Conversion And The Religious Market: A Theological Perspective
Anton Houtepen
This article wants first of all to describe, which historical-theological factors contributed an important shift meaning the concept conversion from 18th and 19th century onwards. A more communal covenantal, theocentric ecclesial understanding religious belonging has gradually shifted towards individual personal, experiential, anthropocentric charismatic interpretation. Evangelicals Pentecostals share idea 'heartfelt religion', interpreting as a sudden momentous event, usually after personal crisis. The historical churches rather stress lifelong challenge conversion, related participation in church life, liturgy sacraments.The second part deals with series Roman Catholic-Pentecostal ecumenical dialogues about problems arising between these opposite ideas Christian conversion. Different ecclesiological pneumatological points view are at stake here. Major arise when people older invited change their affiliation want renew baptismal votes 'baptism Holy Spirit'. Dialogue partners tend avoid forms proselytism, but common evangelisation witness, let alone cooperation toward unity or communion still seem be bridge too far.
Exchange