Religious conversion

The Conversion of Saint Paul, a 1600 painting by Italian artistCaravaggio (1571–1610)

Religious conversion is the adoption of a set of be-liefs identified with one particular religious denomina-tion to the exclusion of others. Thus “religious conver-sion” would describe the abandoning of adherence to onedenomination and affiliating with another. This mightbe from one to another denomination within the samereligion, for example, Christian Baptist to Methodist orCatholic,[1] Muslim Shi'a to Sunni.[2] In some cases, re-ligious conversion “marks a transformation of religiousidentity and is symbolized by special rituals”.[3]

People convert to a different religion for various rea-sons, including: active conversion by free choice due to achange in beliefs,[4] secondary conversion, deathbed con-version, conversion for convenience and marital conver-sion, and forced conversion such as conversion by vio-lence or charity.Conversion or reaffiliation for convenience is an insincereact, sometimes for relatively trivial reasons such as a par-ent converting to enable a child to be admitted to a goodschool associated with a religion, or a person adopting areligion more in keeping with the social class he or she as-pires to.[5] When people marry one spouse may convertto the religion of the other.

Forced conversion is adoption of a different religion un-der duress. The convert may secretly retain the previousbeliefs and continue, covertly, with the practices of theoriginal religion, while outwardly maintaining the formsof the new religion. Over generations a family forcedagainst their will to convert may wholeheartedly adopt thenew religion.Proselytism is the act of attempting to convert by persua-sion another individual from a different religion or beliefsystem. (See proselyte).Apostate is a term used by members of a religion or de-nomination to refer to someone who has left that religionor denomination.

1 Abrahamic religions

1.1 Judaism

Main article: Conversion to Judaism

1.1.1 Procedure

Jewish law has a number of requirements of potentialconverts. They should desire conversion to Judaism forits own sake, and for no other motives. A male convertneeds to undergo a ritual circumcision conducted accord-ing to Jewish law (if already circumcised, a needle is usedto draw a symbolic drop of blood while the appropriateblessings are said), and there has to be a commitment toobserve Jewish law. A convert must join the Jewish com-munity, and reject the previous theology he or she hadprior to the conversion. Ritual immersion in a small poolof water known as a mikvah is required.

1.1.2 History

Main article: List of converts to Judaism

In Hellenistic and Roman times, some Pharisees were ea-ger proselytizers, and had at least some success through-out the empire.Some Jews are also descended from converts to Ju-daism outside the Mediterranean world. It is knownthat some Khazars, Edomites, and Ethiopians, as well as

1

2 1 ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS

many Arabs, particularly in Yemen. The word “prose-lyte” originally meant a Greek who had converted to Ju-daism. As late as the 6th century the Eastern Roman em-pire and Caliph Umar ibn Khattab were issuing decreesagainst conversion to Judaism, implying that this was stilloccurring.[6]

1.2 Christianity

Main articles: Conversion to Christianity,Christianization and List of converts to Christian-ity

Conversion to Christianity is the religious conversion of apreviously non-Christian person to some form of Chris-tianity. The exact requirements vary between differentchurches and denominations. The process of convertingto Catholicism involves religious education followed byinitial participation in the sacraments. In general, conver-sion to Christian Faith primarily involves repentance forsin and a decision to live a life that is holy and acceptableto God through faith in the atoning death and resurrectionof Jesus Christ. All of this is essentially done through avoluntary exercise of the will of the individual concerned.True conversion to Christianity is thus a personal, inter-nal matter and can never be forced. Converts are almostalways expected to be baptized.Christians consider that conversion requires internaliza-tion of the new belief system. It implies a new referencepoint for the convert’s self-identity, and is a matter of be-lief and social structure—of both faith and affiliation.[7]This typically entails the sincere avowal of a new beliefsystem, but may also present itself in other ways, such asadoption into an identity group or spiritual lineage.

1.2.1 Baptism

Main article: Baptism

Catholics, and Orthodox denominations encourage infantbaptism before children are aware of their status. In Ro-manCatholicism and certain high church forms of Protes-tantism, baptized children are expected to participate inconfirmation classes as pre-teens. In Eastern Orthodoxy,the equivalent of confirmation, chrismation, is adminis-tered to all converts, adult and infant alike, immediatelyafter baptism.Methods of baptism include immersion, sprinkling (as-persion) and pouring (affusion).[8] Baptism received byadults or younger people who have reached the age of ac-countability where they can make a personal religious de-cision is referred to as believer’s baptism among conser-vative or evangelical Protestant groups. It is intended asa public statement of a person’s prior decision to becomea Christian.[9] Some Christian groups such as Catholics,

Churches of Christ, and Christadelphians believe baptismis essential to salvation.

1.2.2 Accepting Christ and renouncing sin

The Augsburg Confession divides repentance into two parts:“One is contrition, that is, terrors smiting the conscience throughthe knowledge of sin; the other is faith, which is born of theGospel, or of absolution, and believes that for Christ’s sake,sins are forgiven, comforts the conscience, and delivers it fromterrors.”[10]

“Conversion” derives from the Latin conversiōn-em, lit-erally meaning “turning round” and figuratively mean-ing a “change in character”.[11] “Change of heart”,“metanoia”, and “regeneration” are among the synonymsfor conversion.[12] Conversion is, therefore, more than amere change in religious identity, but a change in nature(regeneration), evidenced by a change in values. Jesusdemands "metánoia (conversion)" to become a good treethat bears good fruit (Matthew 7:17–18, [Luke 6:43]).[13]

According to Christianity, a convert renounces sin asworthless and treasures instead the supreme worth ofChrist in Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection.[14]Christian conversion is a “deeply personal” matter. It en-tails changes in thinking, priorities and commitments: “awhole new direction in one’s life”.[15]

Because conversion is a change in values that embracesGod and rejects sin, it includes a personal commitmentto a life of holiness as described by Paul of Tarsus andexemplified by Jesus. In some Protestant traditions, thisis called “accepting Christ as one’s Savior and followinghim as Lord.”[16] In another variation, the 1910 CatholicDictionary defines “conversion” as “One who turns orchanges from a state of sin to repentance, from a lax toa more earnest and serious way of life, from unbelief tofaith, from heresy to the true faith.”[17] The Eastern Or-thodox understanding of conversion is illustrated in therite of baptism, in which the convert faces west while

1.3 Latter Day Saint movement 3

publicly renouncing and symbolically spitting upon Sa-tan, and then turns to the east to worship Christ “as kingand God”.[18]

1.2.3 Responsibilities

In the New Testament, Jesus commanded his disciplesin the Great Commission to “go and make disciples ofall nations” ([Matthew 28:19], [Mark 16:15]). Evangelization—sharing the Gospel message or “Good News” in deed andword, is an expectation of Christians.

