As a child, you were aware that you believed in a “higher power,” but you weren’t sure which religion best suited your personal philosophy. You eventually discovered that set of principles and convictions that are nearly identical to your own. You can’t imagine living your life without further embracing the new spirituality you have discovered because your soul is hungry for it.
You are not alone if this is how you feel about your life. According to a Pew Research Center study, 106 million people will leave Christianity, the largest religion in the world, in the coming decades to join the growing number of converts or religiously unaffiliated.
In addition, at least once in their lives, nearly half of all men and women will switch religions. But keep in mind that you shouldn’t convert without giving it some serious thought because religion is very personal. Before jumping in, consider the following about religion conversion:
1. Ask yourself, “Why?”
Find out what you’re looking for and why you’re looking for it by looking within. What led you to make the switch? What draws you to this new religion in the first place? Is it just convenient, or do you actually subscribe to its tenets? It’s possible that you want to better integrate yourself into the religious practices of your partner. And despite the scorn of your mother-in-law, don’t let her warnings force you to change your mind about something you don’t really believe in. Verify that there are no other motives.
2 WORK IT!
You should learn about your religion’s mythology, spiritual and religious practices, historical context, and cultural background before you convert. The proselytizing may be abandoned in favor of more community- and social-service-oriented activities if one converts to Islam. Haaretz warns that if you convert to Orthodox or Conservative Judaism, you will be required to part with your foreskin or draw blood symbolically from the circumcision area. Study religious texts, participate in religious discussions, and engage in theological debates in addition to comprehending the conversion process.The point is, before you make it official, read up on it and be aware of what you’re getting into.
3 BE AWARE THAT YOU WILL FEEL LIKE AN OUTSIDER.
While some new converts may describe their profound experience with starry eyes, the majority report an initial sense of exclusion. Even if you look like most of the people who practice the religion, your lack of upbringing in certain traditions will make you stand out. According to Haaretz, Orthodox law does not recognize non-Orthodox converts as Jews. Fortunately, the newcomer is frequently viewed as beneficial to the community. According to Gregory Beath, a Toronto Roman Catholic community worker, the addition of converts has “deepened the faith of the whole community.”
4 REMEMBER THAT A COMMITMENT IS A RELIGION.
Although you are not becoming a nun, you are pledging a particular doctrine, a community, and a set of values for the rest of your life. The conversion process alone can take more than a year, making it a life-altering decision that requires a significant commitment. While it is healthy to continue exploring various spiritual traditions and faiths, it is essential to feel rooted, secure, and well-informed. before you convert officially.
5: YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY MAY GIVE YOU BACKLASH.
If you’ve abandoned your parents’ religious traditions, your friends might not be able to comprehend your sudden interest in a new religion. You alone know what is best for you, despite these reactions. You are entitled to feel safe in your faith so long as it does not harm anyone. It’s possible that your loved ones will never understand, but stay strong and stick to your beliefs. Most importantly, keep in mind to treat their beliefs with the same respect you want others to treat yours.
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