Evangelization Vs. Proselytization

[Anonymous]

I see the word proselytize used extensively and exclusively here. On dcum, every action a Christian makes is called proselytizing, and that’s not the correct word for what Christians do in their lives. I am not too surprised by this, as it was not known by the majority of posters here that Jesus Christ was an actual man who walked the earth, is abundantly attested to in early historical sources, and is agreed upon to have existed by every historian, scholar, and academic in the Western world. If very basic facts are unknown- then much is unknown.

Proselytize is to convert. Evangelize is to teach and spread something.

The word “proselyte” was used in Greece in earlier times to designate a foreigner who came to settle in the country, and among the Jews it referred to a pagan who, after taking an interest in the religion of Israel, ended up adopting all its observances — including circumcision.

The word “proselytizing” was used to describe the zeal to convert others to one’s ideas and especially to one’s religious belief. Today, the word is often used in a pejorative sense.

Evangelization is not changing someone’s mind or their beliefs, but to have them meet the living Christ, present in the midst of his Church.

Christians are convinced that only God can convert hearts and that their conduct must not contradict the Gospel they proclaim.

(In layman’s terms: only God can change people’s minds about religion. We can introduce Him and tell people about Him. We can tell and most importantly show people how God has worked in our lives. We can’t make anyone love God.)

The right to change religion and to manifest religion is protected under Article 18 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. There are some countries that deny their citizens the right and freedom to change their religious beliefs, but the UN has declared that changing one’s religion is a basic human right.

The religions of the world are divided into two groups: those that actively seek new followers (missionary religions) and those that do not (non-missionary religions).


The three main religions classified as missionary religions are Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, while the non-missionary religions include Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and Hinduism. Other religions, such as Primal Religions, Confucianism, and Taoism, may also be considered non-missionary religions.



Evangelization in a theological context is to approach it as a divine calling rather than a humanly initiated activity. One does not participate in evangelization because one so chooses but rather because one is part of a faith community that has been summoned by God.

A 1970 report by the World Council of Churches on the evils of proselytization:

First, proselytism takes place when our motive is unworthy, for example when our real concern in witness is not the glory of God through the salvation of human beings but rather the prestige of our own Christian community, or indeed our personal prestige.

Second, we are guilty of proselytism whenever our methods are unworthy, especially when we resort to any kind of “physical coercion, moral constraint or psychological pressure,” when we seek to induce conversion by the offer of material or political benefits, or when we exploit other people’s needs, weakness or lack of education. These practices are an affront both to the freedom and dignity of human beings and to the Holy Spirit whose witness is gentle and not coercive.

Third, we are guilty of proselytism whenever our message includes “unjust or uncharitable reference to the beliefs or practices of other religious communities in the hope of winning adherents.” If we find it necessary to make comparisons, we should compare the strengths and weaknesses of one church with those of the other, and not set what is best in the one against what is worst in the other. To descend to deliberate misrepresentation is incompatible with both truth and love. (Pp. 90-91)


Evangelization is about invitation, sharing with others what brings joy to
you. It is not the goal to convert. Proselytization is about having the
intentional goal of converting the other.

Christianity is and always has been a missionary religion. Jesus says, in what is now called the Great Commission, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

A Christian’s business is to love, not to convert.


The Church’s missionary spirit is not about proselytizing, but the testimony of a life that illuminates the path, which brings hope and love. The Church—I repeat once again—is not a relief organization, an enterprise or an NGO, but a community of people, animated by the Holy Spirit, who have lived and are living the wonder of the encounter with Jesus Christ and want to share this experience of deep joy, the message of salvation that the Lord gave us." [Message for World Mission Day, May 19, 2013, Pope Francis]


Proselytizing has taken on a negative connotation, to mean the promotion of a religion by using means, and for motives, contrary to the spirit of the Gospel; which do not safeguard the freedom and dignity of the human person.” (Doctrinal Note on Some Aspects of Evangelization)

Proselytizing is marked by those who try to convert others through fear, malice, manipulation, deception, threat, or bribery. It does not respect religious freedom or human dignity. For example, ISIS is trying to establish a caliphate and is using force through the threat of death or taxes to make people convert to their version of Islam. Proselytizing is concerned with the number of people who convert by any means and success is measured by such.


