The Communication of Conversion and the Christian Patriot Movement: Proselytization Within the Far Right
Date of Graduation
Spring 1996
Degree
Master of Arts in Communication
Department
Communication
Committee Chair
Randy Dillon
Abstract
This study examines how the Christian Patriot Movement attempts to convert and maintain new members. The study adopted a two pronged system of analysis, including both rhetorical and qualitative. Data for the study was gathered by interviewing Militia members, Identity Christian Members, and Fundamentalist Church members. The results indicate that converts speak of fantasy themes when conversing about their conversion experience as well as maintaining their faith. The existence of fantasy themes within the conversion experience led the researcher to create a model of conversion that contains four components: 1) Indoctrination, 2) Cognition, 3) Adoption of the fantasy in the converts lifestyle, and 4) Maintenance. Further implications and suggestions for future study are also discussed.
Subject Categories
Communication
Copyright
© Terry Robertson
Recommended Citation
Robertson, Terry, "The Communication of Conversion and the Christian Patriot Movement: Proselytization Within the Far Right" (1996). MSU Graduate Theses. 1020.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1020
Dissertation/Thesis
