Dictionary meaning of conversion is change of heart or change of belief or self—purification. Now a days the term conversion is used to express the idea of shifting of ones religious affiliations.

Whether we need a debate on conversion or not is altogether a Different issue. Since many people already contributed and still it is continuing through various medias especially print media and also at an individual and group levels , we must be very clear about what is the real meaning conversion and how different religions approach this issue . This is an attempt to understand Christian teaching of conversion.

Once disciples asked Jesus , who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven . His answer to this question is one instance in the Bible where Jesus talks about conversion . This incident is mentioned in Mathew chapter 18:3 , “he called a little Child and made him stand in front them and said , I assure you that unless you are converted and become like children you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven”.Children are pure in heart and innocent . Jesus continued if one want to enter Kingdom of God one must humble himself as a little child .John the Baptist made appeal to convert . His appeal was “turn away from your sins because the kingdom of heaven is near”.Many listened to John and confessed their sins . those who accepted Johns preaching were baptized in the river Jordan . John asked them to bear fruits worthy of repentance and tree which doesn’t bear fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”Johns baptism was an outward washing by water depicting an inward cleansing of the soul by repentance . The word baptism originated from the Greek word “baptizo” which means immerse and symbolized God forgave and washed away the sin of one who repented and confess to God. John had come to prepare the way for the Savior Jesus Christ . And he did it by preaching the need to turn towards God and by baptizing people as a symbol of conversion or change of heart . Another instant in Bible where Jesus speaks about Conversion is His conversation with Nicademus . Jesus declared very emphatically that “no one can see the Kingdom unless he is born again”. In that long conversation Jesus continued , ‘ no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the spirit . A person is born physically of human parents , but he is born spiritually of the spirit . Don’t be surprised because I tell you that you must all be born again .’“He is born spiritually of the spirit”.This is the conversion .Another conversion mentioned in the Bible is an example . It is Saul’s conversion into st.Paul. The incident narrated in the Bible by stPaul himself .(Acts 9:3-9) Saul , Paul’s earlier name, was actively persecuting Christians . After his encounter with Jesus while he was travelling to Damascus totally transformed Saul.“As Saul was coming near the city of Damascus , suddenly a light from the sky flashed round him . He felt to the ground and heard a voice saying to Him , “ Saul , Saul ! why are you persecute me ? “Who are you Lord”?he asked I am Jesus whom you persecute , the voice said . But get up and go into the city where you will be told what you must do.”then who were travelling with Saul had stopped , not saying a word ;they heard the voice but could not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground and opened his eyes , but could not see a thing . So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus . For three days he was not not able to see ,a nd during that time he did not eat or drink anything .”This experience was a turning point in Sauls life . Saul’s encounter with Jesus Christ totally transformed him. He became a new human being . It was a spiritual rebirth as Jesus explained to Nicadmus .Once Paul remarked that , “I have been crucified with Christ : it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me , and the life which I now live by faith in the son of God , who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

While inaugurating His ministry , at the Nazareth synagogue , he read a portion from the book of Isiah ,“ the spirit of the lord is upon me , because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor . he has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captive and recovery of sight to the blind ; to set free the oppressed and announce that the time has come when the Lord will save his people.”He thus started the movement called Kingdom of God .He just inaugurated that movement , a movement of God where all individuals have a role to play .It is an unfinished task.Finishing that unfinished task of creation of Kingdom of God is the Christian mission. Only converted people can do that .That is why John the Baptist came and baptized people because soon inauguration of the Kingdom of God had to take place.Convertion here doesn’t mean shifting of ones religious identity . Simply it is self purification as a preparation to take part in the movement with Jesus Christ.We must understand the meaning of Kingdom of God . Conversion is required for each and every individual .Conversion aims at total transformation of this world . Kingdom of God is nothing but heaven on earth . It is within us . Those who really converted or transformed or born again by spirt ( a spiritual rebirth ) can experiencethat. As one converts or transform or undergo a purification the society in which we live also need to be transformed and converted . That is the social dimension of conversion

Since there are structures which inhibits social progress. All those social structures need to be transformed. Then only we can find an end to injustice, oppression, exploitation , hatred , poverty and ignorance

Conversion is required for all. Only converted people can find an end to such evil structures in the society. And also it is a much-needed prerequisite for participation with Christ in the ministry of transformation of this world.

How can we participate with Christ in the ministry of transformation or conversion? By fighting against all those institutions, rulers, authorities, powers, ideologies which are engaged in deliberate violation of their duty of providing natural justice .In the words of St.Paul,“ for we are not fighting against human beings but the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age.”

Conversion thus means turning towards God by denouncing satanic powers, which are dehumanising our social structures. Conversion thus implies a process of humanization of evil social structures.

Perumal Koshy is a development professional and he lives in New Delhi. pkoshy@rediffmail.com

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