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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Jul 167 min read

So-Called Christianity’s Methods of Christian Conversion?

The Foundations of Conversion in Christianity


Conversion in the Christian context means a profound transformation, a turning away from one's previous way of life to embrace a new one centered on faith in Jesus Christ. This transformation is supposed to be genuine, marked by repentance and a change of heart. However, the historical methods of conversion employed by Christendom often diverged significantly from this ideal, raising questions about their authenticity and alignment with biblical principles.



The Early Christian Conversion Model


Apostolic Preaching and Genuine Transformation


In the New Testament, the apostles modeled genuine conversion through preaching and teaching. The apostle Paul, for example, converted many in the city of Corinth, a place notorious for its immorality. He emphasized the transformative power of the Gospel, which could cleanse even the most egregious sinners (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Conversion was characterized by repentance, baptism, and a new life in Christ (Acts 2:38-41).


Jesus’ Teaching on Conversion


Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of a genuine conversion experience. In John 3:3, He told Nicodemus, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." This new birth was not merely a ritual or a superficial change but a profound transformation involving the heart and mind.



The Degeneration of Conversion Methods


The Influence of Pagan Philosophy


In the second and third centuries, the influence of pagan philosophy and worldly trends began to corrupt the purity of Christian teachings. The apostle Peter warned of "false teachers" who would introduce destructive heresies and exploit people with fabricated stories (2 Peter 2:1-3). As the church increasingly mingled with the world, its methods of conversion began to reflect more political and coercive tactics rather than genuine spiritual transformation.



The Conversion of Constantine


Constantine’s Vision and Its Implications


In the fourth century, Roman Emperor Constantine’s so-called conversion marked a significant turning point. According to tradition, Constantine saw a vision of the cross with the words, "By this conquer," before a crucial battle. However, his conversion appeared more politically motivated than spiritually genuine. Historian H. Fisher notes that Constantine continued to engage in morally dubious activities and retained the title of Pontifex Maximus, a pagan priestly role.


The Impact on Christianity


Constantine's support led to Christianity becoming the official religion of the Roman Empire, resulting in a surge of conversions. However, these conversions were often superficial, driven by political and social pressures rather than genuine faith. E. Gibbon observed that the conversion of influential individuals was quickly followed by mass conversions of their dependents, indicating a lack of personal conviction.



The Conversion of Pagan Tribes


Clovis I and the Frankish Tribes


In the fifth century, Clovis I, a Frankish king, converted to Christianity, reportedly after invoking Christ’s help in a battle. His conversion was followed by the baptism of thousands of his warriors. However, as historian Charles Oman notes, the conversion of Clovis and his followers was largely superficial, driven by political expediency rather than genuine spiritual awakening.


The Role of Monarchs in Conversion


Throughout medieval Europe, the conversion of entire tribes and nations often followed the conversion of their leaders. This method, exemplified by the conversion of the Saxons under Charlemagne, frequently involved coercion and violence. Charlemagne’s campaigns were marked by brutality, including the massacre of 4,500 Saxons who resisted conversion. This approach starkly contrasted with the voluntary and heart-driven conversion described in the New Testament.



The Methods in Britain


Augustine of Canterbury


In 596, Pope Gregory I sent Augustine of Canterbury to convert the Anglo-Saxons in Britain. Augustine’s success in converting King Ethelbert of Kent led to the mass conversion of his subjects. However, these conversions were often enforced by the authority of the monarchy rather than stemming from personal conviction.


The Clash with British Christians


Augustine’s mission also aimed to bring the independent British Christians under Roman authority. His failure to achieve this through peaceful means led to threats of violence, reflecting a coercive approach inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus, who instructed His followers to make disciples through teaching and persuasion (Matthew 28:19-20).



Forced Conversions in Europe


The Role of War and Coercion


Throughout medieval Europe, forced conversions became a common method of expanding Christendom. Charlemagne’s campaigns in Saxony, for instance, involved the use of force to compel conversions. Historian H. G. Wells describes these wars as religious crusades aimed at enforcing Christianity through violence.


The Conversion of Eastern Europe


The conversion of the Slavs and the establishment of Christianity in Russia under Vladimir I also involved political maneuvering and mass baptisms. Vladimir's conversion and subsequent command for his subjects to be baptized highlight the political motivations behind many conversions, which often lacked personal conviction and understanding.



The Conversion of Heretics


The Albigensian Crusade


The Albigensian Crusade against the Cathars and Waldensians in southern France exemplifies the violent methods used to suppress dissent and enforce conversion. Pope Innocent III’s crusade led to the massacre of thousands, including the infamous slaughter at Béziers, where the papal legate reportedly ordered the killing of all inhabitants regardless of their faith.


The Inquisition


The establishment of the Inquisition further entrenched violent methods of conversion. The Inquisition used torture and public executions to force heretics to recant and embrace the official doctrines of the church. This approach starkly contrasted with the New Testament model of conversion, which emphasized voluntary acceptance of the Gospel.



The Reformation and Beyond


The Struggle in France


The Reformation period saw continued violence as the Catholic Church sought to suppress Protestant movements. The wars of religion in France, including the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, where thousands of Huguenots were killed, illustrate the brutal measures employed to enforce religious conformity.


The English Reformation


In England, the pendulum of religious control swung between Protestantism and Catholicism, leading to persecution of dissenters under both regimes. King Henry VIII’s break with Rome and the establishment of the Church of England were followed by violent measures to enforce the new religious order. Similarly, the Marian persecutions under Queen Mary sought to restore Catholicism through coercion and execution.



Biblical Principles of Conversion


Voluntary and Heartfelt Transformation


The methods of conversion practiced by Christendom often diverged from the biblical principles of voluntary and heartfelt transformation. Jesus emphasized that His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36) and that true worshipers must worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). Genuine conversion involves a personal decision to follow Christ, marked by repentance and a change of heart (Acts 3:19).


The Role of Love and Persuasion


The New Testament model of evangelism emphasizes love and persuasion rather than coercion. The apostle Paul, for example, reasoned with people from the Scriptures (Acts 17:2-3) and urged believers to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). True conversion cannot be forced but must come from a genuine acceptance of the Gospel.


The Legacy of Christendom’s Methods


Division and Disillusionment


The coercive methods of conversion employed by Christendom have left a legacy of division and disillusionment. The countless sects within Christendom, the history of religious wars, and the desertion of churches by many reflect the failures of these methods. Jesus warned that those who build on a foundation of sand will face destruction (Matthew 7:24-27), and the history of Christendom’s methods of conversion demonstrates the instability of foundations built on coercion and political expediency.



The Call for Genuine Conversion


The true religion of Christ calls for a return to the principles of genuine conversion as outlined in the New Testament. This involves a personal and voluntary decision to follow Jesus, marked by repentance, baptism, and a transformation of life (Romans 6:4). The church today must learn from the past and seek to evangelize in a manner consistent with the teachings and example of Christ.



About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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