Defense of Pipes position
Reader comment on item: Further Converts to Terrorism

Submitted by William Sycamore (United States), Dec 8, 2005 at 11:05

Dear Mr. Pipes,

To begin, one must have a common definition of "Convert". The definition best known is:

"Someone who changed after age 21 for the first time to a religion that was different from his or her caregivers."

Those who change prior to age 21 or multiple times are usually classified as "un-churched" because they rarely become devout.

Although the most reliable statistics are kept secret by the religion conducting the research of its members, Converts to any religion are usually found to be more devout, positive, vocal and give more time.

I have seen studies by Unity, Christian Scientists, Unitarian Universalists and the Baha'i that have proved Converts are the key to day to day success.

Big donations come from the wealthy, without regard to how and when they join the religion. The rich have earned the right to purchase what they want, including their name on the wall and entry into heaven.

The Catholics have been studied. Reference to one such study is below.

Hope this helps with the defense of your position.

Bill Sycamore

http://www.nytimes.com/books/first/a/allitt-converts.html

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