Conversion Process and Types: based on Autobiographies of Korean Christians

This research proposes a paradigm of the conversion process and types of Korean Christians by analyzing primary sources on the basis of grounded theory. A total of 20 autobiographies were examined as primary sources for the research. The paradigm model includes 313 properties, 106 concepts and 42 categories focusing on the conversion phenomenon, which were derived and arranged in this model. The core category of this research is “finding God through experiences in life”and the research result is “types of conversion according to finding God.”In addition, the conversions of Korean Christians are classified into six types. The analysis shows the conversion process of Korean Christians is manifested through a continuously changed life style. And this process is parallel to a theological issue that is similar to the relationship of the Israelis with God, which is ‘redemption-corruption-punishment-repentanceforgiveness-redemption.’In addition, compared with biblical figures, the meaning of conversion is suggested as an objective of missions as well as a consequence of faith.