How to Convert Religion

Making a decision to convert religion is a serious step. Taking such a step requires a process that is guided by a great deal of personal reflection and thorough investigation. The good news is that learning how to convert religion can be a growing process that leads to a great deal of personal satisfaction. A conversion should be based upon faith.

Instructions

1. Determine why you are considering leaving your current faith tradition. Include every reason that comes to mind, no matter how trivial it may seem. People choose to change religions for many different reasons. They may switch due to doctrinal differences with their present faith, changes within the faith tradition they do not agree with or even simply as a means of unifying the choice of faith with a spouse. Knowing why you are considering a change in faith alliance will help you progress to the next step in the process.

2. Make a list of attributes or characteristics that a religion must possess. Find out what you believe in and discover the faith that fits with your beliefs and spirituality.

3. Identify possible religious traditions that you think would be of interest. You can make use of online sources like virtual encyclopedias and web sites devoted to a particular faith. Read the data contained in these sources and decide which religions you want to explore in more detail.

4. Join a message board. There are forums dedicated to individual faiths as well as forums that provide interaction with persons who are members of many different faiths. Ask questions about the religions you are attracted to. Seek answers from adherents of those faiths.

5. Read the works accepted as scripture by the religion that has caught your eye. This will often provide some excellent food for thought about the faith in general.

6. Visit a local house of worship. Once you’ve become acquainted with a faith tradition and had the chance to interact with members in an online environment, find a house of worship in your area. Make arrangements to attend a service.

7. Investigate more than one faith tradition. This means researching several religions and attending services in several different settings. Doing so will help you further refine your own personal belief system. It will give you peace of mind in knowing you make the ultimately right choice after exploring your options.

8. Find out about membership requirements. Once a particular religion has emerged as your preference, look into what is required to become a member of the faith. In some instances, professing a desire to join is sufficient. Other faiths require a period of instruction to ensure converts are making an informed decision. Decide if becoming a member is worth the time and effort that is required.

9. Do what it takes to fully convert. Invite friends and loved ones to celebrate your conversion once it is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• If there is more than one house of worship affiliated with a given faith tradition in your area, visit as many as possible.

• While many faiths are very open about what they believe and practice, there are some that prefer to urge persons to join now and learn the details later. Focus your attention on religions that welcome questions and are willing to allow you to move forward at your own pace without attempting to push you to make a decision immediately.

• Don't get involved with any church that appears frightening or cult-like. Beware of those that ask for money right away.