Effects of Islamic Conversion on Christian Churches in Isoka Township

Abstract

This study addresses the effects of Islamic conversion on Christian Churches in Isoka Township. Given the noticeable presence of Islam within the Namwanga Community of Isoka and its luring influence on poverty-stricken people in the area, the effects of local people converting from Christianity to Islam needed to be investigated to know the reaction and mitigation measures Christianity had put in place to accommodate the vice. Objectives of the study were: to analyse the concept of conversion based on Horton’s (1971)1 theory and assess the effects of Islamic conversion on Christianity. To explore these, the study drew upon a purposely selected sample of 24 participants from local Christian churches, a mosque and the general public. The Descriptive Qualitative Research Design was used as the foundation for data collection. Semi-structured and Open-ended interviews were applied to obtain the required data. The interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically for respondents’ perceptions of the effects of Islamic conversion on Christianity. Findings: The effects of Islamic conversion on Christianity were determined. Three major themes from the results were religious competition, disintegration of Christian families and indoctrination. The study recommends the carrying out of follow-up studies on the progress of Islam in the area and urging the two contending religions in the area to take advantage of the stance taken by Zambia to promote religious pluralism in the nation to accommodate each other and co-exist.