Conversion in a Billy Graham Crusade: Spontaneous Event or Ritual Performance?

Abstract

Literature on religious conversion contains turnabout and ritualistic explanations. This paper examines the nature of the contemporary religious revival or crusade and finds evidence that revival conversions are ritualistic, integrative events. Crusaders are over-whelmingly church members and frequent church attenders. The Graham organization carefully structures the conversion process through local community organization, counselors, screening questions, literature, and church referrals. The crusade also emphasizes the integration of dependent-aged youth.