The Varieties of Religious Experience · Chapter
Lecture IX: Conversion explained
In this lecture, William James explores the phenomenon of conversion, defining it as the process by which a divided self becomes unified and morally transformed through a firmer hold on religious realities.
What happens
In this lecture, William James explores the phenomenon of conversion, defining it as the process by which a divided self becomes unified and morally transformed through a firmer hold on religious realities. He presents concrete examples, such as Stephen H. Bradley's experience, to illustrate the layers of inner change. James discusses the role of suggestion and imitation in shaping conversion experiences, contrasting the anxious conviction of sin in revivalist sects with the sacramental reliance in Catholic traditions. He also examines the psychological distinction between volitional conversion (gradual, building new habits) and conversion by self-surrender (involuntary, subconscious), drawing on Starbuck's research and the concept of 'unconscious cerebration.' The lecture emphasizes that conversion can occur suddenly or gradually, and that it often involves a crisis that intensifies but shortens the period of adolescent storm and stress.
Themes in this chapter
Conversion and Transformation
The entire lecture is dedicated to the process of conversion, its types, and its psychological underpinnings.
The Role of Feeling and Emotion
Emotional states such as anxiety, joy, and the sense of sin are central to the conversion experiences described.
Pathology and Genius in Religion
The lecture touches on the intense, sometimes pathological, states associated with conversion, such as delirium tremens and the 'sick soul.'
Characters to notice
- Stephen H. Bradley
His case illustrates the layered nature of conversion, having been converted at fourteen and again later, showing unsuspected depths of character.
- Edwin Diller Starbuck
His statistical studies on conversion are cited, distinguishing between gradual and sudden conversions and the role of crisis.
- James H. Leuba
His definition of religion as the sense of sin and release is referenced, emphasizing the moral aspect of conversion.
- S. H. Hadley
His dramatic conversion from a drunkard to a rescuer of drunkards serves as an example of the sense of sin and release.
- Jerry McAuley
His mission is mentioned as the place where Hadley experienced his conversion.
Key passages
“To be converted, to be regenerated, to receive grace, to experience religion, to gain an assurance, are so many phrases which denote the process, gradual or sudden, by which a self hitherto divided, and consciously wrong inferior and unhappy, becomes unified and consciously right superior and happy, in consequence of its firmer hold upon religious realities.”
Conversion, regeneration, receiving grace, experiencing religion, and gaining assurance all refer to the process—whether gradual or sudden—whereby a previously divided and unhappy self becomes unified and happy through a stronger connection to religious truths.
This is the core definition of conversion that James sets out to explore.
“The essential distinction appears to be that conversion intensifies but shortens the period by bringing the person to a definite crisis.”
The key difference is that conversion makes the crisis more intense but shorter, leading to a clear turning point.
James summarizes Starbuck's finding on the nature of conversion crises.
“Stop trying and it will do itself!”
Cease your efforts and the result will come naturally.
This advice from a music teacher illustrates the principle of self-surrender in conversion.
