Pagbabalik-Loob: A Case Study of the Religious Conversion Experiences of Children in Conflict with the Law

This research was undertaken to understand the experiences of conversion of children inside a transformation center as grounded on Bernard Lonergan’s Three Forms of Conversion. Via a qualitative case study approach conducted with three purposive selected participants who were given pseudonyms and where in-depth face-to-face interviews were used that were transcribed and analyzed with a focus on empathizing and understanding the participants. perspectives, the thematic analysis revealed the following themes and sub-themes: Experiences of Challenges and Transgressions under this theme the subthemes are as follows: Out of School, Disobedience, Vices, and Biggest Mistake; and Experiences of Faith, Hope, and Love and under this theme the subthemes are as follows: Presence of God, There is Hope, and Expressions of Love. The data support the emergence of an adult faith identity in all participants in a period of adult spiritual development that takes years rather than weeks, though the initial conversion was to a life of self-awareness and ongoing renovation lasting lifetimes. The study makes a substantial contribution to the field of conversion studies of successful conversion in a religious tradition other than Christianity among participants. There are also implications to education in general, particularly religious and values education. The research indicates a need for study developmentally in this and remaining lifetimes, particularly its implications for understanding and fostering the positive personal development of children faced with transformation.