1.2.4 Reaffiliation

Transferring from one Christian denomination to anothermay consist of a relatively simple transfer of membership,especially if moving from one Trinitarian denominationto another, and if the person has received water baptismin the name of the Trinity. If not, then the person maybe required to be baptized or rebaptized before accep-tance by the new church. Some denominations, such asthose in the Anabaptist tradition, require previously bap-tized Christians to be re-baptized. The Eastern Ortho-dox Church treats a transfer from another denominationof Christianity to Orthodoxy (conceived of as the onetrue Church) as a category of conversion and repentance,though re-baptism is not always required.The process of conversion to Christianity varies some-what among Christian denominations. Most Protestantsbelieve in conversion by faith to attain salvation. Ac-cording to this understanding, a person professes faithin Jesus Christ as God, their Lord and savior. Repen-tance for sin and a holy living are expected of those pro-fessing faith in Jesus Christ. While an individual maymake such a decision privately, usually it entails beingbaptized and becoming a member of a denomination orchurch. In these traditions, a person is considered to be-come a Christian by publicly acknowledging the foun-dational Christian doctrines that Jesus Christ died, wasburied, and was resurrected for the remission of sins.

1.2.5 Comparison between Protestants

This table summarizes three Protestant beliefs.

1.3 Latter Day Saint movement

Main article: Baptism in MormonismMuch of the theology of Latter Day Saint baptism wasestablished during the early Latter Day Saint movementfounded by Joseph Smith. According to this theology,baptism must be by immersion, for the remission of sins(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

Latter Day Saint baptism ceremony, circa the 1850s

than personal ones, as adherents do not believe in originalsin. Latter Day Saints baptisms also occur only after an"age of accountability" which is defined as the age of eightyears.[22] The theology thus rejects infant baptism.[23]

In addition, Latter Day Saint theology requires that bap-tismmay only be performed with one who has been calledand ordained by God with priesthood authority.[24] Be-cause the churches of the Latter Day Saint movement op-erate under a lay priesthood, children raised in a Mormonfamily are usually baptized by a father or closemale friendor family member who has achieved the office of priest,which is conferred upon worthy male members at least 16years old in the LDS Church.[25]

Baptism is seen as symbolic both of Jesus' death, burialand resurrection[26] and is also symbolic of the baptizedindividual putting off of the natural or sinful man and be-coming spiritually reborn as a disciple of Jesus.Membership into a Latter Day Saint church is grantedonly by baptism whether or not a person has been raisedin the church. Latter Day Saint churches do not recog-nize baptisms of other faiths as valid because they believebaptisms must be performed under the church’s uniqueauthority. Thus, all who come into one of the Latter DaySaint faiths as converts are baptized, even if they havepreviously received baptism in another faith.When performing a Baptism, Latter Day Saints say thefollowing prayer before performing the ordinance:

Having been commissioned of JesusChrist, I baptize you in the name of theFather, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.Amen[27]

4 1 ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS

Baptisms inside and outside the temples are usually donein a baptistry, although they can be performed in anybody of water in which the person may be completelyimmersed. The person administering the baptism mustrecite the prayer exactly, and immerse every part, limb,hair and clothing of the person being baptized. If thereare any mistakes, or if any part of the person being bap-tized is not fully immersed, the baptism must be redone.In addition to the baptizer, two priesthood holders witnessthe baptism to ensure that it is performed properly.[28]

Following baptism, Latter Day Saints receive the Giftof the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands of aMelchizedek Priesthood holder.[28]

1.4 Islam

Main category: Conversion to IslamFurther information: Spread of Islam, Islamization,

Ghazan was born and raised as a Christian, studied Buddhism,and converted to Islam upon accession to the throne.

Al-Baqara 256, List of converts to Islam, Hanif, IslamicMissionary Activity and Apostasy in Islam

There are five pillars, or foundations, of Islam but the pri-mary, and most important is to believe that there is onlyone God and creator, referred to as Allah (the word forthe name of God in Arabic) and that the Islamic prophet,Muhammad, is His final messenger. A person is consid-ered to have converted to Islam from the moment he orshe sincerely makes this declaration of faith, called the

shahadah.[29][30]

Islam teaches that everyone is Muslim at birth[31][32] be-cause every child that is born has a natural inclination togoodness and to worship the one true God alone, but hisor her parents or society can cause him or her to devi-ate from the straight path. When someone accepts Islamhe/she is considered to revert to his/her original condi-tion. While conversion to Islam is among its most sup-ported tenets, conversion from Islam to another religionis considered to be the sin of apostasy. In several Mus-lim majority countries it is subject to the death penalty orheavy punishments. In Islam, circumcision is a Sunnahcustom not mentioned in the Quran. The primary opinionis that it is not obligatory and is not a condition for enter-ing into Islam. The Shafi`i and Hanbali schools regard itas obligatory, while the Maliki and Hanafi schools regardit as only recommended. However, it is not a precondi-tion for the acceptance of a person’s Islamic practices, nordoes one sin if choosing to forgo circumcision. It is notone of the Five Pillars of Islam or the Six Fundamentalsof Belief.[33][34][35]

1.5 Bahá'í Faith

In sharing their faith with others, Bahá'ís are cautionedto “obtain a hearing” – meaning to make sure the per-son they are proposing to teach is open to hearing whatthey have to say. "Bahá'í pioneers", rather than attempt-ing to supplant the cultural underpinnings of the peoplein their adopted communities, are encouraged to integrateinto the society and apply Bahá'í principles in living andworking with their neighbors.Bahá'ís recognize the divine origins of all revealed re-ligion, and believe that these religions occurred sequen-tially as part of a Divine plan (see Progressive revelation),with each new revelation superseding and fulfilling thatof its predecessors. Bahá'ís regard their own faith as themost recent (but not the last), and believe its teachings –which are centered around the principle of the onenessof humanity – are most suited to meeting the needs of aglobal community.In most countries conversion is a simple matter of fillingout a card stating a declaration of belief. This includes ac-knowledgement of Bahá'u'llah – the Founder of the Faith– as the Messenger of God for this age, awareness andacceptance of His teachings, and intention to be obedientto the institutions and laws He established.Conversion to the Bahá'í Faith carries with it an explicitbelief in the common foundation of all revealed religion,a commitment to the unity of mankind, and active ser-vice to the community at large, especially in areas thatwill foster unity and concord. Since the Bahá'í Faith hasno clergy, converts to this Faith are encouraged to beactive in all aspects of community life. Even a recentconvert may be elected to serve on a Local Spiritual As-sembly – the guiding Bahá'í institution at the community

2.2 Sikhism 5

level.[36][37]

2 Indian religions

2.1 Hinduism

See also: List of converts to HinduismSince 1800 CE, religious conversion from and to

A yajna initiation to Hinduism ceremony in progress.

