Most Jews who convert to another religion tend to convert to Christianity, with a notable portion identifying with Protestant denominations, particularly in the United States.
Christianity is the religion to which the largest number of individuals with Jewish backgrounds convert. Data from various studies indicate this trend across different regions globally.
Prevalence of Conversion to Christianity
Historical and contemporary patterns show that when individuals of Jewish heritage choose to convert from Judaism, Christianity is the most common destination. This trend is evident in both the United States and other parts of the world.
Conversions in the United States
In the United States, a substantial number of adult Americans with Jewish ancestry identify as Christians.
- Significant Numbers: Approximately 1.6 million adult American Jews identified themselves as Christians as of 2013.
- Denominational Preference: Among these individuals, the majority identify with Protestant denominations.
- Background: A significant portion of these converts were either raised within Judaism or have Jewish ancestry, indicating a direct shift from a Jewish background to a Christian identity.
Conversions in Russia
Similar patterns, though with different scales, can be observed in other countries as well.
- Russian Context: A 2012 study indicated that 17% of individuals identifying as Jews in Russia also identified themselves as Christians. This highlights a measurable conversion trend outside of North America.
These statistics underscore Christianity, particularly Protestantism in the U.S. context, as the most common religion for Jews who choose to convert.
Overview of Conversion Trends
The following table summarizes key data points regarding conversion trends:
| Region | Year of Data | Number/Percentage of Jews Identifying as Christians | Predominant Denomination (if specified) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2013 | ~1.6 million adults | Protestant |
| Russia | 2012 | 17% of Jews | Not specified |
