Catechism, Conversion, Evangelism

[Tree of Life]

I hold to a more catechetical view of Christian conversion. This is commonly opposed to a revivalistic view of conversion. The former emphasizes a long, steady, natural process of learning the faith and coming to believe and be converted over a period of time - quietly, almost invisibly. The latter emphasizes a dramatic conversion experience that happens all at once.

Reformed churches generally hold to a catechetical view of conversion for their children - this is good. But if one holds to a catechetical view of conversion for children, why would they take a different view on adult conversion? Why expect adult conversions of unbelievers to be any different? Why expect a dramatic conversion experience for adults?

 

[moonbeam]

I hold to a more catechetical view of Christian conversion. This is commonly opposed to a revivalistic view of conversion. The former emphasizes a long, steady, natural process of learning the faith and coming to believe and be converted over a period of time - quietly, almost invisibly. The latter emphasizes a dramatic conversion experience that happens all at once.

Reformed churches generally hold to a catechetical view of conversion for their children - this is good. But if one holds to a catechetical view of conversion for children, why would they take a different view on adult conversion? Why expect adult conversions of unbelievers to be any different? Why expect a dramatic conversion experience for adults?

Being translated from the darkness into the light does tend to leave one, if not a little dazzled, at least aware of a sudden requirement to squint a little.

How ever, and what ever, the LORD decree's...for that redeemed sinner.

I like your postscript…I think thats a cool, and profound, way to express it.




Before - "Didn't you used to look up into the sky and make up stories about the stars?"

After - "It's all one story, the oldest story. Light versus dark."

Before - "This ain't Alaska, but it looks like the dark has a lot more territory."

After - "You're lookin' at it wrong...the sky thing. Once there was only dark. If you ask me, the light's winning."

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