The sociology of conversion narratives: a conundrum, a theory, and an opportunity

Abstract

ABSTRACT Using Paul Ricoeur’s theory of narrative to consider John Lofland and Rodney Stark’s classic “Becoming a World-Saver”, I address a fundamental conundrum in the sociology of conversion. If the conversion story is told in the light of the new discourse—brought about by the conversion—how can sociologists use it to explain the conversion and the factors that led to it? I consider the extent to which the sociology of religion has conflated the necessary elements of narrative structure for the stages of conversion. Taking into consideration more recent research, the article makes a case for the careful and comparative sociological study of conversion narratives—considered as narrative accounts. I argue that doing so further opens up avenues for research, particularly if the audiences are considered for whom the stories are told and the purposes the stories serve, and ultimately constitutes a sound basis for considering the processes of conversion themselves.