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Conversion and Self-Transformation in Christian Monasticism: A Cognitive Perspective.
1, Dafna 24, 6492923, Tel Aviv, Israel. inbargra@bgu.ac.il.
Journal of Religion and Health
|November 5, 2019
Summary
This study explores how early Christian monks intentionally guided their religious conversion through cognitive strategies. It examines self-transformation methods used in Near Eastern monasticism to facilitate lasting change.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Science
- Religious Studies
- History
Background:
- Religious conversion involves significant cognitive and behavioral shifts.
- The Christian monastic movement in late antiquity presented a unique context for conversion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze monastic conversion as an active, gradual process.
- To investigate how converts intentionally directed their transformation.
- To reconstruct the strategies and training methods used by monks for self-transformation.
Main Methods:
- Drawing on cognitive psychology and neuroscience research.
- Analyzing literary sources from Near Eastern monasticism.
- Reconstructing historical self-transformation strategies.
Main Results:
- Monastic conversion was a deliberate, participatory process.
- Monks employed specific cognitive and training methods to foster change.
- These methods facilitated and sustained the transformative aspects of conversion.
Conclusions:
- Late antique monks actively shaped their religious conversion.
- Cognitive and psychological principles underpinned monastic self-transformation.
- Understanding these strategies offers insights into historical religious change.
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