX News|date=3 September 2003|url= https://www.foxnews.com/story/will-scientology-celebs-sign-spiritual-contract|access-date=2008-12-07}}</ref>

Research in the United States and in the Netherlands has shown a [[Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient|positive correlation]] between areas lacking mainstream churches and the percentage of people who are members of a new religious movement. This applies also for the presence of [[New Age]] centres.<ref>Schepens, T. (Dutch) ''Religieuze bewegingen in Nederland'' volume 29, ''Sekten Ontkerkelijking en religieuze vitaliteit: nieuwe religieuze bewegingen en New Age-centra in Nederland'' (1994) [[Vrije Universiteit|VU]] uitgeverij {{ISBN|90-5383-341-2}}</ref><ref>Stark, R & W.S. Bainbridge ''The future of religion: secularization, revival and cult formation'' (1985) Berkeley/Los Angeles/London: University of California press</ref>

On the other end of the proselytising scale are religions that do not accept any converts. Often these are relatively small, close-knit minority religions that are ethnically based such as the [[Yazidi]]s, [[Druze]], and [[Mandaeans]]. The Parsis, a [[Zoroastrianism]] group based in India, classically does not accept converts, but this issue became controversial in the 20th century due to a rapid decline in membership.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sherine |first1=Ariane |title=Zoroastrianism needs to adapt its archaic laws – or die {{!}} Ariane Sherine |url= https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2013/dec/08/zorastrianism-adapt-archaic-laws-die-parsi |access-date=25 February 2019 |work=The Guardian |date=8 December 2013}}</ref> [[Chinese folk religion|Chinese traditional religion]] lacks clear criteria for membership, and hence for conversion. However, [[Taoism]] does have its own religious conversion ceremony which seems{{original research inline|date=July 2021}} to be adopted and modified from [[Chinese Buddhist]] refuge-taking ceremonies. The [[Shakers]] and some Indian [[Eunuch (court official)#India|eunuch]] brotherhoods do not allow procreation, so that every member is a convert.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}

== Fostering conversion ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=March 2022}}
Different factors and circumstances may operate and interact to persuade individuals of groups to convert and adopt a new set of religious doctrines and habits.

[[Religious enthusiasm]] for proselytism can play a role. For example, the [[New Testament]] chronicles the personal activities of the [[Apostles in the New Testament|Apostles]] and their followers in inspired [[preaching]], [[miracle]]-working and the subsequent gathering of followers. Freshly-converted [[Hiberno-Scottish mission|Irish]] and Anglo-Saxon priests [[Anglo-Saxon mission|spread their new-found faith]] among pagan British and Germanic peoples. Missions of the 19th century spread against a background of North Atlantic [[Christian revival|revivalism]] with its [[emotion]]alism and mass-meeting [[crowd]] psychological behaviours.

[[Messianism]] may prepare groups for the coming of a [[Messiah]] or of a [[savior (disambiguation)|saviour]]. Thus the 1st-century [[Levant]], steeped in expectations of overturning [[Judea (Roman province)|the political situation]], provided fertile ground for [[Jewish Christians|nascent Christianity]] and other Jewish messianic sects, such as the [[Zealots]].

Some religious traditions, rather than stressing emotion in the conversion process, emphasise the importance of [[philosophy|philosophical thought]] as a pathway to adopting a new religion. [[Paul the Apostle|Saint Paul]] [[Areopagus sermon|in Athens]] fits here, as do some of the [[Indic religions]] (such as [[Buddhism]] and [[Jainism]]). The historical [[God-fearer]]s may represent a philosophical bridge between Hellenism and [[Abrahamic religions|Abrahamic faith]].

A religious creed which can capture the ear and support of secular power can become a [[social prestige|prestige]] movement, encouraging the mass of a people to follow its tenets. Christianity grew after becoming the [[Armenian Apostolic Church|state religion in Armenia]], in the [[Roman Empire]], and in [[Ethiopian Church|Ethiopia]]. [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodoxy]] expanded when it gained [[Christianization of Kievan Rus'|official sanction in Kievan Rus']].

Some people convert under the influence of other social conditions. Early Christianity attracted followers by offering [[Christian communism|community material support]] and enhanced status for disadvantaged groups such as women and slaves.<ref>{{bibleverse|Galatians|3:28}}</ref> [[Spread of Islam|Islam allegedly spread]] in North Africa through just administration, and in the Balkans by integrating new believers with improved tax conditions and social prestige. [[Colony|Colonial]] missions since the 19th century have attracted people to an implied nexus of material well-being, [[civilisation]], and European-style religion.

