Exploring the diverse landscape of religious conversion, this collection examines historical contexts from early Christian pilgrims to Reformation Germany and fifteenth-century Ethiopia. It delves into the complexities of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian experiences, highlighting both continuity and change across different cultures. The essays investigate various causes and characteristics of conversion, providing a nuanced understanding of how faith and identity intersect throughout history.
The book explores innovative methodologies that merge qualitative and quantitative analysis in historical research. Authors Gregory Wawro and Ira Katznelson advocate for enhancing traditional quantitative methods with new approaches to better capture the complexities of historical data. They respond to critiques from historians and social scientists about the limitations of conventional statistical techniques, providing practical guidance on employing these advanced tools for a more nuanced understanding of the past.