Christian Conversion and Culture in Russia: A Clash of Missionary Expectations and Cultural Pressures

Abstract

This article describes how individual Russians and Ukrainians influenced by two Western evangelical mission organizations understood their conversions. Through qualitative analysis, it provides evidence that the conversion stories of the former Soviets did not follow the pattern of quick conversion expected by the Westerners. The article concludes by suggesting that the cultural expectations and pressures influencing conversion resulted in conversions being a long-term process. In particular, a general disdain of quick converts, the cultural influence of Eastern Orthodoxy, and the radical worldview shift required when converting from communism to Christianity combined to slow the conversion process.