Hinduism has been a controversial subject within Hin-duism. Some have suggested that the concept of mission-ary conversion, either way, is anathema to the preceptsof Hinduism.[38] Religious leaders of some of Hinduismsects such as Brahmo Samaj have seenHinduism as a non-missionary religion yet welcomed new members, whileother leaders of Hinduism’s diverse schools have statedthat with the arrival of missionary Islam and Christian-ity in India, this “there is no such thing as proselytism inHinduism” view must be re-examined.[38][39]

Hinduism is a diverse system of thought with beliefs span-ning monotheism, polytheism, panentheism, pantheism,pandeism, monism, and atheism among others. Hin-duism has no traditional ecclesiastical order, no central-ized religious authorities, no universally accepted gov-erning body, no prophet(s), no binding holy book norany mandatory prayer attendance requirements.[40][41][42]Hinduism has been described as a way of life.[40] In itsdiffuse and open structure, numerous schools and sectsof Hinduism have developed and spun off in India withhelp from its ascetic scholars, since the Vedic age. Thesix Astika and two Nastika schools of Hindu philoso-phy, in its history, did not develop a missionary or pros-elytization methodology, and they co-existed with eachother. Most Hindu sub-schools and sects do not activelyseek converts.[43] Individuals have had a choice to en-ter, leave or change their god(s), spiritual convictions,accept or discard any rituals and practices, and pursuespiritual knowledge and liberation (moksha) in differentways.[44][45] However, various schools of Hinduism dohave some core common beliefs, such as the belief that allliving beings have Atman (soul), a belief in karma theory,

spirituality, ahimsa (non-violence) as the greatest dharmaor virtue, and others.[46]

Religious conversion to Hinduism has a long history out-side India. Merchants and traders of India, particularlyfrom Indian peninsula, carried their religious ideas, whichled to religious conversions to Hinduism in Indonesia,Vietnam, Cambodia and Burma.[47][48][49] Some sects ofHindus, particularly of the Bhakti schools began seekingor accepting converts in early to mid 20th century. Forexample, Arya Samaj, Saiva Siddhanta Church, BAPS,and the International Society for Krishna Consciousnessaccept those who have a desire to follow their sects ofHinduism, and each has their own religious conversionprocedure.[50]

In recent decades, mainstream Hinduism schools have at-tempted to systematize ways to accept religious converts,with an increase in inter-religious mixed marriages.[51]The steps involved in becoming a Hindu have variouslyincluded a period where the interested person gets an in-formal ardha-Hindu name and studies ancient literatureon spiritual path and practices (English translations ofUpanishads, Agamas, Epics, ethics in Sutras, festivals,yoga).[52] If after a period of study, the individual stillwants to convert, a Namakarana Samskaras ceremonyis held, where the individual adopts a traditional Hinduname. The initiation ceremony may also include Yajna(i.e., fire ritual with Sanskrit hymns) under guidance ofa local Hindu priest.[51] Some of these places are mathasand asramas (hermitage, monastery), where one or moregurus (spiritual guide) conduct the conversion and offerspiritual discussions.[51] Some schools encourage the newconvert to learn and participate in community activitiessuch as festivals (Diwali etc), read and discuss ancient lit-erature, learn and engage in rites of passages (ceremoniesof birth, first feeding, first learning day, age of majority,wedding, cremation and others).[53]

2.2 Sikhism

Sikhism is not known to openly proselytize, but acceptsconverts.[54][55]

2.3 Jainism

Jainism accepts anyone who wants to embrace the reli-gion. There is no specific ritual for becoming a Jain. Onedoes not need to ask any authorities for admission. Onebecomes a Jain on one’s own by taking the five vows:[56]

1. Nonviolence (Ahimsa)

2. Observing Truth (Satya)

3. Non-stealing (Asteya)

4. Chastity

6 3 OTHER RELIGIONS AND SECTS

5. Non-possession (Aparigraha).

Following the five vows is the main requirement in Jain-ism. All other aspects such as visiting temples are sec-ondary. Jain monks and nuns are required to observethese five vows strictly.[56]

2.4 Buddhism

Persons newly adhering to Buddhism traditionally "takeRefuge" (express faith in the Three Jewels—Buddha,Dharma, and Sangha) before a monk, nun, or similar rep-resentative. But cultural or secular Buddhists often holdmultiple religious identities, combining the religion withsome East Asian religions in different countries and eth-nics, such as:Throughout the timeline of Buddhism, conversions of en-tire countries and regions to Buddhism were frequent, asBuddhism spread throughout Asia. For example, in the11th century in Burma, king Anoratha converted his en-tire country to Theravada Buddhism. At the end of the12th century, Jayavarman VII set the stage for conver-sion of the Khmer people to Theravada Buddhism. Massconversions of areas and communities to Buddhism occurup to the present day, for example, in the Dalit Buddhistmovement in India there have been organized mass con-versions.Exceptions to encouraging conversion may occur in someBuddhist movements. In Tibetan Buddhism, for example,the current Dalai Lama discourages active attempts to winconverts.[73][74]

3 Other religions and sects

In the second half of the 20th century, the rapid growthof new religious movements (NRMs) led some psychol-ogists and other scholars to propose that these groupswere using "brainwashing" or "mind control" techniquesto gain converts. This theory was publicized by the popu-lar news media but disputed by other scholars, includingsome sociologists of religion.[75][76][76][77][78][79]

