Scott, At 02:15 PM 5/31/2004, you wrote: >>And, I would assess that, these converts are individuals who were in desparate >>search for something to fill their needs. Because it was easy and comfortable they >>went into fundamentalist conversion, or because they were offered no alternative >>that sparked their spirits they were left with no other choice.<<
I don't think that the "nativist appeal" can be discounted. Susan referred to Leon Festinger's model of cognitive dissonance. It is the path of least resistance to maintain as much cognitive consonance as one can, and conversion to a non-Christian or non-Jewish religious movement (depending on one's background) can result in considerable cognitive dissonance. It is less stressful to a Jew looking for spirituality to get involved with the Jewish Renewal movement (aleph.org), which is currently very popular in both American Reform and Reconstructionist temples, than to become a Sufi. >>Both these postlates are reasons to increase teaching activity on our part, in my >>estimation. I think I have made clear my feelings of caution toward Ruhi system >>study circles exclusivity in the past. However, it is what we have at the moment and >>it does offer a methodical way to educate and confirm large numers of new >>believers.<< Educate them in what? ;-) Mark A. Foster * http://markfoster.net "Sacred cows make the best hamburger" -- Mark Twain and Abbie Hoffman __________________________________________________ You are subscribed to Baha'i Studies as: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Baha'i Studies is available through the following: Mail - mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Web - http://list.jccc.edu/read/?forum=bahai-st News - news://list.jccc.edu/bahai-st Public - http://www.escribe.com/religion/bahaist Old Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] New Public - http://www.mail-archive.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