Force can – at least apparently – coerce people into adopting different ideas. [[Islamic religious police|Religious police]] in (for example) [[Guidance Patrol|Iran]] and [[Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (Saudi Arabia)|Saudi Arabia]] answer for the correct religious expression of those in their purview. The [[Inquisition]] in France and in Iberia worked to convert [[heresy|heretics]] – with [[Conversos|varying success]]. [[Francia|Frankish]] armies spread [[Latin Church|Roman Catholicism]] eastwards in the Middle Ages. Religious wars and suppression shaped the histories of the [[Northern Crusades|Baltic tribes]], the [[Hussites]] and the [[Huguenots]].

On the other hand, [[Religious persecution|persecution]] can drive religious faith and practice underground and strengthen the resolve of oppressed adherents – as in the cases of the [[Waldenses]] or the [[Baháʼí Faith]].

==International law==
The [[United Nations]] [[Universal Declaration of Human Rights]] defines religious conversion as a [[human rights|human right]]: "Everyone has the right to [[freedom of thought]], conscience and [[freedom of religion|religion]]; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief" (Article 18). Despite this UN-declared human right, some groups forbid or restrict religious conversion (see below).

Based on the declaration the [[United Nations Commission on Human Rights]] (UNCHR) drafted the [[International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights]], a legally binding treaty. It states that "Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice" (Article 18.1). "No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice" (Article 18.2).

The [[United Nations Commission on Human Rights|UNCHR]] issued a General Comment on this Article in 1993: "The Committee observes that the freedom to 'have or to adopt' a religion or belief necessarily entails the freedom to choose a religion or belief, ''including the right to replace one's current religion or belief with another'' or to adopt atheistic views ... Article 18.2 bars coercion that would impair the right to have or adopt a religion or belief, including the use of threat of physical force or penal sanctions to compel believers or non-believers to adhere to their religious beliefs and congregations, to recant their religion or belief ''or to convert''." (CCPR/C/21/Rev.1/Add.4, General Comment No. 22.; emphasis added)

Some countries distinguish voluntary, motivated conversion from organized proselytism, attempting to restrict the latter. The boundary between them is not easily defined: what one person considers legitimate evangelizing, or witness-bearing, another may consider intrusive and improper. Illustrating the problems that can arise from such subjective viewpoints is this extract from an article by C. Davis, published in [[Cleveland State University]]'s ''Journal of Law and Health'': "According to the [[Union of American Hebrew Congregations]], [[Jews for Jesus]] and [[Hebrew Christians]] constitute two of the most dangerous cults, and its members are appropriate candidates for [[deprogramming]]. Anti-cult evangelicals ... protest that 'aggressiveness and proselytizing ... are basic to authentic Christianity,' and that Jews for Jesus and [[Campus Crusade for Christ]] are not to be labeled as cults. Furthermore, certain [[Hassidic]] groups who physically attacked a meeting of the Hebrew Christian 'cult' have themselves been labeled a 'cult' and equated with the followers of [[Reverend Moon]], by none other than the President of the Central Conference of American Rabbis."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.religioustolerance.org/cult_art.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980512053611/http://religioustolerance.org/cult_art.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=May 12, 1998|title=Joining a Cult: Religious Choice or Psychological Aberration?|website=www.religioustolerance.org}}</ref>

Since the collapse of the former [[Soviet Union]] the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] has enjoyed a revival. However, it takes exception to what it considers illegitimate proselytizing by the [[Roman Catholic Church]], the [[Salvation Army]], [[Jehovah's Witnesses]], and other religious movements in what it refers to as its ''canonical territory''.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

