This article has been written by Md Saquib Rahman,4 th year law student at Faculty of Law Jamia Millia Islamia 

Abstract:

Christianization (or Christianisation) is a term for the specific type of change that occurs when someone or something has been or is being converted to Christianity. Christianization has, for the most part, spread through missions by individual conversions but has also, in some instances, been the result of coercion from governments or military leaders. Christianization is also the term used to designate the conversion of previously non-Christian practices, spaces and places to Christian uses and names. In a third manner, the term has been used to describe the changes that naturally emerge in a nation when sufficient numbers of individuals convert, or when secular leaders require those changes. Christianization of a nation is an ongoing process.

Introduction

Conversion to Christianity is the religious conversion of a previously non-Christian person that brings about changes in what sociologists refer to as the convert’s “root reality” including their social behaviours, thinking and ethics. The sociology of religion indicates religious conversion was an important factor in the emergence of civilization and the making of the modern world. Conversion is the most studied aspect of religion by psychologists of religion, but there is still very little actual data available. Neurological studies have determined that conversion is not the result of Pathology. Christianity is growing rapidly in the global South and East, primarily through conversion. Different methods of conversion have been practiced historically. There is evidence of coercion by secular leaders in the Early and Late Middle Ages, though coercion as a method has never been approved or even supported by any majority of Christian theologians Different Christian denominations may perform various different kinds of rituals or ceremonies of initiation into their community of believers. The primary ritual of conversion is baptism, while different denominations differ with regards to confirmation. According to a 2001 study by religion professor David B. Barrett of Columbia University and historian George Thomas Kurian, approximately 2.7 million people were converted to Christianity that year from another religion, while approximately 3.8 million people overall were converting annually. In the first decades of the twenty-first century, Pentecostalism is the largest and fastest growing form of Christianity, this growth is primarily due to religious conversion.

Methods of Conversion:

Coercion

While Christian theologians, such as the fourth century Augustine and the ninth century Alcuin, have long maintained that conversion must be voluntary, there are historical examples of coercion in conversion to Christianity. Constantine used both law and force to eradicate the practice of sacrifice and repress heresy though not specifically to promote conversion. Theodosius also wrote laws to eliminate heresies, but made no requirement for pagans or Jews to convert to Christianity. However, the sixth century Eastern Roman emperor Justinian I and the seventh century emperor Heraclius attempted to force cultural and religious uniformity by requiring baptism of the Jews, the Visigothic King Sisebut, prompted by Heraclius, declared the obligatory conversion of all Jews in Spain. In the many new nation-states being formed in Eastern Europe of the Late Middle Ages, some kings and princes pressured their people to adopt the new religion. And in the Northern crusades, the fighting princes obtained widespread conversion through political pressure or military coercion even though the theologians continued to maintain that conversion must be voluntary.

Baptism

In all varieties of Christianity, baptism is the initiation rite for entrance into the Christian community. Almost all baptisms share in common the use of the Trinitarian formula (in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) by the minister while baptizing the convert.Two aspects of baptism are sources of disagreement: mode and meaning. In Understanding Four Views on Baptism editors have written that Christians disagree on the meaning of baptism and whether it is a necessary aspect of conversion or simply demonstration of a conversion that has already taken place.There are also different modes of baptism in Christianity. These include immersion (dunking), affusion (pouring), and aspersion (sprinkling). The most common practice in the ancient church was baptism by immersion of the whole head and body of an adult. It remained common into the Middle Ages and is still found in the Eastern church, the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches, and in most Protestant denominations. Historian Philip Schaff has written that sprinkling, or pouring of water on the head of a sick or dying person, where immersion was impractical, was also practiced in ancient times and up through the twelfth century, and is currently practiced in most of the West. However, according to the Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church affusion has become the most common practice of the Western churches. Infant baptism was controversial for the Protestant Reformers, and remains so for some Protestants, but according to Schaff, it was practiced by the ancients and is neither required nor forbidden in the New testament .The mode of baptism often depends on the denomination one enters, and in some cases, personal choice. Many Anglicans and Lutherans baptize by affusion. Presbyterians and Congregationalists accept baptism by pouring or sprinkling. Steven W. Lemke writes that the Presbyterian Westminster Confession says, “Dipping of the person into the water is not necessary”. Baptists disagree. Many Evangelical Protestants, such as Baptists, insist that only full immersion baptism is valid. The Second London and Philadelphia confessions of the Baptists affirm that “immersion, or dipping of the person in water, is necessary”. Baptism by immersion is again affirmed in Article 7 of the BF&M [Baptist Faith and Message]”. Others, like Methodists, may conduct all three forms of baptism.

Denominational switching

Switching from one Christian denomination, such as Presbyterianism, to another Christian denomination, such as Catholicism, has not generally been seen by researchers as conversion to Christianity. Mark C. Suchman says this is because most sociologists and other scientists have defined conversion as “radical personal change, particularly change involving a shift in one’s sense of ‘root reality’. However, in Suchman’s view, this produces a form of ‘selection bias’ within the research. He writes that the study of “everyday” religious mobility is not a substitute for analyses of “true conversion,” but the denominational switching that he refers to as “religious mobility” can be seen as an aspect of conversion. Suchman describes six types, or causes, of “religious mobility” as a supplement and complement to the more traditionally limited concept of conversion.He draws on theories from the sociology of deviance where there is some recognition that “a change of religious affiliation generally represents a break with previous norms and a severing of social commitments – even when it does not involve a radical personality realignment Theories of deviance define what can be considered as the variables and determinants involved and what kind of mobility can be seen as random. “Strain theory” argues that those who are unhappy in their religious affiliation will generally “engage in deviance” from that group.Those who are not well integrated in their religious social group, those who become enmeshed in social relations outside the group with participants in deviant cultures, and those whose ethnicity and traditional background differs from their current affiliation are candidates for switching. Intermarriage, with partners of different religions and/or denominations, is also associated with religious switching

