Religious identities by choice and the politics of conversion

Abstract

This chapter continues the argument of the previous chapter on religious freedom by examining the issue of conversion in the context of today. This has become a major issue in the experience of the peoples of the Global South, also because of the colonial heritage. The chapter points out how Buddhism was the first missionary religion (preceding Christianity and Islam) and had spread in different regions of the ancient world. It examines the arguments for and against conversion and, in this context, critically goes into the views of Mahatma Gandhi. The chapter examines conversion in relation to micro and to macro geopolitical factors of today, and the politics connected with it, including use of violence. The chapter delves into the implications of conversion for marginalized groups like the Dalits (the “Untouchables”) and the tribals. Further we are led to reflect on what conversion means under globalizing conditions when religious identities have become fluid. On theoretical front, the chapter points out the development of the theology of religions in transforming the understanding of conversion. The phenomena of Khrist Bhaktas—disciples of Christ without baptism in India and “Cultural Christians” in China—are also discussed as examples of the growing fluidity of religious belonging.