Umar F. Abd‐Allah
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195187281
- eISBN:
- 9780199784875
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195187288.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
This chapter chronicles Webb's conversion to Islam. It is shown that Webb's conversion was actually a series of conversions. First, he adopted materialism, which he rejected for Buddhism in search ...
More
This chapter chronicles Webb's conversion to Islam. It is shown that Webb's conversion was actually a series of conversions. First, he adopted materialism, which he rejected for Buddhism in search for new spirituality. Then, he adopted Theosophy and made changes in his eating habits and lifestyle. Finally, he embraced Islam. The parallels of Webb's conversion with other Victorian converts to Islam and Buddhism are discussed.Less
This chapter chronicles Webb's conversion to Islam. It is shown that Webb's conversion was actually a series of conversions. First, he adopted materialism, which he rejected for Buddhism in search for new spirituality. Then, he adopted Theosophy and made changes in his eating habits and lifestyle. Finally, he embraced Islam. The parallels of Webb's conversion with other Victorian converts to Islam and Buddhism are discussed.
Marc David Baer
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195331752
- eISBN:
- 9780199868018
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195331752.003.0009
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
Like other early modern monarchs, hunting was the favorite pastime of Mehmed IV, but rather than being merely a frivolous activity, as modern historians have claimed, the sultan's contemporary ...
More
Like other early modern monarchs, hunting was the favorite pastime of Mehmed IV, but rather than being merely a frivolous activity, as modern historians have claimed, the sultan's contemporary chroniclers argued that hunting demonstrated his bravery and courage, hence manliness, and trained him for warfare. Reading archival records together with the chronicles shows that hunting allowed Mehmed IV close contact with thousands of his subjects, and in these circumstances he personally converted Christians, in particular, to Islam. Hundreds of men and women changed religion at his feet during conversion ceremonies in which the sultan displayed his magnanimity by re-dressing the converts head to toe. This chapter demonstrates the uniqueness of the period and its convert-making sultan while utilizing the book's themes of the link between piety and proselytization, the key role of the mediator of conversion, and the context of war and conquest in conversion.Less
Like other early modern monarchs, hunting was the favorite pastime of Mehmed IV, but rather than being merely a frivolous activity, as modern historians have claimed, the sultan's contemporary chroniclers argued that hunting demonstrated his bravery and courage, hence manliness, and trained him for warfare. Reading archival records together with the chronicles shows that hunting allowed Mehmed IV close contact with thousands of his subjects, and in these circumstances he personally converted Christians, in particular, to Islam. Hundreds of men and women changed religion at his feet during conversion ceremonies in which the sultan displayed his magnanimity by re-dressing the converts head to toe. This chapter demonstrates the uniqueness of the period and its convert-making sultan while utilizing the book's themes of the link between piety and proselytization, the key role of the mediator of conversion, and the context of war and conquest in conversion.
Eliza F. Kent
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195165074
- eISBN:
- 9780199835171
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195165071.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter discusses the gendered effects of religious conversion in the areas of domestic, marital, and sartorial practices. It provides a history of Protestant Christianity in south India, ...
More
This chapter discusses the gendered effects of religious conversion in the areas of domestic, marital, and sartorial practices. It provides a history of Protestant Christianity in south India, focusing on the consequences of Christianization for women. It argues that conversions appear as the movement of marginalized people towards new centers of power that emerged in the social landscape.Less
This chapter discusses the gendered effects of religious conversion in the areas of domestic, marital, and sartorial practices. It provides a history of Protestant Christianity in south India, focusing on the consequences of Christianization for women. It argues that conversions appear as the movement of marginalized people towards new centers of power that emerged in the social landscape.
Marc David Baer
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195331752
- eISBN:
- 9780199868018
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195331752.003.0006
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
This chapter first explores how the attempt of the sultan, his preacher, and the grand vizier to stamp out what they considered heterodox, illegitimate practices among Muslims; to root out heresy and ...