In the 1960s sociologist John Lofland lived withUnification Church missionary Young Oon Kim and asmall group of American church members in Californiaand studied their activities in trying to promote their be-liefs and win converts to their church. Lofland noted thatmost of their efforts were ineffective and that most of thepeople who joined did so because of personal relation-ships with other members, often family relationships.[80]Lofland published his findings in 1964 as a doctoral thesisentitled “The World Savers: A Field Study of Cult Pro-cesses”, and in 1966 in book form by Prentice-Hall asDoomsday Cult: A Study of Conversion, Proselytization,and Maintenance of Faith. It is considered to be one of

A Scientologist introduces the E-meter to a potential convert.

the most important and widely cited studies of the pro-cess of religious conversion, and one of the first modernsociological studies of a new religious movement.[81][82]

The Church of Scientology attempts to gain convertsby offering “free stress tests”.[83] It has also used thecelebrity status of some of its members (most fa-mously the American actor Tom Cruise) to attractconverts.[84][85] The Church of Scientology requires thatall converts sign a legal waiver which covers their rela-tionship with the Church of Scientology before engagingin Scientology services.[86]

Research in the United States and the Netherlands hasshown a positive correlation between areas lacking main-stream churches and the percentage of people who are amember of a new religious movement. This applies alsofor the presence of New Age centres.[87][88]

On the other end of the scale are religions that do not ac-cept any converts, or do so very rarely. Often these arerelatively small, close-knit minority religions that are eth-nically based such as the Yazidis, Druze, and Mandaeans.Zoroastrianism classically does not accept converts, butthis issue has become controversial in the 20th centurydue to the rapid decline in membership. Chinese tradi-tional religion lacks clear criteria for membership, andhence for conversion. The Shakers and some Indianeunuch brotherhoods do not allow procreation, so that ev-ery member is a convert.

7

4 International law

The United Nations Universal Declaration of HumanRights defines religious conversion as a human right: “Ev-eryone has the right to freedom of thought, conscienceand religion; this right includes freedom to change his re-ligion or belief” (Article 18). Despite this UN-declaredhuman right, some groups forbid or restrict religious con-version (see below).Based on the declaration the United Nations Commissionon Human Rights (UNCHR) drafted the InternationalCovenant on Civil and Political Rights, a legally bindingtreaty. It states that “Everyone shall have the right to free-dom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shallinclude freedom to have or to adopt a religion or beliefof his choice” (Article 18.1). “No one shall be subject tocoercion which would impair his freedom to have or toadopt a religion or belief of his choice” (Article 18.2).The UNCHR issued a General Comment on this Articlein 1993: “The Committee observes that the freedom to'have or to adopt' a religion or belief necessarily entailsthe freedom to choose a religion or belief, including theright to replace one’s current religion or belief with an-other or to adopt atheistic views [...] Article 18.2 barscoercion that would impair the right to have or adopt areligion or belief, including the use of threat of physi-cal force or penal sanctions to compel believers or non-believers to adhere to their religious beliefs and congre-gations, 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 conver-sion from organized proselytism, attempting to restrictthe latter. The boundary between them is not easily de-fined: what one person considers legitimate evangelizing,or witness-bearing, another may consider intrusive andimproper. Illustrating the problems that can arise fromsuch subjective viewpoints is this extract from an arti-cle by Dr. C. Davis, published in Cleveland State Uni-versity's Journal of Law and Health: “According to theUnion of American Hebrew Congregations, Jews for Je-sus andHebrewChristians constitute two of themost dan-gerous cults, and its members are appropriate candidatesfor deprogramming. Anti-cult evangelicals ... protest that'aggressiveness and proselytizing ... are basic to authenticChristianity,' and that Jews for Jesus and Campus Cru-sade for Christ are not to be labeled as cults. Further-more, certain Hassidic groups who physically attacked ameeting of the Hebrew Christian 'cult' have themselvesbeen labeled a 'cult' and equated with the followers ofReverend Moon, by none other than the President of theCentral Conference of American Rabbis.”[89]

Since the collapse of the former Soviet Union the RussianOrthodox Church has enjoyed a revival. However, ittakes exception to what it considers illegitimate prose-lytizing by the Roman Catholic Church, the Salvation

Army, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and other religious move-ments in what it refers to as its canonical territory.Greece has a long history of conflict, mostly withJehovah’s Witnesses, but also with some Pentecostals,over its laws on proselytism. This situation stems from alaw passed in the 1930s by the dictator Ioannis Metaxas.A Jehovah’s Witness, Minos Kokkinakis, won the equiv-alent of $14,400 in damages from the Greek state afterbeing arrested for trying to preach his faith from door todoor. In another case, Larissis v. Greece, a member ofthe Pentecostal church also won a case in the EuropeanCourt of Human Rights.Some Islamic countries with Islamic law outlaw andcarry strict sentences for proselytizing. Several Islamiccountries under Islamic law—Saudi Arabia, Yemen,Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt, Iran, and Maldives—outlaw apostasy and carry imprisonment or the deathpenalty for those leaving Islam and those enticing Mus-lims to leave Islam. Also, induced religious conversionsin the Indian states Orissa has resulted in communal riots.

5 See also• Apostasy, or renunciation of religion

• Deathbed conversion, adoption of faith before dying

• Forced conversion against the will of the subject

• Secondary conversion that results from a relation-ship

• Moral conversion based on the internalist view ofmorality

• List of converts to Christianity

• List of converts to Hinduism

• List of converts to Islam

• List of converts to Judaism

• List of converts to Buddhism

• Love Jihad conversion to Islam by feigning love

• Missionary sent abroad

• Inquisition

• Islamic Missionary Activity

• Missionary (LDS Church)

• Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults

• Safavid conversion of Iran from Sunnism to Shiism

• The Rage Against God, 2010 book by Peter Hitchens

• Conversion to Islam in U.S. prisons

8 6 REFERENCES

6 References[1] More conservative Protestants, especially Fundamental-

ists, would view a “reaffiliation” to Catholicism as a con-version to a new religion.

[2] Stark, Rodney and Roger Finke. “Acts of Faith: Explain-ing the Human Side of Religion.” University of CaliforniaPress, 2000. ISBN 978-0-520-22202-1

[3] Meintel, Deirdre. “When There Is No Conversion: Spir-itualists and Personal Religious Change”. Anthropologica49 (1): 149–162.

