Religious conversion

Religious conversion is changing from one faith to another (see apostasy and conversion), or the inspiration of faith in an atheist or agnostic.

Conversion to Christianity requires a belief in substitutionary atonement, that Jesus Christ died for the convert's sins. Baptism is a rite observed in virtually every sect of Christianity. Sects differ on the nature and meaning on baptism with Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, and Churches of Christ among other sects believing that baptism forgives sins, while Baptists and other sects believe baptism to be an ordinance and an act of obedience as an outward sign of an inward acceptance of Christ.

Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans, and Lutherans all require education before formal conversions into their sects may occur. Roman Catholics refer to this education as catechism and adult converts will participate in a program called Rite of Chrisitan Initiation for Adults (RCIA) and many parishes offer a similar program for children above the age of accountability called RCIC. Anglicans offer similar classes for adults and child converts in addition to typcial confirmation classes.

Conversion to Judaism requires a period of study under a Rabbi. An ancient Jewish tradition is for the Rabbi to turn away prospective converts three times, to test the convert's dedication to Judaism and sincerity in desiring to convert. Many Rabbis, especially in non-Orthodox Jewish sects, do not do this in the modern age.