Zeal of the convert

The zeal of the convert is a term describing particularly fervent devotion to new beliefs at variance to one's old beliefs. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

For example, Paul the Apostle, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, was a Jewish Pharisee who persecuted Christians until he had a life changing vision on the road to Damascus and became a missionary who spent his life spreading the religion throughout the Roman empire and was executed in Rome for his beliefs. As a more recent example, in the United Kingdom, less than 4% of Muslims are converts, while 12% of domestic jihadists are converts. ^[4] 69% of converts claim that religion is vital to them, compared to 62% of non-converts. ^[1] 51% of converts worship at least once a week, compared to 44% of non-converts. ^[1] 82% of converts claim an absolute belief in God, compared to 77% non-converts. ^[1]

Use of term

The term "zeal of the convert" is commonly used in popular culture to express the view that converts to beliefs are likely to show more devotion than those born in them. ^[3]

See also

• Horseshoe theory

References

1. "The "Zeal of the Convert": Is It the Real Deal?". Pew Research Center. 2009-10-28. Archived from the original on 2021-03-10. Retrieved 2021-03-10.
2. Nadia Beider (2021). "The Zeal of the Convert Revisited" . Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. 60: 5–26. doi: 10.1111/jssr.12698 . S2CID   230559235. Archived from the original on 2021-03-10. Retrieved 2020-03-10.
3. Daniel Snook (2019-05-01). "Zeal of the Convert? Comparing the Structure of Islamic Religiousness between Convert and Non-Convert Muslims". ScholarWorks @ Georgia State University. Archived from the original on 2020-10-27. Retrieved 2021-03-10.
4. "Converts to Islam are likelier to radicalise than native Muslims". The Economist. 2017-04-01. Archived from the original on 2021-03-10. Retrieved 2021-03-10.