Last week I attended a lecture by Prof Scot Mcknight (North Park College, Chicago) on “conversion” and why people – especially young people – leave the faith. Here is a summary of the content:

Psychological / Social / Theological
Model of Conversion

Model of Conversion

Conversion is defined as a “transformation of a person’s personal autobiography”.

This model contains the 7 dimensions of conversion. It does not mean that it follows the numbered sequence, but “conversion” can start anywhere. For example, an “encounter” (# 4) can trigger a “crisis” (# 2).

The process of “conversion” is also an ongoing process. It never ends, doesn’t matter where or who you are. For example, conversion to one thing can be followed by a conversion to something else (= “apostasy” from previous conversion). Or it entails an intensification of current conversion.

Main Reasons Why People Leave the Church

There is a crisis in the church – why are so many people walking away from the faith? Between 30-40 % of young people brought up in the church do not participate in Christianity.

Most common reasons for leaving are:

1. the authority of doctrine and scripture, that is, its claims of inerrancy or infallibility. The Bible looks much like a man made product. This is related to next reason;
2. science, especially the debate between evolution and creationism. Churches do not create a safe environment for questions being asked. The church needs to make room for questioning and variety, and must be capable to address questions from within the community of faith.
3. because of the churches and behaviour of Christians themselves (ie abuses, hypocrisy)
4. the doctrine of hell. What is the justice in a person being damned to hell for eternity?
5. The God of the Bible (especially Old Testament) – he is mean, demonstrates human weaknesses, is sometimes even worse than a human being, and he is incapable of preventing evil.

We can’t pretend to have all the answers.

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Food for thought!