“Second Conversion”
“The last temptation is the greatest treason: To do the right deed for the wrong reason.” TS Eliot
Overview
At Stage 6, we are now moving into what is known as the “narrow stages.” Meaning, this is a level of spiritual depth that not all Christians are able to reach. In Stage 5, we are exposed to sanctifying grace that does lead to liberation. However, it also can give rise to religious egoism and self-righteousness. Thus, the level of vulnerability and honesty that is required to mature into the sixth stage is very difficult to undergo. To submit to Second Conversion requires the believer to lean not on our knowledge, faith or good deeds, but purely on the mercy and compassion of God. Karl Barth says this is like learning to “stand on air.” It is the moment when we truly believe God’s love for us is unconditional. To be clear, we knew this to be true in our minds, but this level is reserved for those who are now EXPERIENCING the need for grace. In other words, in this stage, we are being confronted with our own hypocrisy. We’ve discovered areas of hidden pride. We’ve been confronted with practices of exclusion or superiority. Thus, this stage is about overcoming “Elder Brother syndrome” (see the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15) and recalling what qualified our standing with God in the first place: GRACE.
Peter (Acts 10)
Levels for Stage 6:
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Knowledge of God
Nuanced understanding of the complexities in faith (i.e. Law vs Gospel). Has begun engaging historical figures of the faith (i.e. St. Augustine, John Wesley, etc.)
Baseline: Familiarity with the ancient creeds and major eras and figures of Church history.
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Spiritual Disciplines
Prayer evolves from obligation to conversation. Believer is now more inwardly motivated to engage spiritual exercises, rather than being motivated by shame or guilt.
Frequency: Daily
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Service of Others
Gained awareness into issues of social injustice and seeks opportunities to serve in the margins. Able to identify and remedy the temptation to do the right things for selfish reasons.
Frequency: Weekly
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Church Engagement
Continues to attend weekly. Serves bi-weekly/monthly in the church or local ministry. Occasionally willing to lead a special project or organize church event.
Frequency: Weekly
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Witness to Others
Frequently seeks opportunities to share their faith both locally and abroad. Ready to share about church/faith experience with neighbors and coworkers. Also seeking opportunities to do so via mission trips or service trips.
Frequency: ~Quarterly
The “Second Conversion Stage” found in Scripture:
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Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts; the incense of your offerings disgusts me! As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath and your special days for fasting— they are all sinful and false. I want no more of your pious meetings.
Isaiah 1:13
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I hate all your show and pretense— the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies.
Amos 5:21
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“There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Mark 10:21-22
Spiritual Diet during
this Stage
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Ancient theologians used to say “to know thyself is to know thy God.” During this stage, emphasis will be placed on learning what you don’t know about yourself. This is where a therapist, counselor, or spiritual director can be immensely helpful. The goal here is to uncover our own bias, assumptions, and the hidden wounds blinding us from parts of the spiritual life. While this can be quite uncomfortable, let us take comfort in the fact that God already sees these parts of us and chooses to love us unconditionally. We must be willing to see these areas if we hope to progress into a faith that is being practiced for the RIGHT reasons.
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Another very common experience during this stage is revisiting and reevaluating your belief system. Often, the experience of “Second Conversion” is due to an error within our orthodoxy (or orthopraxy). During this stage, it is important that after we deconstruct the forms or expressions of Christianity that do not align with Jesus that we reconstruct something better (and more faithful) in its place. For example, during early Christian formation, it is common for believers to abide in a very dualistic world. Meaning, there are only two categories for sorting everyone and everything: sacred or secular. During this stage, we invite you to challenge those categories by intentionally seeking out opportunities to serve (or be served by) persons of other denominations, traditions, even religions. Pretty soon, you will discover that God doesn’t abide by our overly simplified categories and boxes. This realization will not only enhance your perception of God, but it will also enhance your compassion for those who are different from you.
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This stage of faith is reserved for those who are ready for a season of listening and receiving revelation from God. They are committed to pausing their desire to defend one’s beliefs about God, and become truly open to new understanding regarding the heart and actions of God. This can be accomplished through literal silence; however, the main objective is to achieve a stillness of mind and soul. The goal is to find people, practices and disciplines that allow God to be a free and living person in your life; rather than a subject you’ve attempted to master. In the ancient Christian tradition, this practice was commonly known as via negativa — a spirituality dedicated to accepting the “unknowability of God.” In other words, it is the stage of faith where we are willing to accept the mystery (not certainty) of faith.
Sample Exercises
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Again, this stage is learning that our way of faith is not the only way. That our “tradition” is the not the only group that God cares about. Find an opportunity to work/serve across boundaries. Maybe this is a service project hosted by another church or faith? Maybe this is an opportunity for dialogue and mutual understanding between persons of differing perspectives, political leanings, race, orientation, etc.? In other words, participate in something that reminds you that we worship the God who is “over all, in all and through all.”
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There are a lot of really good self-awareness assessments out there. The Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, and many more can help you discover the hardwiring embedded within your personality. This can be helpful as you think about how that hardwiring impacts the ways you relate to God and to others. Take one of these assessments and find a trusted person to process the results!
Another really helpful resource comes by way of trained professionals who can help us better understand ourselves, our fears, our dreams, and the direction of our lives. You might also consider using this time to see a counselor, therapist, or spiritual director. They possess a multitude of tools for unearthing the hidden parts of ourselves.
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Originating from our monastic tradition is a spiritual discipline called lectio divina (divine reading). This exercise helps the believer continue their reading and study of scripture; however, it introduces a new way to read with focused intention. The goal of lectio is to hear a word/phrase/verse that God wants to say to you in this moment. Here is how it works:
Select a brief passage of scripture.
Read it aloud (or listen to a reading) one time through.
Now, read (or listen) again, but this time pay attention to any words or phrases that jump out to you. Don’t do anything with them yet. Just observe them, underline them, or circle them in your Bible.
Then, read the passage one more time. This time, pay close attention to the one word/phrase that is speaking to you the most.
Finally, walk away from the passage. Go for a walk. Start journaling. And while you do so, ask the Spirit why this word(s) is speaking to you today.
Trap #6 to avoid:
Virtue Signaling
What can be especially challenging about this stage is realizing the hypocrisy not only within yourself, but in the church and the world. Thus, the temptation can be to shift your attention away from your own repentance and the need for repentance in others. If we are not careful, we can use all this newfound self-awareness as a weapon against those who are making the same mistakes we used to. In some ways, this can be an even more dangerous form of egoism in that your pride is now encased in a false sense of humility. Be mindful about keeping focused on yourself and the conversion needed within. Allow the Spirit, and the Spirit alone, to take care of God’s other children. (See examples of this in Jesus’ disciples.)
Resources
For more information about this stage of the Christian journey, use the link below!