Question:

What happens in the case of conversion? When one leaves ones own faith tradition to follow another more closely?

 Reply:

All truths lead to the Truth. The star leads to the Child at Bethlehem. But some people will find the Child only by circuitous routes. If they just conform to the ideas received from their background, their family, their tribe, they will discover neither their truth nor the Christ. If they do follow the truth that has been revealed to them from above, whatever it may be, they will discover not only their true selves but also the self of God.

 If they are attracted to the truth of another religion, they should at the same time ask if they understand the truth of the religion they have inherited. This means that they cannot just follow their own fancies, uncritical, unreflective, and unquestioning. They must discern whether they are following their grace or their whim. They need to discern the spirit that is moving in them, is it good or bad, true or false.

 If they do find peace in pursuing a path different from that of their upbringing, a path that has been tested by time; if they find that their character is improving and their relationships and sense of service are becoming more authentic, then they are indeed following their truth, the Truth. “By their fruits ye shall know them.” They will not despise the tradition of their ancestors, but learn to respect it. They will perceive the Christ Child coming to birth in them.