Dinî Değişim Anlatılarının Yer Aldığı Videolarda Dinî Değişim Süreci
The Religious Conversion Process in Conversion Narrative Videos

Summary/Abstract: Purpose: The phenomenon of religious conversion is among the most significant events that an individual is likely to experience throughout their lifetime, and will continue to be so for as long as humanity persist with. Although religious conversion is a probable event to encounter, the process of religious conversion can take a long time. Spreading over a broad period, from individuals’ childhood through adolescence and beyond, religious conversion can be influenced by the effect of problems individuals face in their lives. This predicament gives rise to a multifaceted process in which a multitude of factors can prove instrumental in the religious conversion trajectory of individuals. The factors influencing the conversion process may also vary according to the time periods in which it takes place. Therefore, the frequency of studies on religious conversion will be advantageous in facilitating the observation of changes in factors and for updating the dynamics of the religious conversion process. In this context, the aim of this study is to examine how the religious conversion process takes place for individuals featured in videos containing religious conversion narratives. Method: The research problem is formed by the following question: “How do the religious conversion processes of converts in religious conversion videos on online platforms occur?” The document analysis technique was adopted in the research. For video selection, a total of 68 Turkish/English converts’ videos (34 women and 34 men), which the platform suggested based on their viewing status, were preferred. While the selected videos did not specifically focus on conversions to Islam, nearly all of the videos examined dealt with conversions from Christianity to Islam. The analysis of the narratives in the videos was undertaken through the utilisation of content and descriptive analysis. Findings: The results of the analysis, identified four main themes: “Dissatisfaction with the current situation, drawing attention to the new religion, the process of conviction in the new religion, and surrender and construction.” Under the theme of “dissatisfaction with the current situation,” sub-themes included: “theological contradictions, church and clergy, inconsistency between belief and life, a life becoming meaningless, spiritual emptiness.” Under the theme of "drawing attention to the new religion,” sub-themes included: “interaction with Muslims, personal crises, dreams and mystical experiences, intellectual curiosity.” Under the theme of “the process of conviction in the new religion,” sub-themes included: “the Holy Qur'an, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), characteristics of Islamic belief, the belief in Tawhid (Oneness of God), the idea of the continuity of prophets, the effect of worship, dreams.” Under the theme of “surrender and construction,” sub-themes included: “situations making the shahada (testimony of faith) difficult, the moment of shahada, difficulties after the shahada.” Conclusion: The thematic analysis of the data indicates that religious conversion occurs in a staged manner. It has been observed in the course of the examinations that the individual is impacted by a variety of factors during the process of religious change. For instance, an individual’s departure from their current religion may be precipitated by a combination of factors, including dreams, intellectual questioning, or a weakening of emotional ties. Additionally, the transition to a new religion may encompass processes such as close friendships, mystical experiences, or research.

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