Turning to Jesus: Sociology of Conversion in the Gospels

Scot McKnight's careful study of Jesus' relationship with his followers reveals that elements of all three contemporary models of conversion—the personal decision, the sociological, and the liturgical—are present within the Gospel accounts. But because the Gospel narratives themselves are insufficiently explicit to support only one contemporary model of conversion, McKnight suggests that an enhanced reading of the Gospels should engender an appreciation for each of the models in the church today.