Meaning: Madeleine L'Engle, the renowned American novelist, succinctly captures her experience of conversion in this quote. The reference to "Damascus Road experience" alludes to the biblical story of the apostle Paul's dramatic conversion to Christianity on the road to Damascus. L'Engle's use of this metaphor suggests that her own conversion was not a sudden or dramatic event, but rather a gradual process of intellectual acceptance aligning with her intuition.

L'Engle's statement implies that her conversion involved a fusion of intellect and intuition. This duality reflects the complexity of human belief systems, acknowledging the significance of both rational thought and inner knowing. The phrase "intellectual acceptance of what my intuition had always known" highlights the interplay between conscious reasoning and subconscious understanding. It suggests that L'Engle's intuition, her inner sense of truth, had been guiding her towards a certain belief or realization even before her conscious mind fully embraced it.

The quote also underscores the idea that conversion is a deeply personal and individual experience. L'Engle's use of the first-person perspective emphasizes the subjective nature of her journey towards conversion. By expressing that "for me" conversion was not a sudden revelation, she emphasizes that each person's path to belief or change is unique and cannot be fully understood or replicated by others.

L'Engle's statement can be interpreted as an invitation to reflect on the nature of belief and transformation. It challenges the notion that conversion must always be a dramatic, life-altering event and instead suggests that it can be a gradual, internal process. This perspective may resonate with individuals who have experienced a more subtle, evolving shift in their beliefs or worldview, offering validation for their personal journey.

In the context of L'Engle's literary work, this quote offers insight into the intersection of faith, reason, and intuition. L'Engle was known for incorporating spiritual and philosophical themes into her writing, and her own experience of conversion likely informed her nuanced portrayal of characters' inner struggles and transformative journeys in her novels. By sharing her own perspective on conversion, L'Engle invites readers to consider the complexity of belief and the multifaceted nature of personal growth.

Overall, Madeleine L'Engle's quote on conversion encapsulates the gradual, introspective nature of her own experience. It encourages contemplation on the intersection of intellect and intuition, the individuality of personal transformation, and the significance of inner knowing in the process of belief. This quote serves as a reminder that conversion, whether spiritual, intellectual, or emotional, is a deeply personal and multifaceted journey that defies simple categorization or explanation.