More
This chapter first explores how the attempt of the sultan, his preacher, and the grand vizier to stamp out what they considered heterodox, illegitimate practices among Muslims; to root out heresy and dampen religious ecstasy; and to destroy places where rapturous religious practices were performed which coincided with the outbreak of Shabbatai Tzevi's preaching, aiming to reform Jewish life and convert Jews to the rabbi's understanding of God's prophecy. The movement culminated instead in Jewish conversion to Islam as the sultan's preacher, Vani Mehmed Efendi, instructed the rabbi in Kadızadeli tenets of Islam. Hundreds of the rabbi's followers followed suit. The Islamic reform movement that promoted a rational religion preferred by the sultan prevailed at the time over the competing ecstatic conversion movement of the rabbi. The second part of the chapter examines Hatice Turhan's conversion of other Jews at the sultan's court, especially the group of Jewish palace physicians, the most visible and influential Jews in the empire.Less
This chapter first explores how the attempt of the sultan, his preacher, and the grand vizier to stamp out what they considered heterodox, illegitimate practices among Muslims; to root out heresy and dampen religious ecstasy; and to destroy places where rapturous religious practices were performed which coincided with the outbreak of Shabbatai Tzevi's preaching, aiming to reform Jewish life and convert Jews to the rabbi's understanding of God's prophecy. The movement culminated instead in Jewish conversion to Islam as the sultan's preacher, Vani Mehmed Efendi, instructed the rabbi in Kadızadeli tenets of Islam. Hundreds of the rabbi's followers followed suit. The Islamic reform movement that promoted a rational religion preferred by the sultan prevailed at the time over the competing ecstatic conversion movement of the rabbi. The second part of the chapter examines Hatice Turhan's conversion of other Jews at the sultan's court, especially the group of Jewish palace physicians, the most visible and influential Jews in the empire.
Esra Özyürek
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691162782
- eISBN:
- 9781400852710
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691162782.003.0001
- Subject:
- Anthropology, Social and Cultural Anthropology
This introductory chapter discusses some questions on the contradictions and challenges in the lives of German converts to Islam. It aims to provide a preliminary understanding of what it means to ...
More
This introductory chapter discusses some questions on the contradictions and challenges in the lives of German converts to Islam. It aims to provide a preliminary understanding of what it means to embrace Islam in a society that increasingly marginalizes and racializes Muslims. The chapter begins with a discussion of conversion to racialized religions, before considering whether Islamophobia is similar to anti-Semitism or homophobia. Afterward, the chapter narrows the context to Germany, revealing that even though Germany has a long history of racializing religion, especially Judaism, the racialization of Muslims with a clear class dimension is relatively new. This chapter also discusses the role of converts for a European Islam and Germany's long history of European conversions to Islam. Finally, the chapter lays out the methods and sources of research for this volume.Less
This introductory chapter discusses some questions on the contradictions and challenges in the lives of German converts to Islam. It aims to provide a preliminary understanding of what it means to embrace Islam in a society that increasingly marginalizes and racializes Muslims. The chapter begins with a discussion of conversion to racialized religions, before considering whether Islamophobia is similar to anti-Semitism or homophobia. Afterward, the chapter narrows the context to Germany, revealing that even though Germany has a long history of racializing religion, especially Judaism, the racialization of Muslims with a clear class dimension is relatively new. This chapter also discusses the role of converts for a European Islam and Germany's long history of European conversions to Islam. Finally, the chapter lays out the methods and sources of research for this volume.
Marc David Baer
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195331752
- eISBN:
- 9780199868018
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195331752.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
This chapter examines why people attempt to bring others of the same religion to their understanding of that religion (the motivation of the Kadızadelis), the link between piety and proselytization, ...