[4] Falkenberg, Steve. “Psychological Explanations of Reli-gious Socialization.” Religious Conversion. Eastern Ken-tucky University. August 31, 2009.

[5] The Independent newspaper: "... finding religion – isthere anything middle-class parents won't try to get theirchildren into the 'right' schools?"

[6] http://legacy.fordham.edu/halsall/source/pact-umar.asp

[7] Hefner, Robert W. Conversion to Christianity. Universityof California Press, 1993. ISBN 0-520-07836-5

[8] Bromiley, Geoffrey W. “Baptism.” The InternationalStandard Bible Encyclopedia: A-D (p. 419). Wm. B.Eerdmans Publishing, 1995. ISBN 0-8028-3781-6

[9] “The Purpose of Baptism.” http://gospelway.com/salvation/baptism_purpose.php

[10] Augsburg Confession, Article XII: Of Repentance

[11] “conversion, n.”. OED Online. September 2013. OxfordUniversity Press.

[12] http://thesaurus.com/browse/conversion

[13] Gerhard Kittel and Gerhard Friedrich, eds, TheologicalDictionary of the New Testament: Abridged in One Volumeby Geoffrey W. Bromily (Eerdmans, 1985) 101, 403.

[14] Conversion to Christ: TheMaking of a Christian Hedonist

[15] “St. Paul on Conversion” at http://jesuschristsavior.net/Conversion.html. Accessed November 5, 2013

[16] BibleGateway.com- Commentaries » Matthew 16 » TheCost of the Kingdom

[17] New Catholic Dictionary: conversion

[18] † Saints Constantine & Elena: Reception into the Cate-chumenate

[19] Paul ChulHong Kang, Justification: The Imputation ofChrist’s Righteousness from Reformation Theology to theAmerican Great Awakening and the Korean Revivals(Peter Lang, 2006), 70, note 171. Calvin generally de-fends Augustine’s “monergistic view.”

[20] http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Monergism and PaulChulHong Kang, Justification: The Imputation of Christ’sRighteousness from Reformation Theology to the AmericanGreat Awakening and the Korean Revivals (Peter Lang,2006), 65.

[21] Roger E. Olson, Arminian Theology: Myths and Reali-ties (InterVarsity Press, 2009), 18. “Arminian synergism”refers to “evangelical synergism, which affirms the preve-nience of grace.”

[22] See Doctrine and Covenants 68:25-27

[23] See Moroni 8:4-23

[24] See, e.g., “Guide to the Scriptures: Baptism, Baptize:Proper authority”, LDS.org (LDS Church)

[25] See, e.g., “Gospel Topics: Priest”, LDS.org (LDS Church)

[26] See, e.g., “Baptism”, KJV (LDS): LDS Bible Dictionary,LDS Church

[27] See 3 Nephi 11:25

[28] “Performing Priesthood Ordinances”, Duties and Bless-ings of the Priesthood: Basic Manual for Priesthood Hold-ers, Part B, LDS Church, 2000, pp. 41–48

[29] Converts to Islam

[30] How to Become a Muslim - Meeting Place for Re-verts/Converts To Islam

[31] Every Child is Born Muslim

[32] Conversion to Islam

[33] Is Circumcision obligatory after conversion?

[34] Considering Converting: Is it necessary to be circum-cised?

[35] Circumcision for Converts

[36] Smith, P. (1999). A Concise Encyclopedia of the Bahá'íFaith. Oxford, UK: Oneworld Publications. ISBN 1-85168-184-1.

[37] Momen, M. (1997). A Short Introduction to the Bahá'íFaith. Oxford, UK: One World Publications. ISBN 1-85168-209-0.

[38] Arvind Sharma (2011), Hinduism as a Missionary Re-ligion, State University of New York Press, ISBN 978-1438432113, pages 31-53

[39] Gauri Viswanathan (1998), Outside the Fold: Conversion,Modernity, and Belief, Princeton University Press, ISBN978-0691058993, pages 153-176

[40] Chakravarti, Sitansu (1991), Hinduism, a way of life,Motilal Banarsidass Publ., p. 71, ISBN 978-81-208-0899-7

[41] Julius J. Lipner, Hindus: Their Religious Beliefs and Prac-tices, 2nd Edition, Routledge, ISBN 978-0-415-45677-7,page 8; Quote: “(...) one need not be religious in the mini-mal sense described to be accepted as a Hindu by Hindus,or describe oneself perfectly validly as Hindu. Onemay bepolytheistic or monotheistic, monistic or pantheistic, evenan agnostic, humanist or atheist, and still be considered aHindu.”

9

[42] MKGandhi, The Essence of Hinduism, Editor: VB Kher,Navajivan Publishing, see page 3; According toGandhi, “amanmay not believe inGod and still call himself a Hindu.”

[43] Catharine Cookson (2003), Encyclopedia of religious free-dom, Taylor & Francis, p. 180, ISBN 978-0-415-94181-5

[44] Bhavasar and Kiem, Spirituality and Health, in HinduSpirituality, Editor: Ewert Cousins (1989), ISBN 0-8245-0755-X, Crossroads Publishing New York, pp 319-337; John Arapura, Spirit and Spiritual Knowledge inthe Upanishads, in Hindu Spirituality, Editor: EwertCousins (1989), ISBN 0-8245-0755-X, Crossroads Pub-lishing New York, pp 64-85

[45] Gavin Flood, Brill’s Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Editor:Knut Jacobsen (2010), Volume II, Brill, ISBN 978-90-04-17893-9, see Article on Wisdom and Knowledge, pp881-884

[46] SS Subramuniyaswami (2000), How to become a Hindu,2nd Edition, Himalayan Academy, ISBN 0945497822,page 153

[47] Jan Gonda, The Indian Religions in Pre-Islamic Indonesiaand their survival in Bali, inHandbook of Oriental Studies.Section 3 Southeast Asia, Religions at Google Books, pages1-47

[48] Richadiana Kartakusama (2006), Archaeology: Indone-sian Perspective (Editors: Truman Simanjuntak et al.),Yayasan Obor Indonesia, ISBN 979-2624996, pp. 406-419

[49] Reuter, Thomas (September 2004). Java’s Hinduism Re-vivial. Hinduism Today.

