The Centrality and Scope of Conversion

Abstract

This article argues that conversion understood as a miracle of the Holy Spirit is not merely the point of entry to evangelical Christianity. On the contrary, it has a centrality that is often overlooked, relative both to the theological program and to the shape and style of the religious life itself. This importance is so far-reaching in scope that when the miraculous character, of conversion is redefined by well-meaning evangelical psychologists, the results are serious and surprising. First, when God's activity in conversion is located in overall significance rather than supernatural causation, the door is opened to a liberal (non-miraculous) understanding of God's acts in biblical history as well. Second, when conversion is understood as a crisis-transformation, a pattern is established which can lead to stereotyped thinking and stunted personal growth. When this understanding of conversion is softened in favor of psychological realism, evangelistic claims for “changed lives” are made ambiguous. The dilemma can be solved if one is willing to apply the designation “miraculous” only to the saving truth to which one is converted, and not to the process of Conversion itself.