The zeal of the convert is a term describing the very fervent devotion to new beliefs, which are completely different from one's old beliefs.[1][2][3] For example, Paul the Apostle, formally known as Saul of Tarsus was a Jewish Pharisees who persecuted Christians until he had a life changing vision on the road to Damascus and became a Christian missionary who spent his life spreading Christianity throughout the Roman empire and was later executed in Rome for his devout Christian beliefs.
Usage
editThe term "zeal of the convert" is commonly used in popular culture as it is believed that converts to new beliefs are likely to show more devotions than those born in the beliefs.[3]
Statistics
editIn the United Kingdom, less than 4% of Muslims are converts, but 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]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ "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.