[50] See, for example: ISKCON Law Book, International So-ciety for Krishna Consciousness, GBC Press

[51] SS Subramuniyaswami (2000), How to become a Hindu,2nd Edition, Himalayan Academy, ISBN 0945497822,pages 115-118

[52] SS Subramuniyaswami (2000), How to become a Hindu,2nd Edition, Himalayan Academy, ISBN 0945497822,pages xx, 133-147

[53] SS Subramuniyaswami (2000), How to become a Hindu,2nd Edition, Himalayan Academy, ISBN 0945497822,pages 157-158

[54] ThinkQuest - Sikhism

[55] About.com - Sikhism

[56] Pravin Shah, Five Great Vows (Maha-vratas) of JainismJainism Literature Center, Harvard University Archives(2009)

[57] “ThinkQuest -Map of religions”. ThinkQuest. Retrieved31 July 2013.

[58] Travel China Guide – Han Chinese, Windows on Asia– Chinese Religions, Justchina.org - China Beliefs,Foreignercn.com - Buddhism in China

[59] Asia Society - Chinese Belief Systems

[60] Asia Society - Buddhism in China

[61] “World Factbook: Japan”. CIA. Retrieved 15 January2011.

[62] Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (15September 2006). “International Religious Freedom Re-port 2006”. US Department of State. Retrieved 4 De-cember 2007.

[63] Asia Society - Shinto

[64] Buddhism in Korea, Korean Buddhism Magazine, Seoul1997

[65] Asia Society - Historical and Modern Religions of Korea

[66] “Culture of North Korea – Alternative name, History andethnic relations”. Countries and Their Cultures. AdvamegInc. Retrieved 4 July 2009.

[67] “CIA The World Factbook – North Korea”. Cia.gov. Re-trieved 3 November 2011.

[68] “Vietnam”. Encyclopedia of the Nations. 14 August2007. Retrieved 28 April 2010.

[69] “Vietnam’s religions”. Vietnam-holidays.co.uk. Re-trieved 28 April 2010.

[70] Asia Society - Religions in Vietnam

[71] Asian History - Mongolia | Facts and History, Windowson Asia - Mongolia, Mongolia Tourism - Religion

[72] Nepal Embassy in Japan, Globerove - Religion in Nepal,Mongolia Asian History - Nepal, Windows on Asia -Nepal

[73] Dalai Lama opposed to practice of conversion

[74] Dawei, Bei (2012). Conversion to Tibetan Buddhism:Some Reflections, in: Ura, Dasho, Karma: Chophel,Dendup, Buddhism Without Borders, Proceedings of theInternational Conference of Global Buddhism, Bhum-tang, Bhutan, May 211-23, 2012, The Center for ButhaneStudies, pp, 53-75

[75] Melton, J. Gordon (1999-12-10). “Brainwashing and theCults: The Rise and Fall of a Theory”. CESNUR: Centerfor Studies on New Religions. Retrieved 2009-06-15. Inthe United States at the end of the 1970s, brainwashingemerged as a popular theoretical construct around whichto understand what appeared to be a sudden rise of newand unfamiliar religious movements during the previousdecade, especially those associated with the hippie street-people phenomenon.

[76] Bromley, David G. (1998). “Brainwashing”. In WilliamH. Swatos Jr. (Ed.). Encyclopedia of Religion and Society.Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira. pp. 61–62. ISBN 978-0-7619-8956-1.

[77] Barker, Eileen: New Religious Movements: A PracticalIntroduction. London: Her Majesty’s Stationery office,1989.

10 8 EXTERNAL LINKS

[78] Wright, Stewart A. (1997). “Media Coverage of Un-conventional Religion: Any 'Good News’ for MinorityFaiths?". Review of Religious Research (Review of Re-ligious Research, Vol. 39, No. 2) 39 (2): 101–115.doi:10.2307/3512176. JSTOR 3512176.

[79] Barker, Eileen (1986). “Religious Move-ments: Cult and Anti-Cult Since Jonestown”.Annual Review of Sociology 12: 329–346.doi:10.1146/annurev.so.12.080186.001553.

[80] Conversion, Unification Church, Encyclopedia of Reli-gion and Society, Hartford Institute for Religion Research,Hartford Seminary

[81] Introduction to New and Alternative Religions in Amer-ica: African diaspora traditions and other American in-novations, Volume 5 of Introduction to New and Al-ternative Religions in America, W. Michael Ashcraft,Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006 ISBN 0-275-98717-5, ISBN 978-0-275-98717-6, page 180

[82] Exploring New Religions, Issues in contemporary religion,George D. Chryssides, Continuum International Publish-ing Group, 2001 ISBN 0-8264-5959-5, ISBN 978-0-8264-5959-6 page 1

[83] The Foster Report. Chapter 5, “The Practices of Scien-tology;" section (a), “Recruitment;" pages 75-76.

[84] “Artists Find Inspiration, Education at Church of Scien-tology & Celebrity Centre Nashville.” The Tennessee Tri-bune, Jan 20-Jan 26, 2011. Vol. 22, Iss. 3, pg. 14A

[85] Goodyear, Dana (2008-01-14). “Château Scientology”.Letter from California. The NewYorker. Retrieved 2008-01-10.

[86] Friedman, Roger (3 September 2003). “Will ScientologyCelebs Sign 'Spiritual' Contract?". FOX News. Retrieved2008-12-07.

[87] Schepens, T. (Dutch) Religieuze bewegingen in Nederlandvolume 29, Sekten Ontkerkelijking en religieuze vitaliteit:nieuwe religieuze bewegingen en New Age-centra in Neder-land (1994) VU uitgeverij ISBN 90-5383-341-2

[88] Stark, R & W.S. Bainbridge The future of religion: secu-larization, revival and cult formation (1985) Berkeley/LosAngeles/London: University of California press

[89] Joining a Cult: Religious Choice or Psychological Aber-ration?

7 Further reading

• Barker, Eileen The Making of a Moonie: Choice orBrainwashing? (1984)

• Barrett, D. V. The New Believers: A survey of sects,cults and alternative religions (2001) UK, Cassell &Co ISBN 0-304-35592-5

• Cooper, Richard S. “The Assessment and Collec-tion of Kharaj Tax in Medieval Egypt” Journal ofthe American Oriental Society, Vol. 96, No. 3. (Jul–Sep., 1976), pp. 365–382.

