Contextual Conversion: An Anthropological Perspective
Stephen Bailey Sunday, 1 March 2009
In the interpretation of any historical occurrence, the philosopher Paul Ricoeur urges us to pursue an archaeology of meaning.[1] By this he means that social phenomena need to be interpreted at multiple levels. My purpose here is to interpret the social issues involved in proselytism and persecution while not forgetting the theological and political realities involved. It is easy to forget that religious persecution is as much an anthropological issue as it is a theological and political problem. We must not lose sight of the fact that most people are persecuted for their religious faith by their neighbors. There is more at work than simply religious zeal and strong-arm politics. Religious and political leaders often do lead the way in justifying the killing and purging of those considered to be infidels and/or political threats. But the deeper question remains: What is the nature of the social power—power leaders draw on for their own purposes—that so easily moves people to persecute those of other religious convictions?
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