Greece has a long history of conflict, mostly with Jehovah's Witnesses, but also with some [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostals]], over its laws on proselytism. This situation stems from a law passed in the 1930s by the dictator [[Ioannis Metaxas]]. A Jehovah's Witness, [[Minos Kokkinakis]], won the equivalent of $14,400 in damages from the Greek state after being arrested for trying to preach his faith from door to door. In another case, ''Larissis v. Greece'', a member of the Pentecostal church also won a case in the [[European Court of Human Rights]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Justice and reforms after airmen were given criminal convictions for their religious activities |url=https://www.coe.int/en/web/impact-convention-human-rights/-/justice-and-reforms-after-airmen-were-given-criminal-convictions-for-their-religious-activities |website=Impact of the European Convention on Human Rights |access-date=9 November 2022}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Columns-list|colwidth=30em|
* [[Apostasy]], or renunciation of religion
* [[Conversion to Islam in U.S. prisons]]{{Importance inline}}
* [[Forced conversion of minority girls in Pakistan]]
* [[Inquisition]]
* [[Islamic Missionary Activity]]
* [[Kakure Kirishitan]]
* [[List of converts to Buddhism]]
* [[List of converts to Catholicism]]
* [[List of converts to Christianity]]
* [[List of converts to Hinduism]]
* [[List of converts to Islam]]
* [[List of converts to Judaism]]
* [[List of converts to Sikhism]]
* [[Love Jihad]], a conspiracy theory that Muslims feign love to convert others
* [[Missionary]]
* [[Missionary (LDS Church)]]
* [[Moral conversion]] based on the ''internalist'' view of morality
* [[Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults]]
* [[Safavid conversion of Iran from Sunnism to Shiism]]
* ''[[The Rage Against God]]'', 2010 book by Peter Hitchens
}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
* [[Eileen Barker|Barker, Eileen]] ''[[The Making of a Moonie: Choice or Brainwashing?]]'' (1984)
* Barrett, D. V. ''The New Believers: A survey of sects, cults and alternative religions'' (2001) UK, Cassell & Co {{ISBN|0-304-35592-5}}
* Buckser, A. S. and S. D. Glazier. eds. ''The Anthropology of Religious Conversion'' Rowman and Littlefield, 2003  
* Cooper, Richard S. "The Assessment and Collection of Kharaj Tax in Medieval Egypt" ''Journal of the American Oriental Society'', Vol. 96, No. 3. (Jul–Sep., 1976), pp.&nbsp;365–382.
* Curtin, Phillip D. ''Cross-Cultural Trade in World History''. Cambridge University Press, 1984.
* Hoiberg, Dale, and Indu Ramachandran. ''Students' Britannica India''. Popular Prakashan, 2000.
* Idris, Gaefar, ''Sheikh''. ''The Process of Islamization''. Plainfield, Ind.: Muslim Students' Association of the U.S. and Canada, 1977. vi, 20 p. Without ISBN
* James, William, [http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/621 The varieties of religious experience: a study in human nature]. Being the Gifford lectures on natural religion delivered at Edinburgh in 1901–1902; Longmans, Green & Co, New York (1902)
* Morris, Harold C., and Lin M. Morris. "Power and purpose: Correlates to conversion." Psychology: A Journal of Human Behavior, Vol 15(4), Nov–Dec 1978, 15–22.
* Rambo, Lewis R. ''Understanding Religious Conversion''. Yale University Press, 1993.
* Rambo, Lewis R., & Farhadian, Charles. ''Oxford Handbook of Religious Conversion''. Oxford University Press, 2014.
* Ramstedt, Martin. ''Hinduism in Modern Indonesia: A Minority Religion Between Local, National, and Global Interests''. Routledge, 2004.
* Rawat, Ajay S. ''StudentMan and Forests: The Khatta and Gujjar Settlements of Sub-Himalayan Tarai''. Indus Publishing, 1993.
* {{Citation
|last=Vasu
|first=Srisa Chandra
|author-link= Srisa Chandra Vasu
|year=1919
|title=The Catechism Of Hindu Dharma
|place=New York
|publisher= Kessinger Publishing, LLC
}}
* {{citation
|last1=Jain
|first1=Vijay K.
|title=Tattvârthsûtra
|year=2011
|publisher=Vikalp Printers
|location=(Uttarakhand) India
|isbn=978-81-903639-2-1
|edition=1st
|url=https://archive.org/details/AcharyaUmasvamisTattvarthsutra
|quote=Non-Copyright}}
* {{citation
|last=Sangave
|first=Vilas Adinath
|title=Aspects of Jaina religion
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8UhvGRoyAqMC
|edition=3rd
|year=2001
|publisher=Bharatiya Jnanpith
|isbn=81-263-0626-2}}

== External links ==
{{Wiktionary|convert}}
* {{wikiquote-inline|religious conversion}}
* [https://www.berfrois.com/2011/10/craig-harline-conversion/ "Conversion: A Family Affair"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128105509/https://www.berfrois.com/2011/10/craig-harline-conversion/ |date=2023-01-28 }}, Craig Harline, ''[http://www.berfrois.com/ Berfrois]'', 4 October 2011

{{Lists of converts}}
{{Religion topics}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Religious conversion}}
[[Category:Religious conversion| ]]