• Curtin, Phillip D. Cross-Cultural Trade in WorldHistory. 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 theU.S. and Canada, 1977. vi, 20 p. Without ISBN

• James, William, The varieties of religious experi-ence: a study in human nature. Being the Giffordlectures on natural religion delivered at Edinburghin 1901-1902; Longmans, Green & Co, New York(1902)

• Morris, Harold C., and Lin M. Morris. “Power andpurpose: Correlates to conversion.” Psychology: AJournal of Human Behavior, Vol 15(4), Nov-Dec1978, 15–22.

• Rambo, Lewis R. Understanding Religious Conver-sion. Yale University Press, 1993.

• Ramstedt, Martin. Hinduism in Modern Indonesia:A Minority Religion Between Local, National, andGlobal Interests. Routledge, 2004.

• Rawat, Ajay S. StudentMan and Forests: The Khattaand Gujjar Settlements of Sub-Himalayan Tarai. In-dus Publishing, 1993.

• Vasu, Srisa Chandra (1919), The Catechism OfHindu Dharma, New York: Kessinger Publishing,LLC

8 External links• “Conversion: A Family Affair”, Craig Harline,

Berfrois, 4 October 2011

11

9 Text and image sources, contributors, and licenses

9.1 Text• Religious conversion Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_conversion?oldid=668391667 Contributors: Wesley, RK, LA2,

Rmhermen, SimonP, Stevertigo, Patrick, Infrogmation, Michael Hardy, Jahsonic, IZAK, Sannse, Ellywa, Angela, Karthik, Glenn, GCarty,Jallan, Reddi, Tb, DJ Clayworth, Maximus Rex, James Arthur Reed, Lumos3, Donarreiskoffer, Robbot, Psychonaut, Naddy, Ashley Y,Colonel E, Cecropia, Jeru, DocWatson42, Amazinggracein, Andries, Zigger, Everyking, Malbear, Jdavidb, Jfdwolff, Mboverload, Zoney,Wmahan, D3, Chowbok, Andycjp, Calm, LucasVB, Antandrus, Mustafaa, Jossi, Rdsmith4, Cynical, Marcus2, Klemen Kocjancic, Cab88,Rosarino, Hadj, Jayjg, KillerChihuahua, Guanabot, Freestylefrappe, Zappaz, Antaeus Feldspar, Dbachmann, Ngchen, ESkog, NeilTarrant,Sunborn, Mashford, Calair, Germen, Mwanner, El Moro, Kjkolb, WikiLeon, Numerousfalx, Idleguy, Irishpunktom, OGoncho, ADM,Storm Rider, QVanillaQ, Kpwa gok, Yamla, Suthra, Wtmitchell, Hasdrubal~enwiki, Sharifm, Dominic, Sfacets, Magda, Matt O'Connor,Richwales, Tariqabjotu, TShilo12, AlexTiefling, CONFIQ, Flyingcheese, Simetrical, Logophile, Sesmith, Daira Hopwood, Alakhriveion,Pol098, Jeff3000, Miss Madeline, Priyatu, Akira625, Haunti, Toussaint, Kartavyam, KHM03, CronoDAS, Graham87, Revas, Keeves,BD2412, Grammarbot, Rjwilmsi, Koavf, Lionel Elie Mamane, TheRingess, Georgelazenby, Troyac, FayssalF, Margosbot~enwiki, TheDogandpony, DVdm, EamonnPKeane, Wavelength, Alma Pater, Deeptrivia, RussBot, Arjuna909, Anonymous editor, Briaboru, Bhny,Pigman, DanMS, Netscott, Gaius Cornelius, CambridgeBayWeather, Wimt, Shanel, Dforest, Benne, DGJM, Exfacior, Karl Meier, Tachs,Antley, HistoricalPisces, Scheinwerfermann, Bhumiya, Gppande, CharlesHBennett, Fram, JLaTondre, T. Anthony, Katieh5584, Kung-fuadam, Greece666, Hiddekel, Momento, SmackBot, MARussellPESE, Jagged 85, Bradtcordeiro, Hmains, HolyGanga, Anwar saadat, Val-ley2city, Bluebot, Emufarmers, Pwaldron, MaartenVidal, Ezra haSofer, JonHarder, Maksim-bot, Khoikhoi, Pepsidrinka, Absent~enwiki,RolandR, Richard001, A.J.A., Only, DMacks, MacLeinin, GourangaUK, Pilotguy, Clicketyclack, Will Beback, SashatoBot, Z-d, Swat-jester, Shridharan, John, Vgy7ujm, Armyrifle9, Minna Sora no Shita, Andrewb 987, Stoa, Putra80, 16@r, BillFlis, Davemcarlson, Epiphyl-lumlover, Sharnak, DGtal, Hectorian, Phuzion, Iridescent, Hculbert, Jetman, Fuzzbuzz, Johanneum, Maleabroad, Jbolden1517, Raphael1,Afghana~enwiki, CmdrObot, Basawala, Dunwich, Cydebot, Jpb1301, Poeticbent, Xorox, Mmassyn, Frosty0814snowman, Chasingsol,Monchelsea, Shirulashem, Doug Weller, Christian75, Kozuch, Atomsmasher86, BetacommandBot, Steve Dufour, Sacca, Peter Deer, Bob-blehead, Dmitri Lytov, Jimhoward72, The Hybrid, AntiVandalBot, HarvardOxon, Michael.sutphin, Noroton, ARTEST4ECHO, Falconleaf,P.D., Tuku99, DOSGuy, JAnDbot, Bakasuprman, V. Szabolcs, Ojchase, Rothorpe, Yahel Guhan, KhAiRiNhO~enwiki, Naridon, Magi-oladitis, VoABot II, Cadsuane Melaidhrin, SineWave, Prestonmcconkie, I JethroBT, KConWiki, HeBhagawan, Afaprof01, JaGa, Peterjackson, MartinBot, Grandia01, Vigyani, R'n'B, Serenaacw, Lilac Soul, Padishah5000, Uncle Dick, Yonidebot, Ian.thomson, Andreabru-giony, Aquinas98, Ahsaniqbal 93, RealityBase, Belovedfreak, Anietor, HiEv, Masaruemoto, Firstorm, Jessica2353t, June7ui8i, Sanusreth,ZikeFlask, Littlealien182, Q Chris, Rumiton, Malus Catulus, Elisabethloretta, WJetChao, Synthebot, Mike4ty4, AlleborgoBot, Bluedenim,Munci, Jonah22, Saom, Kaath9, StAnselm, Dawn Bard, Tiptoety, MaynardClark, Lightmouse, KathrynLybarger, Thirteen squared, SBau-manSF, Vanished user ewfisn2348tui2f8n2fio2utjfeoi210r39jf, Angelo De La Paz, Desione, ClueBot, The Thing That Should Not Be, Nan-cyHeise, Podzemnik, Supertouch, Drmies, Erudecorp, Myopia123, Otolemur crassicaudatus, DragonBot, Relata refero, PixelBot, VaughnGreg, Warrior4321, Rangestand, Chrono1084, Rui Gabriel Correia, Ranjithsutari, Versus22, Editor2020, Sanjayjamdade, DumZiBoT,ChaiYall, Gaura79, Jprw, Borock, MystBot, Samudra80, Addbot, DavidHopwood, Spreadknowledge, Download, AnnaFrance, Lightbot,Jarble, Albertus teolog, Drpickem, Luckas-bot, Yobot, Pectore, Kan8eDie, KBurchfiel, AnomieBOT, Tryptofish, Jim1138, Xullius, Citationbot, ArthurBot, LilHelpa, JALatimer, Gilo1969, J04n, Flarkins, FrescoBot, Komitsuki, MinaBeana, KuroiShiroi, MathFacts, Haeinous,Zatx surabhi, AndrewAz, Novaseminary, OgreBot, Acetonestar, SpacemanSpiff, Zhakir, Fui in terra aliena, Rak-Tai, Atticust, Popotão,Vejlefjord, Grandzu, Anildhawan1682, Mhalawany, ItsZippy, Smartk1987, Ansumang, DB 103245, Reaper Eternal, Kitfoxxe, IRIS-ZOOM, Dizzledorf, Peaceworld111, EmausBot, Coolnim007, GoingBatty, Disambigutron, DiiCinta, Tajiki0013, ZéroBot, Fragin2010,Daonguyen95, Rabbie Barns, Kharados, Flies 1, Salamaat, Vipraf, Orange Suede Sofa, Mzsaba1234, TYelliot, Truebrother, Will BebackAuto, ClueBot NG, Gareth Griffith-Jones, Tanbircdq, Adamrce, Zeit Totzuschlagen, Helpful Pixie Bot, Thisthat2011, Titodutta, Aa2san,FakTNeviM, BG19bot, BigJim707, Rozzy5995, JohnChrysostom, Whatwhat chicken buut, Spitecent, Earendil56, Newmancbn, Bhotdot-tled, Thinkmaths, Fylbecatulous, Sfarney, Dexbot, Swiftredvette, Delljvc, SFK2, Xphilosopherking, Tribouletr, Matipop, Cherubinirules,Nakitu, MashBi, Somchai Sun, JimRenge, Adjutor101, Miroamr78, Hemant Dabral, Ms SarahWelch, Olenyash, Monkbot, Gisigu, Septate,Sabbathkeeper40, AsteriskStarSplat, जैन, KasparBot and Anonymous: 401

