Christian conversion experience: descriptions/analysis/links: input invited

Hi, Gil, dunno if these sites wil help you but interesting reading:apophenia - The Skeptic's Dictionary - Skepdic.comhttp://www.igpp.de/english/counsel/project.htmpareidolia - the Skeptic's Dictionary - Skepdic.comSide dish: 'touch--falling back' is a well-recognised, fast inductive method of hypnosis.

Hi, Gil, while there are undoubtedly individual epiphanies, I think the main point in considering conversions/deconversions is to weigh in group-think. Whether it`s religious, political, a member of a football crowd, or keeping up with community trends, group-think sets the pace. I guess wanting some support for our psychological needs means we have to compromise somewhere along the line. Until the stress of comforming becomes too great and we have to make the decision to bend or retreat.
I worked and socialised with quite a few JW`s and never failed to be amazed at the extent they could accomodate contrary evidence. No price too great to remain part of the circle. Of course, once a member had decided to escape, the full panoply of group-think anger was brought to bear--shunning by members, family, abuse, ridicule. It took a determined person to break away. Then they had to shed the accumulated baggage---Bible interpretations, mixing with evil atheists, even reading banned or discouraged matter. I salute those who showed their courage and made the transition.