konvertiter

Konvertiter is the plural form of konvertit in several Scandinavian languages and refers to people who have undergone religious conversion—i.e., they have adopted a faith different from the one in which they were raised or previously adhered to. The term is used across Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish contexts; in English, the corresponding term is "converts." It can apply to individuals who convert between different religions as well as to those who switch to a different denomination within the same faith.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from Latin convertere, meaning to turn around or change direction, and entered Scandinavian religious vocabulary through church Latin and translation of Christian terminology. Conversions are commonly discussed in the fields of religious studies, sociology, and anthropology.

Demographics and motives: Converts are found in many religious communities around the world. In Western societies, converts most often join Christianity or adopt secular identities, but conversion can occur into any faith. Motives vary and can include personal conviction, marriage or family considerations, exposure to new communities, or dissatisfaction with previous beliefs. Research explores processes of conversion, commitment, and identity formation, including ambivalence and belonging.

Social and legal context: Converts may experience changes in social status, community acceptance, and participation in rites of passage such as baptism or initiation. In some countries, apostasy or blasphemy laws, or social stigma, can affect converts. Others provide formal recognition of conversion or organized rites within religious communities. The phenomenon is a long-standing subject of scholarly and popular interest.