More
This chapter examines why people attempt to bring others of the same religion to their understanding of that religion (the motivation of the Kadızadelis), the link between piety and proselytization, and the central role played by those who mediate conversion. It charts the rise to prominence of the Kadızadelis religious movement in the 1650s, explaining the movement's origins in the 1620s and 1630s with Kadızade Mehmed Efendi, who propagated the interpretations of Islam of the 16th-century pietist Birgili Mehmed Efendi. It discusses their main conversionary method of preaching reform to other Muslims from the pulpits of Istanbul's imperial mosques. Charismatic preachers convinced the public to change their ways through didactic interpretations of the Qur'an and Hadith; interpersonal bonds also enabled the movement to spread at the Ottoman court. The relations between Kadızadelis and sultans, the larger societal response to their incitations to abolish many common religious practices as well as forms of entertainment, and debates among Muslims about the proper way to be Muslim are described. The chapter concludes with a discussion of conversion of religious geography and sacred space during the grand vizierate of Köprülü Mehmed Pasha (1656-61), who conventional wisdom claims ended the movement. A discussion of his policies also points to the ever waxing strength of the grand vizierate and waning of the sultanate's power, crucial for understanding Mehmed IV's interest in conversion and conquest once he obtained his majority.Less
This chapter examines why people attempt to bring others of the same religion to their understanding of that religion (the motivation of the Kadızadelis), the link between piety and proselytization, and the central role played by those who mediate conversion. It charts the rise to prominence of the Kadızadelis religious movement in the 1650s, explaining the movement's origins in the 1620s and 1630s with Kadızade Mehmed Efendi, who propagated the interpretations of Islam of the 16th-century pietist Birgili Mehmed Efendi. It discusses their main conversionary method of preaching reform to other Muslims from the pulpits of Istanbul's imperial mosques. Charismatic preachers convinced the public to change their ways through didactic interpretations of the Qur'an and Hadith; interpersonal bonds also enabled the movement to spread at the Ottoman court. The relations between Kadızadelis and sultans, the larger societal response to their incitations to abolish many common religious practices as well as forms of entertainment, and debates among Muslims about the proper way to be Muslim are described. The chapter concludes with a discussion of conversion of religious geography and sacred space during the grand vizierate of Köprülü Mehmed Pasha (1656-61), who conventional wisdom claims ended the movement. A discussion of his policies also points to the ever waxing strength of the grand vizierate and waning of the sultanate's power, crucial for understanding Mehmed IV's interest in conversion and conquest once he obtained his majority.
Jack Tannous
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- May 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780691179094
- eISBN:
- 9780691184166
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691179094.003.0012
- Subject:
- History, History of Religion
This chapter focuses on the most consequential kind of Christian–Muslim interaction: conversion. It considers legitimate and illegitimate reasons for converting from one religion to another. For some ...
More
This chapter focuses on the most consequential kind of Christian–Muslim interaction: conversion. It considers legitimate and illegitimate reasons for converting from one religion to another. For some Christian leaders, becoming a Muslim was something that people did out of a number of motivations, some of them more unholy than others: in addition to a desire for material benefits or a drive for status and power, there were family or tribal connections that drew people to convert. There was also an attraction to a religious framework that allowed a greater range of human behaviors and activities. People might also become Muslims under compulsion. Tellingly, these leaders could not conceive that a person might convert out of sincere religious motivation. Conversions that took place with reference to doctrines or beliefs were seen as cases where people had been deceived or had acted out of a lack of education and ignorance.Less
This chapter focuses on the most consequential kind of Christian–Muslim interaction: conversion. It considers legitimate and illegitimate reasons for converting from one religion to another. For some Christian leaders, becoming a Muslim was something that people did out of a number of motivations, some of them more unholy than others: in addition to a desire for material benefits or a drive for status and power, there were family or tribal connections that drew people to convert. There was also an attraction to a religious framework that allowed a greater range of human behaviors and activities. People might also become Muslims under compulsion. Tellingly, these leaders could not conceive that a person might convert out of sincere religious motivation. Conversions that took place with reference to doctrines or beliefs were seen as cases where people had been deceived or had acted out of a lack of education and ignorance.
Marc David Baer
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195331752
- eISBN:
- 9780199868018
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195331752.003.0010
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
This chapter analyzes the Ottoman siege of Vienna in 1683 within the framework of several of the book's interrelated themes: the links between conversion and conquest and between piety and ...
More
This chapter analyzes the Ottoman siege of Vienna in 1683 within the framework of several of the book's interrelated themes: the links between conversion and conquest and between piety and proselytization, the centrality of the mediator in conversion, how conversion affects religious geography and sacred space; and the role war, violence, and changing power relations play in conversion. As is well known, the siege did not go as planned and the Ottoman forces were routed. The rest of the chapter explores the fallout. While the sultan continued to hunt and convert peasants, a gathering storm of opposition coalesced to banish Vani Mehmed Efendi and dethrone Mehmed IV.Less
This chapter analyzes the Ottoman siege of Vienna in 1683 within the framework of several of the book's interrelated themes: the links between conversion and conquest and between piety and proselytization, the centrality of the mediator in conversion, how conversion affects religious geography and sacred space; and the role war, violence, and changing power relations play in conversion. As is well known, the siege did not go as planned and the Ottoman forces were routed. The rest of the chapter explores the fallout. While the sultan continued to hunt and convert peasants, a gathering storm of opposition coalesced to banish Vani Mehmed Efendi and dethrone Mehmed IV.
