出走原鄉、藕斷絲連：華人基督徒改宗之轉化歷程

The Fitful Self in Exile: The Transformation Process of Converted Taiwanese Christians

本研究旨在探討華人基督徒的改宗行為，檢視改宗者與其文化背景、社會網絡的互動關係，並以階段性的方式進行分析。本研究以半結構的訪談大綱進行深度訪談，考量理論飽和原則，研究對象為五位來自不同教派的第一代基督徒，以他們的經驗敘說為基礎，探究台灣基督信徒改宗的轉化歷程。研究結果顯示，依據改宗者的信仰狀態，轉化歷程可分為四個階段：（1）「身在本地」：受到關係取向的影響，個體以行禮如儀的狀態與傳統宗教信仰、文化行為維繫著，在信仰層面的學習缺乏主動性，以致觀念建構多半不穩固；（2）「接觸異鄉」：受到新觀點的吸引，同時考量家族、文化對基督信仰的排斥，個體呈現內在拉鋸的心理狀態；（3）「兩地游移」：以不破壞關係和諧的折衷方式面對信仰選擇，衍生出「選擇性承認」的宗教狀態，策略性的忍讓以避免發生衝突；（4）「身處異鄉、心繫原鄉」：個體與傳統信仰分離，從以社會關係為先的集體思維走向以神為首的個人主義觀點，並試圖影響家族信仰。

This study analyzes the individual transformation processes of Taiwanese Christians' conversion experiences. To explore the process of conversion, we considered both the psychological factors and social contexts. We interviewed five first-generation Christians from different denominations, using semi-structured interviews and followed the theoretical saturation principle. Based on the different conditions during the conversion process, we have identified four stages for the conversion. The first stage entails following traditional rituals without the appreciation of underlying reasons, which may lead to surface learning. At the second stage, the individual is attracted to the Christian perspective and cultural conflict becomes the main reason preventing them from changing religion immediately; how to face the difficulty of being a Christian within a Chinese family plays a crucial role in individual transformation. At the third stage, individuals start trying to find suitable ways to maintain family harmony and yet be autonomous in their adoption of religion. Finally, individuals overcome their hesitation and finish the conversion process. They shift from mainly being dominated by social network (collectivism) to autonomously choosing a particular god as the center of their (spiritual) life (individualism), and intend to influence their family.