Those that did convert did so for themselves. The religion they accepted was their own. It made them spiritually free, without depriving them of their intellectual liberty and integrity. Religion is authoritative. Lord Acton proclaimed that the decay of morality would lead to a decay of liberty.
True religion contributes to the moral climate because it is authoritative.
One who has such a word will do anything. Stephen, in Acts 7, speaks words of bold repudiation to the community leaders of his day. He sees their anger, but presses on. There is no fear in this man as he becomes the first Christian martyr. Religion is also powerful because it offers people a way to be good.