Starbuck.

Question 1

Motivation factors behind religious conversion.

Answer 1

1) Fears.
2) Other self-regarding motives.
3) Altruistic motives (charity, selflessness.)
4) Following morality.
5) Remorse for previous sin.
6) Response to teaching.
7) Example+ imitation.
8) Social pressure.

Question 2

Average age of religious conversion.

Answer 2

15-16. Conversion happens earlier in life and usually for sociological reasons, including pressure.

Question 3

Psychological interpretations of Starbuck’s research.

Answer 3

If someone is overly dramatic or emotional, this can lead to a religious conversion.
A desire to establish a meaning in life may be part of this (Davey Falcus.)

Question 4

St Paul+ psychological reasons.

Answer 4

His conversion could have been for a variety of reasons, not just his mystical experience.
Could have been motivated by his own guilt for persecution.
He might have had epilepsy, making him prone to a religious experience.

Question 5

Religion+ adolescence.

Answer 5

14-17 year old children go through a period of anxiety+ incompleteness as a part of development. They can find identity in religion.