9.2 Images• File:Ambox_important.svg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b4/Ambox_important.svg License: Public do-

main Contributors: Own work, based off of Image:Ambox scales.svg Original artist: Dsmurat (talk · contribs)• File:Bodhinatha-samaya-diksha.JPG Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Bodhinatha-samaya-diksha.JPG

License: CC BY-SA 3.0 Contributors: owned Original artist: Thomas L Kelly• File:GhazanConversionToIslam.JPG Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/64/GhazanConversionToIslam.JPG

License: Public domain Contributors: “World History”, Rachid Ad-Din, 14th century. Reproduction photographed from “Le RoyaumeArmenien de Cilicie”, Claude Mutafian. Original artist: Rachid Ad-Din

• File:Michelangelo_Merisi_da_Caravaggio_-_The_Conversion_of_St._Paul_-_WGA04135.jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/94/Michelangelo_Merisi_da_Caravaggio_-_The_Conversion_of_St._Paul_-_WGA04135.jpg License: Publicdomain Contributors: Web Gallery of Art: <a href='http://www.wga.hu/art/c/caravagg/05/30conver.jpg' data-x-rel='nofollow'><imgalt='Inkscape.svg' src='https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/Inkscape.svg/20px-Inkscape.svg.png' width='20'height='20' srcset='https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/Inkscape.svg/30px-Inkscape.svg.png 1.5x, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/Inkscape.svg/40px-Inkscape.svg.png 2x' data-file-width='60' data-file-height='60'/></a> Image <a href='http://www.wga.hu/html/c/caravagg/05/30conver.html' data-x-rel='nofollow'><img alt='Information icon.svg'src='https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Information_icon.svg/20px-Information_icon.svg.png' width='20'height='20' srcset='https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Information_icon.svg/30px-Information_icon.svg.png1.5x, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/35/Information_icon.svg/40px-Information_icon.svg.png 2x' data-file-width='620' data-file-height='620' /></a> Info about artwork Original artist: Caravaggio

• File:Mormon_baptism_circa_1850s.png Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/Mormon_baptism_circa_1850s.png License: Public domain Contributors: Henry Mayhew, “The Mormons: or Latter-Day Saints”, 1852, 3rd ed., London: Viza-telly & Co., p. 291. Original artist: Frederick Hawkins Piercy (1830-1891), a Mormon artist.

12 9 TEXT AND IMAGE SOURCES, CONTRIBUTORS, AND LICENSES

• File:Question_book-new.svg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/99/Question_book-new.svg License: Cc-by-sa-3.0Contributors:Created from scratch in Adobe Illustrator. Based on Image:Question book.png created by User:Equazcion Original artist:Tkgd2007

• File:RepentanceisContrition&faith.jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/eb/RepentanceisContrition%26faith.jpgLicense: PD Contributors: ? Original artist: ?

• File:Stresstest.jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/Stresstest.jpg License: Public domain Contributors:Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons. Original artist: AndroidCat at English Wikipedia

• File:Wikiquote-logo.svg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/Wikiquote-logo.svg License: Public domainContributors: ? Original artist: ?

• File:Wiktionary-logo-en.svg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/Wiktionary-logo-en.svg License: Publicdomain Contributors: Vector version of Image:Wiktionary-logo-en.png. Original artist: Vectorized by Fvasconcellos (talk · contribs),based on original logo tossed together by Brion Vibber

9.3 Content license• Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0