Anne Haour
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780197264119
- eISBN:
- 9780191734694
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197264119.003.0006
- Subject:
- History, World Medieval History
This chapter examines the similarities in the means by which new monotheistic religions, Christianity and Islam, came to override previous religious beliefs in the central Sahel and north-west ...
More
This chapter examines the similarities in the means by which new monotheistic religions, Christianity and Islam, came to override previous religious beliefs in the central Sahel and north-west Europe. It explains the concept of animism and describes the initial stages of the implantation of Christianity and Islam, or the time of the most sustained missionary activity rather than that of established belief. It provides an overview of the religious history of the central Sahel and north-western Europe and considers religious conversion from the point of view of the converted.Less
This chapter examines the similarities in the means by which new monotheistic religions, Christianity and Islam, came to override previous religious beliefs in the central Sahel and north-west Europe. It explains the concept of animism and describes the initial stages of the implantation of Christianity and Islam, or the time of the most sustained missionary activity rather than that of established belief. It provides an overview of the religious history of the central Sahel and north-western Europe and considers religious conversion from the point of view of the converted.
Marc David Baer
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195331752
- eISBN:
- 9780199868018
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195331752.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
This chapter analyzes how Ottoman historians writing after a mature Mehmed IV moved to Edirne, depicting him as a model, active sultan. In their accounts he is a pious, strong, manly, warrior (ghazi) ...
More
This chapter analyzes how Ottoman historians writing after a mature Mehmed IV moved to Edirne, depicting him as a model, active sultan. In their accounts he is a pious, strong, manly, warrior (ghazi) sultan, who reclaimed power taken by royal women and, with his preacher at his side, converted many people and many places throughout the Ottoman Europe. The perspective of contemporary chronicle writers allows a revision of how scholars have depicted Mehmed IV as well as the evolution of the sultanate and the figure of the sultan in the 17th century. According to the authors of books of kings and conquest books, works written to extol the virtues of the sultans and grand viziers who conquered infidel citadels and cities, sultans could still matter, and Mehmed IV certainly did. The chapter focuses on the link between conversion and conquest during the successful final siege of Candia, Crete.Less
This chapter analyzes how Ottoman historians writing after a mature Mehmed IV moved to Edirne, depicting him as a model, active sultan. In their accounts he is a pious, strong, manly, warrior (ghazi) sultan, who reclaimed power taken by royal women and, with his preacher at his side, converted many people and many places throughout the Ottoman Europe. The perspective of contemporary chronicle writers allows a revision of how scholars have depicted Mehmed IV as well as the evolution of the sultanate and the figure of the sultan in the 17th century. According to the authors of books of kings and conquest books, works written to extol the virtues of the sultans and grand viziers who conquered infidel citadels and cities, sultans could still matter, and Mehmed IV certainly did. The chapter focuses on the link between conversion and conquest during the successful final siege of Candia, Crete.
Marc David Baer
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195331752
- eISBN:
- 9780199868018
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195331752.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
This chapter explores several of the major themes of the book, including why people attempt to bring others of the same religion to their understanding of that religion (the motivation of Vani Mehmed ...
More
This chapter explores several of the major themes of the book, including why people attempt to bring others of the same religion to their understanding of that religion (the motivation of Vani Mehmed Efendi), the link between piety and proselytization, and the significance of the advocate or mediator of conversion. It focuses on the changed religious scene in the 1660s following the fire and Islamization in Istanbul and the appointment of Fazıl Ahmed Pasha as grand vizier. The crucial individual is Vani Mehmed Efendi, a preacher who became closer to the dynasty and administration and more influential than the previous Kadızadeli leaders Kadızade Mehmed Efendi and Üstüvani Mehmed Efendi. This advocate of a reformed Islam free of innovations and Sufi accretions — who compelled the enjoining of good and forbidding of wrong in Istanbul by attacking Sufis and dissenters, ending the trade in wine and spirits, and razing taverns — mediated the conversion of the valide sultan, grand vizier, and sultan to his way of Islam through charismatic preaching.Less
This chapter explores several of the major themes of the book, including why people attempt to bring others of the same religion to their understanding of that religion (the motivation of Vani Mehmed Efendi), the link between piety and proselytization, and the significance of the advocate or mediator of conversion. It focuses on the changed religious scene in the 1660s following the fire and Islamization in Istanbul and the appointment of Fazıl Ahmed Pasha as grand vizier. The crucial individual is Vani Mehmed Efendi, a preacher who became closer to the dynasty and administration and more influential than the previous Kadızadeli leaders Kadızade Mehmed Efendi and Üstüvani Mehmed Efendi. This advocate of a reformed Islam free of innovations and Sufi accretions — who compelled the enjoining of good and forbidding of wrong in Istanbul by attacking Sufis and dissenters, ending the trade in wine and spirits, and razing taverns — mediated the conversion of the valide sultan, grand vizier, and sultan to his way of Islam through charismatic preaching.
