# Religion Converting Games ‘Penitents Compete' Game Show Causes Controversy By Rose Nazarali | Published 2009-07-06 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/penitents-compete References: [asylum](http://www.asylum.com/2009/07/06/gameshow-attempts-to-convert-atheists/) & [cbc](http://www.cbc.ca/arts/tv/story/2009/07/03/turkey-gameshow-religion-atheists.html) 'Penitents Compete' is a Turkish game show based on attempting to convert atheists. The winner will win a [pilgrimage to the holy site](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luce) of their choice. The controversial game show is putting a Greek Orthodox priest, a Rabbi, a Muslim Imam, and a Buddhist monk up against each other to see who can convert the most of 10 atheists in each episode. While many feel that ‘Penitents Compete’ is a great way to encourage [inter-faith relations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sri-mandir), many argue that religion should not be a source of television entertainment. Additional Image Sources: [Wikimedia Commons](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Religion_icon.svg) | [Post Gazette](http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/images/200708/20070828BizReligion_dm_500.jpg) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 1% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Religious](https://www.trendhunter.com/religious) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Inter-faith Relations:** A trend of promoting dialogue and understanding between different religious beliefs. - **Controversial Entertainment:** A trend of using controversial topics as a source of television entertainment. - **Conversion Culture:** A trend of exploring and questioning religious beliefs through various mediums. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Broadcasting:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing new formats of controversial game shows that generate high viewer engagement. - **Religious Tourism:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating unique pilgrimage experiences that resonate with individuals from diverse faith backgrounds. - **Digital Media:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating online platforms that facilitate thoughtful conversations and debate around religion and spirituality. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Feedback-Reflective Game Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sins-of-the-flesh.md) - [Unusual Card Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rabbit-rabbit-a-game-of-superstitions.md) - [Culinary Battle Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/show-me-your-chef.md) - [Personalized Game Show Generators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/game-nights.md) - [QSR Game Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qsr-game-show.md) - [Competitive Conversation Card Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/debatable-party-game.md) - [Gamified Grocery Activations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asda-checkout-challenge.md) - [Playful Animated Crossover Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dont-starve.md) - [Action-Based Indie Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cult-of-the-lamb.md)