think about it...

I was enjoying a mental debate between the inner voices (both sound like me so it's easy to switch sides when one makes a significant point).

Conversion vs. Transformation

Merriam-Webster provides these definitions:

conversion - an experience associated with a definite and decisive adoption of religion

transform - to change in character or condition

That's handy because it fits the point I want to make. I'm the kind of guy that revels (takes intense pleasure or satisfaction) in subtle distinctions. Or as it might have been put on Boston Legal, "I'm such a slut for subtle distinctions." ...I digress.

"Conversion" is the battle cry for Traditional and Pragmatic Evangelicals (see The Younger Evangelicals by Robert Webber). It's exclusive; a line in the sand. The litmus test of Christianity (at least Western church culture). Little else really matters. "You're a believer, you’re not a believer; saved or lost; insider or outsider; acceptable or unacceptable." Faith is an acquisition or a destination.

"Transformation" is the buzz for Younger Evangelicals (again see The Younger Evangelicals by Robert Webber). It's inclusive; everyone's looking and searching for something. "Believer's and pre-believers." They prefer the term, "Christ Follower" to "Christian." Faith is a spiritual actualization, a journey, and a process (some may not be aware that they're on a God-quest).

It's like Certs. "Certs is a breath mint. No, Certs is a candy mint..." For me both can be true simultaneously. Two very different ways of understanding and experiencing the same reality. At this point I see the resolution as blue-green; both blue and green, yet neither blue nor green. ...ymmv