Marc David Baer
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195331752
- eISBN:
- 9780199868018
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195331752.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
This chapter analyzes the decade of economic, military, and political crisis, which led to perceptions of a cultural crisis whose resolution was sought in conversion to a purified Islam as advocated ...
More
This chapter analyzes the decade of economic, military, and political crisis, which led to perceptions of a cultural crisis whose resolution was sought in conversion to a purified Islam as advocated by pietist preachers. Many scholars writing about conversion agree that conversion is often preceded by crisis, either at a societal or personal level. Because context is crucial, a context of crisis sets the stage for religious change to occur. When that crisis is severe, prolonged, extensive, and external, offering a startling contrast with what came before, a discrepancy between the ideal and reality, people may be compelled to look inward and try to understand how their religious beliefs and practices triggered such a troubled situation.Less
This chapter analyzes the decade of economic, military, and political crisis, which led to perceptions of a cultural crisis whose resolution was sought in conversion to a purified Islam as advocated by pietist preachers. Many scholars writing about conversion agree that conversion is often preceded by crisis, either at a societal or personal level. Because context is crucial, a context of crisis sets the stage for religious change to occur. When that crisis is severe, prolonged, extensive, and external, offering a startling contrast with what came before, a discrepancy between the ideal and reality, people may be compelled to look inward and try to understand how their religious beliefs and practices triggered such a troubled situation.
Marc David Baer
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195331752
- eISBN:
- 9780199868018
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195331752.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
This chapter examines how conversion affects religious geography and sacred space. It discusses the great fire of the summer of 1660 and the meaning given to it by contemporary writers, Hatice ...
More
This chapter examines how conversion affects religious geography and sacred space. It discusses the great fire of the summer of 1660 and the meaning given to it by contemporary writers, Hatice Turhan's converting of Jewish places in the wake of the fire, the construction and dedication of the Valide Sultan Mosque in the heart of the former main Jewish neighborhood, Fazıl Ahmed Pasha's Islamization of Christian places, and how Muslim commoners followed the rulers' example in articulating the call to enjoin good and forbid wrong by removing perceived obstacles to Muslim piety. These processes transformed the religious geography of the imperial capital, shaping a more Islamic landscape.Less
This chapter examines how conversion affects religious geography and sacred space. It discusses the great fire of the summer of 1660 and the meaning given to it by contemporary writers, Hatice Turhan's converting of Jewish places in the wake of the fire, the construction and dedication of the Valide Sultan Mosque in the heart of the former main Jewish neighborhood, Fazıl Ahmed Pasha's Islamization of Christian places, and how Muslim commoners followed the rulers' example in articulating the call to enjoin good and forbid wrong by removing perceived obstacles to Muslim piety. These processes transformed the religious geography of the imperial capital, shaping a more Islamic landscape.
Eliza F. Kent
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195165074
- eISBN:
- 9780199835171
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195165071.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter summarizes the contributions made by this volume on the study of Indian Christianity. It highlights its place within the larger religious landscape in India, and what Indian Christianity ...
More
This chapter summarizes the contributions made by this volume on the study of Indian Christianity. It highlights its place within the larger religious landscape in India, and what Indian Christianity can teach us about the broader issues in the comparative study of religion. It discusses religion in India, Indian Christianity, and the reconceptualization of the process of conversion.Less
This chapter summarizes the contributions made by this volume on the study of Indian Christianity. It highlights its place within the larger religious landscape in India, and what Indian Christianity can teach us about the broader issues in the comparative study of religion. It discusses religion in India, Indian Christianity, and the reconceptualization of the process of conversion.
Robert W. Hefner
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520078352
- eISBN:
- 9780520912564
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520078352.003.0001
- Subject:
- Anthropology, Anthropology, Religion
This chapter emphasizes that though most of the discussion in these chapters centers on Christianity, the remarks are necessarily broader. It speaks of Christianity as a species of world religion and ...
