Are Conversions Real?

I have my doubts that people who switch faiths impact in any substantial way their essence. I wish I didn't have to conclude that, but my observation of everyone who has claimed some kind of born again or conversion experience shows only the most superficial behavorial changes or no change at all. The honest , brave person still remains honest and brave and the fearful and dishonest person still remains fearful and dishonest without respect to his or her new label.

Just as a tiger doesn't change its stripes, their essential wiring remains unchanged by embracing a new faith, so far as I can tell.

No matter what our real age is, we are all about six year old. By that time, our core nature has crystallized, and very little can be done to change it. I know this is a profoundly pessimistic view of man, but it comes out of observing humanity as a landlord for 20 years. When it comes to people, past is prologue and character is destiny.

What seems to be common however is two things. Firstly, I see a somewhat transient boyancy of the spirit-- a feeling of hope and security. However, generally that melts away unless that person is inherently boyant, hopeful, and secure. Secondly, and more subtly, I see old behaviors getting re-framed using religious words and habits. For example, the workaholic now becomes a churchaholic, the street-wise bully now becomes the pulpet-wise bully, and so on.

This is not to say that the conversion experience is not real and it does not matter. Of course it is real and of course it matters. I just don't think it is as behavorially life-changing as most people think and wish.