Foltz vs. Bentley

I believe that Foltz helps to support Bentley's point that conversion can either happen through voluntary association, assimilation/syncretism, or forces/pressures. Although Foltz cites slightly different reasons for peoples' conversion to Islam, they can all fall under the broader reasons that were put forth by Bentley. For example, Foltz claims that one reason for people to convert to Islam was for "the pursuit of patronage." Because Muslims seemed to have large amounts of power, people were more tempted to convert to take advantage of this increase in influence. Conversion for the purpose of pursuing patronage can most definitely fall under Bentley's reason of voluntary association, as converts are voluntarily associate with the religion. Foltz also cites Muslim dominance of commercial activity as a reason for conversion to Islam. A businessman would see potential benefit in converting to Islam as it would increase contact with other Muslim businessman. This reason can also fall under Bentley's reason of voluntary association, which seems to enforce that every religious conversion that occurs can fit into the three categories originally presented by Bentley.