Secondary conversion

In the sociology of religion, secondary conversion is the religious conversion of an individual that results from a relationship with another convert, rather than from any particular aspect of the new religion. For example, someone might join a religious group primarily because their spouse or partner has done so; such a person would be a secondary convert. Secondary converts are people who join a religion only because of a relationship with the other convert.

Secondary conversion can greatly expand a movement's influence,^[1] particularly after a conquest, such as the Muslim Moorish conquest of Spain and Catholic Spain's conquests in Latin America.

See also

• Deathbed conversion, done just before death
• Forced conversion, done under duress
• Marital conversion, religious conversion upon marriage outside of religion

References

1. Stark, Rodney (1996). The Rise of Christianity: a sociologist reconsiders history. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press. p. 20. ISBN 0-691-02749-8. The basis for successful conversionist movements is growth through social networks, through a structure of direct and intimate interpersonal attachments.