More
This chapter emphasizes that though most of the discussion in these chapters centers on Christianity, the remarks are necessarily broader. It speaks of Christianity as a species of world religion and investigates the differences between world religions and the other great family of religions referred to, much too generally, as traditional. It is stressed that the discussion of the social science commentary on conversion is inevitably selective, designed less to provide an exhaustive history of ideas than to highlight a few recurring themes. Max Weber's early writings were influenced by the Hegelian ethos of late-nineteenth-century German social thought and held that rationalization was intrinsic to social development. The chapters in this book also show the variability of the phenomenology of religious conversion. Conversion is related to a process of identity development often referred to as “reference group” formation. Christianity differs markedly from the core tradition within Islam.Less
This chapter emphasizes that though most of the discussion in these chapters centers on Christianity, the remarks are necessarily broader. It speaks of Christianity as a species of world religion and investigates the differences between world religions and the other great family of religions referred to, much too generally, as traditional. It is stressed that the discussion of the social science commentary on conversion is inevitably selective, designed less to provide an exhaustive history of ideas than to highlight a few recurring themes. Max Weber's early writings were influenced by the Hegelian ethos of late-nineteenth-century German social thought and held that rationalization was intrinsic to social development. The chapters in this book also show the variability of the phenomenology of religious conversion. Conversion is related to a process of identity development often referred to as “reference group” formation. Christianity differs markedly from the core tradition within Islam.
Eliza F. Kent
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195165074
- eISBN:
- 9780199835171
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195165071.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter examines representations of conjugality produced in three different textual genres: the administrative records of the Madras Presidency; the literature produced by educated, urban, ...
More
This chapter examines representations of conjugality produced in three different textual genres: the administrative records of the Madras Presidency; the literature produced by educated, urban, high-caste Indian Christians; and the tracts of the first independent Christian church in south India. Marriage was an outward sign of the quality of the inner transformations of Indian Christians, with different groups adopting different forms of marriage. While the elite Satthianadhans embraced a form of marriage modeled after Western forms, the founder of the Hindu Christian Church Rev. Arumai Nayakam Sattampillai advocated a martial form of marriage drawn from conservative elements of Indian tradition.Less
This chapter examines representations of conjugality produced in three different textual genres: the administrative records of the Madras Presidency; the literature produced by educated, urban, high-caste Indian Christians; and the tracts of the first independent Christian church in south India. Marriage was an outward sign of the quality of the inner transformations of Indian Christians, with different groups adopting different forms of marriage. While the elite Satthianadhans embraced a form of marriage modeled after Western forms, the founder of the Hindu Christian Church Rev. Arumai Nayakam Sattampillai advocated a martial form of marriage drawn from conservative elements of Indian tradition.
Marc David Baer
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195331752
- eISBN:
- 9780199868018
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195331752.003.0013
- Subject:
- Religion, Islam
This postscript argues that Mehmed IV's reign has been overshadowed by subsequent historical events and silenced by two centuries of historical interpretation. It also contends that one of the most ...
More
This postscript argues that Mehmed IV's reign has been overshadowed by subsequent historical events and silenced by two centuries of historical interpretation. It also contends that one of the most long-lasting consequences of Mehmed IV's era may have been the creation of communities of descendants of 17th-century Christian and Jewish converts to Islam that either maintained religious beliefs and engaged in practices that combined elements of the original and adopted faiths, or created new religions following their ostensible conversion experience. The converters' and converteds' aims of conversion can be radically different; conversion is not a one-way street, as converts shape their religion in light of their own interpretation. Mehmed IV thought that he had converted the messianic claimant Shabbatai Tzevi into Aziz Mehmed Efendi, a proselytizing force for Islam. His actions and those of his followers, however, provide another example of the fleeting effects and ultimate unraveling of Mehmed IV's successes.Less
This postscript argues that Mehmed IV's reign has been overshadowed by subsequent historical events and silenced by two centuries of historical interpretation. It also contends that one of the most long-lasting consequences of Mehmed IV's era may have been the creation of communities of descendants of 17th-century Christian and Jewish converts to Islam that either maintained religious beliefs and engaged in practices that combined elements of the original and adopted faiths, or created new religions following their ostensible conversion experience. The converters' and converteds' aims of conversion can be radically different; conversion is not a one-way street, as converts shape their religion in light of their own interpretation. Mehmed IV thought that he had converted the messianic claimant Shabbatai Tzevi into Aziz Mehmed Efendi, a proselytizing force for Islam. His actions and those of his followers, however, provide another example of the fleeting effects and ultimate unraveling of Mehmed IV's successes.
