Conversion and Conversation

By Jonathan Pinto

The word “conversion” in a religion/spirituality context is, I think, greatly misunderstood. It is usually taken to mean that someone has forsaken their previous stance (be it another faith, or atheism, or agnosticism) and adopted a new one. However, the term conversion derives from the Latin “metanoia” which means turning around, a 180-degree turn. To me, the conversion of a Muslim, for instance, to Christianity is less significant, than that of “bad” Catholic mending their ways to being a “good” Catholic. I use the term “bad” Catholic to describe those who flout the teachings of Christ and the church with impunity, and “good” Catholic to describe those who strive to fulfil them to the fullest extent possible given our human condition.

All of us are “bad” Catholics to some extent and therefore need conversion. If we think that just because we are practising Catholics we are fine, then complacency and stagnation will set in, and if we are not growing in our faith then we are declining.

Every day, every Mass, every Confession, gives us a chance to have a conversion experience. We could attempt to control or master bad habits or chronic sins (which is a big ask) or we could attempt to start new behaviours and habits that would take us closer to God, such as praying more regularly, doing good deeds, going to Mass and receiving the sacraments more often, and reading the Bible. But the key is that it requires action. Just thinking about it or talking about it is not enough. Whoever said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions knew what he was talking about. In the parables, the one son had the good intention of carrying out the father’s will but didn’t whereas the other son though initially reluctant, ended up doing his father’s will.

Christ said, “whatsoever you did (not said or thought) to the least of my brethren you did it to me”. At another place He said, “Go and do likewise”. At the last supper Christ said “Do this in memory”, and not “Say this (or think of this), in memory of me.”
Sometimes we have great conversations about faith-related matters, either in informal one-on-one discussions or at Bible studies and fellowship meetings. But if these just remain as conversations then there is little or no conversion. The Pharisees and the Sadducees had great conversations with Jesus but for the most part (as far as we know) it didn’t change their lives for the better. The tax collectors, fishermen, and prostitutes who acted on the words “follow me” or “come and see” were the ones who we glorify today as saints and exemplars of the Way. Whereas the rich young man who had kept all the commandments failed to do what Christ asked in terms of selling what he had and giving to the poor has achieved notoriety for the wrong reasons. He had a conversation but not a conversion.

Another enemy of action, and friend of conversation, is thought. Certainly we should “look before we leap”, but when we know what we are being called to do, asking “why?” or responding “I’ll think about it”, could delay, if not entirely kill, the intended action (though it may start a great conversation). When Abraham heard the Lord asking him to sacrifice Isaac, he didn’t ask “why?” When Christ told Matthew to “follow me”, he didn’t ask “where?”.

Great thoughts and great conversations give the illusion of great deeds. But they are not. They may, lead to great deeds, but often times lead to more great thoughts and conversations. It’s better to be Confucian and start a journey of a thousand miles with a step in the right direction than to have a great debate on the best footwear for the journey. And putting one foot in front of another will bring us closer to the Truth than all the conversation in the world.

Action leads to validation of the Word and would lead to greater understanding, and greater impetus to action. One can read, think, and discuss at great length about playing the piano, but the one who actually gives a recital (who does) is the one who really knows.

Happy Easter!