This is a study of how self-transformation may occur through the practice of reframing one's personal experience in terms of a canonical language: that is, a system of symbols that purports to explain something about human beings and the universe they live in. The Christian conversion narrative is used as the primary example here, but the approach used in this book also illuminates other practices such as psychotherapy in which people deal with emotional conflict through language.

1. Introduction; 2. Character and intention; 3. Boundaries; 4. Dreams; 5. Miracles; 6. Roles; 7. Against a theory of volition; Appendix.