This article proposes a systematic typology of religious conversion by identifying ten typical pathways based on research in the sociology, psychology, and philosophy of religion. These ten pathways are further grouped into four major types, which are analyzed within a two-dimensional topological structure. The vertical axis represents the driving force of conversion (external vs. internal), while the horizontal axis represents the cognitive foundation of faith (empirical–rational vs. transcendent–spiritual). By introducing a coordinate-based structural model, this paper aims to clarify the internal logic, overlaps, and transitions among different forms of religious conversion, and to provide a conceptual framework for comparative and interdisciplinary studies of religious belief. Status:- Unpublished manuscript / working paper.- Shared publicly for academic discussion. The author retains full copyright.
Shan Ma (Thu,) studied this question.