Conversion according to Luke and John : A Comparison of The Function of Conversion Narratives in Luke-Acts and John

The aim of this study is to examine what kind of ingroup conversion prototypes the authors of Luke-Acts and the Gospel of John express through conversion narratives and conceptual metaphors. By analysing the works of the authors I find a range of expressions conceptualising the act or process of conversion to faith in Jesus. These expressions contribute to forming an comprehensive conversion narrative, which has part in forming and setting boundaries for the ingroup of believers towards the outgroup(s) of non-believers. The ingroup conversion prototype for Luke-Acts shows norms of outgroup love, merciful and generous actions as well as good works and inclusion led by the Holy Spirit. The ingroup conversion prototype in John sets up norms of transformation through baptism, ingroup love and a breaking with the darkness of the world. The aim is further on to examine how these prototypes correspond to the models of conversion presented by Lewis R. Rambo. The results show that Luke-Acts view of conversion corresponds both to the model of traditional transition and intensification. The Gospel of John, on the other hand, fits only in the model of traditional transition