Confirmation

Theologian Knut Alfsvåg writes that confirmation was first introduced by Pope Innocent I in the 5th century as part of the unified sacrament of baptism, chrismation (confirmation) and first communion that was commonly accepted by the 12th century. It was formally designated a sacrament in 1274 by the Council of Lyon. Baptism, along with the declaration and instruction involved in confirmation, and the Eucharist, have remained the essential elements of initiation in all Christian communities, however, Alfsvåg writes that confirmation has differing status in different denominations Some see baptism, confirmation, and communion as elements of a unified sacrament through which one becomes a Christian and part of the church. Also known as Chrismation by eastern Christians, under some circumstances, confirmation may be administered immediately after baptism. When an adult decides to convert to the Catholic or Orthodox Church, they become a “catechumen” and attend classes to learn what conversion means and requires. Once classes are completed and the candidate is baptized, adults can then be confirmed immediately following baptism. A clergy member will anoint their forehead, (or in the case of Byzantine Christians, the forehead, eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, breast, hands, and feet), with the chrisma (oil) calling upon the Holy Spirit to seal the convert with the gifts of the Spirit.

Individual Conversion :

James P. Hanigan writes that individual conversion is the foundational experience and the central message of Christianity, adding that Christian conversion begins with an experience of being “thrown off balance” through cognitive and psychological “disequilibrium”, followed by an “awakening” of consciousness and a new awareness of God. Hanigan compares it to “death and rebirth, a turning away…, a putting off of the old…, a change of mind and heart”.The person responds by acknowledging and confessing personal lostness and sinfulness, and then accepting a call to holiness thus restoring balance. This initial internal conversion is followed by practices that further the process of conversion, which according to Hanigan, will include ethical changes.In examples of conversion from the New Testament, such as Peter’s conversionand Paul’s, Hanigan perceives this same common “death and rebirth” experience. He says these individuals did not respond out of a sense of guilt, but from awe, reverence, and holy fear of what they perceived as God’s presence. Comparative studies of the early twenty-first century offer the insight that religious conversion provides a new locus of self-definition, moral authority and social identity through the acceptance of religious actions that seem more fitting and true to the recipient. Anthropologist Robert Hefner adds that “Conversion assumes a variety of forms… because it is influenced by a larger interplay of identity, politics and morality”. The message of Truth, a redemptive identity, and acceptance into a social organization whose purpose is the propagation of that message has proven to be a revolutionary force in its own right

Methods to Change Religion from Hindu to Christian

Consult a Pastor

Speak with a few or all local Christian religion pastors or leaders. Then, have a private conversation about your conversion ideas with each of them. Request their opinion. Attempt to attend a sermon or congregational gathering. Before making a choice, be ready to meet with religious leaders several times. Approaching these religious leaders is not something to be timid about; many of them would be delighted to help you with the converting procedure. For instance, Methodists believe that speaking with a pastor is an essential first step to conversion Bring your Christian Buddies Together If you want to change your religion from Hindu to Christian, inquire about their worldview and what led them to Christ. If they underwent conversion, talk about their memories of the process. Look for Christian communities online and contact them to discuss conversion. Enter “Christian conversion assistance” into a search engine to find an organisation that appeals to you. Online discussion forums are also an excellent opportunity to ask any queries you may have after reading the Bible or other Christian literature. For instance, you could wonder if you have to go to church every Sunday.

Get Familiar with the Bible

Get a copy of the Bible, either printed or digital, and start reading it. Any portions that interest you should be highlighted. Your inquiries should be written down and brought up with your Christian religious leader. It could be interesting for you to browse through some Christian religion hymns. Be aware that the Bible is available in several printed editions. For instance, you may purchase a copy with all the portions specifically addressing women underlined in red. To find out which text will be most helpful for you, consult a Christian spiritual advisor. Purchasing a version with annotations in the margins may be beneficial. These comments might be used, for instance, by a Bible editor to offer historical context. Many annotated Bibles also include additional margin areas for your notes.

Select a Christian Denomination

Once you’ve spoken to many Christian pastors and friends, get down in front of your computer and conduct some more study. Visit many websites connected to the denominations that interest you. For instance, various websites appear if you type “Baptist” into a search engine. Pay close attention to any declarations of religion you come across. There may be some differences among different churches. Try to concentrate on the parallels you notice between each denomination.

Be Tolerant

The conversion procedure to Christian Religion may take years to finish. It depends on the individual and how they decide to move forward. You’ll probably give your decisions much thought and discuss them with others, and it’s a chance to select the best option.  According to some converts, reading about the biblical characters’ troubles with religion made it easier for them to deal with their conversion process. Many Christians think that the process of conversion never really ends. It would help if you continued to put in the work every day.

Keep Going to Church Events and Sermons

Remember to remain active in your local church. Attend services and events. Talk to your pastor or minister frequently. Additionally, you may use the internet to follow Christianity’s local, regional, and global trends

Choose Between Continuing Your Vegetarianism

Hindus who desire to abstain from meat consumption can do so even after becoming Christian. Many Christians choose vegetarian lifestyles for various reasons, including health, personal, and theological considerations

Conclusion

Changing our religion is quite difficult, but if that fully determines you, it is a fruitful choice. Attend church events and establish contacts with local clergy or other Christians. If you want to change your religion from Hindu to Christian, discuss what you will need to undertake in the long and near term with the minister of your possible congregation. Attend services and events. Talk to your pastor or minister frequently. The conversion procedure of changing my religion from Hindu to Christian occasionally takes years to finish.

References

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/repeal-of-archaic-laws-doesnt-affect-reform-14814