The doctrine of conversion is central to Christian community life. There are a number of issues that influence how one conceives the phenomenon of conversion. Among these are one's view of spirituality, human nature, and basic notions of the 'self'. This thesis begins with the claim that contemporary views of Christian spirituality, particularly in the American Evangelical tradition, disproportionately emphasise the interior and individual nature of spiritual experience. This has a direct influence on doctrines of conversion in that their salient feature emerges as the redemption of an inner self or `salvation of the soul'. In order to promote a Christian community life that places discipleship at a premium, the author argues that a new model of conversion is needed within American Evangelicalism. Resources for such a model are found in the Wesleyan theological tradition as well as gathered from philosophical and scientific insights found in a nonreductive physicalist view of human nature. This thesis represents an integrated work in science and religion in that the author considers` data' from both theology and science. The author claims that Christian conversion is a process involving normal human biological capacities. It is characterised by a change in socio-moral attitude and behaviour, and is best understood as the acquisition of virtues intrinsic to Christian faith. Such acquisitions are facilitated through social interaction and participation in practices inherent to the Christian community. Furthermore, the conversion process should be viewed as the co-operant result of Divine grace and human participation.

Text in German / It is the aim of this study to present the problems concerning the conversion of Jews with communist background to Christianity. This way useful advice shall be won for the missionary work among Jews who came from the former Sowjetunion. At first the social, cultural, religious and political background of the Jews before the immigration into Zsar-Russia until their emigration from the former Sowjetunion are researched. Then, in order to research the processes of conversion, 18 former Sowjetunion Jews who live in Israel were given interview-questionaries to get an idea from personal experiences and knowledge. To get a more objective picture of the conversion subject, testimonies of messianic Jews, statements of pastors, information letters and messianic literature were also consulted. In the last part of this study the mission-theological conclusion of the conversion subject is given and reflected for the missionary work among Jews stemming from the former Sowjetunion. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M. Th. (Missiology)

Text in German / It is the aim of this study to present the problems concerning the conversion of Jews with communist background to Christianity. This way useful advice shall be won for the missionary work among Jews who came from the former Sowjetunion. At first the social, cultural, religious and political background of the Jews before the immigration into Zsar-Russia until their emigration from the former Sowjetunion are researched. Then, in order to research the processes of conversion, 18 former Sowjetunion Jews who live in Israel were given interview-questionaries to get an idea from personal experiences and knowledge. To get a more objective picture of the conversion subject, testimonies of messianic Jews, statements of pastors, information letters and messianic literature were also consulted. In the last part of this study the mission-theological conclusion of the conversion subject is given and reflected for the missionary work among Jews stemming from the former Sowjetunion. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M. Th. (Missiology)

The impact of religious conversion on cultural identity is a study of conversion story of South African Indian Anglican Christians rooted in the oppressive history of casteism in India and Racism in South Africa. This study has used multi discipline approach using various schools of human sciences and broader theological framework in dealing with moral and ethical issues. This study defends the religious conversions and highlights the impact it has made on cultural identity of converts from social, economic, psychological and spiritual perspectives. While highlighting the positive impact of religious conversion on cultural identity this study has also pointed out some ambiguities attached to this process. This study looks into the possibilities of Native and Indian Christians working together to create a healing culture in South Africa. An attempt is made to point out the interrelatedness of the experiences of suffering of Native Christians and Indian Christians from indentured backgrounds in South Africa. This study does not cover disparity issues between native Africans and the Indian Community in South Africa. However, an attempt is made to encourage Indian Christians in South Africa to connect with the pain and pathos of poor communities in South Africa. This study encourages the Indian Christians hi South Africa to read Dalit theology and get involved with Black theologians in formulating appropriate mission praxis for their mission and ministry in post apartheid South Africa. This study concludes on a positive note and hope based on my eight years of ministry in Lenasia. During my ministry I had experienced that South African Anglican Indian Christians and native Christians have the developing ability and capacity to become a spiritual resource in building a transformed and transforming society in South Africa. I could see in them a reconciled 'wounded healers' and for me this is a powerful impact of religious conversion on their cultural identity, "Victims' now have the capacity to act as 'Wounded Healers'. / Religious Studies & Arabic / D.Th. (Religious Studies)

The impact of religious conversion on cultural identity is a study of conversion story of South African Indian Anglican Christians rooted in the oppressive history of casteism in India and Racism in South Africa. This study has used multi discipline approach using various schools of human sciences and broader theological framework in dealing with moral and ethical issues. This study defends the religious conversions and highlights the impact it has made on cultural identity of converts from social, economic, psychological and spiritual perspectives. While highlighting the positive impact of religious conversion on cultural identity this study has also pointed out some ambiguities attached to this process. This study looks into the possibilities of Native and Indian Christians working together to create a healing culture in South Africa. An attempt is made to point out the interrelatedness of the experiences of suffering of Native Christians and Indian Christians from indentured backgrounds in South Africa. This study does not cover disparity issues between native Africans and the Indian Community in South Africa. However, an attempt is made to encourage Indian Christians in South Africa to connect with the pain and pathos of poor communities in South Africa. This study encourages the Indian Christians hi South Africa to read Dalit theology and get involved with Black theologians in formulating appropriate mission praxis for their mission and ministry in post apartheid South Africa. This study concludes on a positive note and hope based on my eight years of ministry in Lenasia. During my ministry I had experienced that South African Anglican Indian Christians and native Christians have the developing ability and capacity to become a spiritual resource in building a transformed and transforming society in South Africa. I could see in them a reconciled 'wounded healers' and for me this is a powerful impact of religious conversion on their cultural identity, "Victims' now have the capacity to act as 'Wounded Healers'. / Religious Studies and Arabic / D.Th. (Religious Studies)