Noun

Singular convert

Plural converts

convert (plural converts)

1. A person who has converted his or her religion.

   They were all converts to Islam.

2. A person who is now in favour of something that he or she previously opposed or disliked.

   I never really liked broccoli before, but now that I've tasted it the way you cook it, I'm a convert!

Religious conversion is the adoption of a new religious identity, or a change from one religious identity to another. Conversion implies a new reference point for one's self identity. It is a matter of belief and social structure—of both faith and affiliation. This typically entails the sincere avowal of a new belief system, but may also present itself in other ways, such as adoption into an identity group or spiritual lineage. Conversion occurs not only from one religion to another, but also between different denominations within the same faith, when this involves a felt change of identity rather than other reasons such as convenience.

Types of religious conversion include:

• Marital conversion, religious conversion upon marriage outside of religion
• Secondary conversion, done because of a personal relationship
• Deathbed conversion, the acceptance of religious belief shortly before death.
• Forced conversion, done under threat—a form of religious persecution

Christianity and Islam are major religions which emphasize the desirability of conversion. Judaism and Hinduism allow in-conversion, but generally do not encourage it.

Proselytism is the act of attempting to convert another individual from a specific religion or belief system. (See proselyte).

Apostate (n.) is a term with pejorative connotations used by members of one church or religion to refer to someone who has left that church or religion.