Jack Tannous
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- May 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780691179094
- eISBN:
- 9780691184166
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691179094.003.0013
- Subject:
- History, History of Religion
This chapter looks at the observation that a person who was actually learned in both his own religious tradition and in the Islamic tradition would never convert for anything other than ...
More
This chapter looks at the observation that a person who was actually learned in both his own religious tradition and in the Islamic tradition would never convert for anything other than nontheological reasons. Most Christians and Muslims were not learned in their own religious tradition, much less in that of a rival religion, and will have been ill-equipped or simply unable to discuss and debate religious difference at the level of sophisticated theology in a proper and informed way. For this reason, if when speaking about Christian–Muslim relations, one's focus is on difference at the level of doctrinal theology, one will gain only a distorted understanding of seventh- and eighth-century realities. One will overlook the existence of a layering and continuum of knowledge in the Christian community and fail to take into account the reality that most conversions by Christians to Islam will have been conversions of simple Christians into simple Muslims.Less
This chapter looks at the observation that a person who was actually learned in both his own religious tradition and in the Islamic tradition would never convert for anything other than nontheological reasons. Most Christians and Muslims were not learned in their own religious tradition, much less in that of a rival religion, and will have been ill-equipped or simply unable to discuss and debate religious difference at the level of sophisticated theology in a proper and informed way. For this reason, if when speaking about Christian–Muslim relations, one's focus is on difference at the level of doctrinal theology, one will gain only a distorted understanding of seventh- and eighth-century realities. One will overlook the existence of a layering and continuum of knowledge in the Christian community and fail to take into account the reality that most conversions by Christians to Islam will have been conversions of simple Christians into simple Muslims.
Eliza F. Kent
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195165074
- eISBN:
- 9780199835171
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195165071.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This book explores the conversion of Indians to Protestant Christianity in the 19th century. It is divided into two parts. Part I focuses on the social, religious, ideological, and historical ...
More
This book explores the conversion of Indians to Protestant Christianity in the 19th century. It is divided into two parts. Part I focuses on the social, religious, ideological, and historical backgrounds of south Indian, Tamil-speaking converts, and the British and American missionaries who endeavored to convert them to Christianity. Part II examines how Tamil Christian women engaged with 19th century American and European gender categories.Less
This book explores the conversion of Indians to Protestant Christianity in the 19th century. It is divided into two parts. Part I focuses on the social, religious, ideological, and historical backgrounds of south Indian, Tamil-speaking converts, and the British and American missionaries who endeavored to convert them to Christianity. Part II examines how Tamil Christian women engaged with 19th century American and European gender categories.
Robert W. Hefner
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520078352
- eISBN:
- 9780520912564
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520078352.003.0010
- Subject:
- Anthropology, Anthropology, Religion
This chapter reports that religious conversion is a matter of belief and social structure, of faith and affiliation. It is also about voluntary religious conversion as it is occurred among Chinese in ...
More
This chapter reports that religious conversion is a matter of belief and social structure, of faith and affiliation. It is also about voluntary religious conversion as it is occurred among Chinese in Taiwan. It specifically addresses the glyphomancy factor. Three characteristic (but not exclusive) features of Chinese conversion are explored: conditionality of belief upon other beliefs, the additive character of conversion, and the tendency to equate new beliefs isomorphically with earlier ones (pantheon interchangeability). Some aspects of traditional religion had been displaced by Catholicism. China has tamed conversion. Conversion is then seen as a shift from “traditionalism” to “rationalism” or the like.Less
This chapter reports that religious conversion is a matter of belief and social structure, of faith and affiliation. It is also about voluntary religious conversion as it is occurred among Chinese in Taiwan. It specifically addresses the glyphomancy factor. Three characteristic (but not exclusive) features of Chinese conversion are explored: conditionality of belief upon other beliefs, the additive character of conversion, and the tendency to equate new beliefs isomorphically with earlier ones (pantheon interchangeability). Some aspects of traditional religion had been displaced by Catholicism. China has tamed conversion. Conversion is then seen as a shift from “traditionalism” to “rationalism” or the like.
