Differing Religions Use Same Formula For Conversions

Southern Baptists and Mormons are miles apart on their theology, but they use the same formula when seeking religious conversions: One believer plus one nonbeliever, multiplied by the power of the Holy Spirit.

While Mormons are famous for their door-to-door mission work, Southern Baptists are no strangers to proselytizing.

The North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention sponsors more than 5,000 missionaries across the continent.

They know exactly where to look for converts - people who aren’t heavily invested in other faiths, said Armand L. Mauss, Washington State University professor of social science and religion.

For the Southern Baptist missionaries in Utah, that means picking non-Mormons or people disillusioned with the Mormon church, preferably younger and living far from extended family.

Southern Baptists are unlikely to convert many Mormons in Salt Lake City, Mauss said, because they dominate the social and political scene. People with access to connections like that are reluctant to switch faiths, no matter how attractive the other option is.

Missionaries from most faiths acknowledge that knocking on doors cold turkey is the worst way to gain converts. They estimate chances of success at 1 in 1,000.

Better chances come from referrals, and people who show some spark of interest. Which is why the massive media campaign, including radio, television and direct-mail advertisements - all with a toll-free number for more information - have provided Southern Baptists with a better list.