The nature of religious experience: conversion

Conversions are usually a personal experience, but not always

• The classic example of a communal or collective conversion is in the Acts of the Apostles chapter 2, when the disciples were gathered in a room and received the Holy Spirit
  • 'Suddenly, a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from Heaven and filled the whole house... They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues' (Acts 2:1-4)

Characteristic features of a conversion
William James discussed a number of key features of conversion

• Gradual or sudden
• Volitional or self-surrendering: it might involve the giving up of personal will, either freely (volitional) or with…