Public conversion testimonies and group commitment

CIGÁN, Jakub. Public conversion testimonies and group commitment. 2022.

Basic information

• Original name: Public conversion testimonies and group commitment
• Authors: CIGÁN, Jakub.
• Edition: 2022.

Other information

• Type of outcome: Presentations at conferences
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• Keywords (in Czech): conversion, commitment, Evangelical Christianity, costly signaling, public conversion testimony
• Tags: International impact

Abstract

In groups of the Evangelical tradition, public conversion testimonies are essential when considering a neophyte for membership. Interestingly, in these groups, every member must undergo conversion experience and display their converted nature – actual converts and those brought up in the tradition. In their public conversion testimonies, members signal their loyalty to the group and try to convince others about their commitment and trustworthiness. Contrary to the group's theology that both groups of neophytes are equal, my previous study found significant differences in public conversion testimonies between the individuals who have been part of the group since childhood and strangers in the effort to persuade others operationalized as the length of testimony and amount of negative self-depiction. Except for this difference in public conversion testimonies, their function remains unknown, and we are at the beginning of its understanding. Based on these findings, I'd like to present a research design to study changes in commitment for both groups and if high-conversion performers are treated more for their commitment than low-conversion performers.

Links

• MUNI/A/1435/2021, interní kód MU: Name: Velké otázky ve studiu náboženství: Snaha o propojování humanitní a přírodovědné expertízy (Acronym: VESNA)

Investor: Masaryk University