If you are using the word “proselytizing” just know that Christians do not proselytize. If you have a family member who is extremely religious and tells you or others that you are going to hell if you don’t become a Christian, no church denomination sanctions that kind of statement and furthermore condemns it. Your overzealous relative with a personality disorder doesn’t represent Jesus Christ or His church.

Although this is a religious forum, a lot of the posts and threads attack religion and specifically Christianity. People here who aren’t Christians speak as if they are an authority on Christianity and Christians, despite having no education or experience with Christianity except perhaps once been a Christian and deciding that they no longer wanted to be a Christian. Nobody has to be Christian and Christians will be the first to tell you they have flaws, and they are sinners, too, but hating Christianity doesn’t make you an authority on it.

Atheists and others (pagans, etc) post incessantly about the negative aspects of Christians and Christianity, and no one ever asks them about their educational background in religious history, religious studies, theology, etc. They merely claim that their disbelief is more intelligent or logical, or someone who was a Christian was a jerk to them at a potluck when they mentioned they weren’t Christian, and they are considered an authority or spokesperson for the I hate Christianity and Christian DCum fanclub.

I was as atheist even though I was raised in a Christian household. I just knew God didn’t exist. Brothers and Sisters in Christ: God exists. He speaks to you everyday. He loves you and cares about you and will never leave you. I can’t prove it to you or make you love Him and trust Him, but I can tell you He is there. Amen.

[Anonymous]

Frankly I didn’t care enough to read every word of your exceedingly long post. I will sum up my concerns in a concise manner—are you trying to make me take time out of my day to listen to you talk about your religion? If so, stop it. Evangelizing or proselytizing, it is unwanted and will never endear your faith to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Frankly I didn’t care enough to read every word of your exceedingly long post. I will sum up my concerns in a concise manner—are you trying to make me take time out of my day to listen to you talk about your religion? If so, stop it. Evangelizing or proselytizing, it is unwanted and will never endear your faith to me.

Sorry, but we are blessed to have basic human rights in our country.

I am not in your presence and I didn’t push your finger to click on this thread, you chose to do so. How are you being made to read this thread?

You made a choice to come to a religious forum, where people post about religion. Maybe you should not come to a religious forum if you don’t like religion., or people talking about religion.

It’s nonsensical to do so, and then claim to be victimized by “proselytizing.”

[Anonymous]

Easy solution: If you don't want to be criticized for your beliefs/actions, then keep your religion to yourself. And stay TF away from vulnerable people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Frankly I didn’t care enough to read every word of your exceedingly long post. I will sum up my concerns in a concise manner—are you trying to make me take time out of my day to listen to you talk about your religion? If so, stop it. Evangelizing or proselytizing, it is unwanted and will never endear your faith to me.

Sorry, but we are blessed to have basic human rights in our country.

I am not in your presence and I didn’t push your finger to click on this thread, you chose to do so. How are you being made to read this thread?

You made a choice to come to a religious forum, where people post about religion. Maybe you should not come to a religious forum if you don’t like religion., or people talking about religion.

It’s nonsensical to do so, and then claim to be victimized by “proselytizing.”

I didn't claim that you were proselytizing by posting this thread. I am explaining my feelings towards people who approach me--on the street, ringing my doorbell, etc. My point is that people who feel as I do don't care about semantics. We just don't want to be asked to take time from our day to listen to a monologue from someone who has a very certain point of view. If I want to learn more about a particular religion, I will take a class on it (and I have).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Easy solution: If you don't want to be criticized for your beliefs/actions, then keep your religion to yourself. And stay TF away from vulnerable people.

It’s not being criticized that is the problem, it’s the false information that is spread here by people who aren’t Christians, or dislike Christianity.

I have flaws and can be criticized when I am wrong, and I pray I accept criticism with a humble heart and honest attitude.

No Christian denomination approves proselytizing and in fact condemns it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Frankly I didn’t care enough to read every word of your exceedingly long post. I will sum up my concerns in a concise manner—are you trying to make me take time out of my day to listen to you talk about your religion? If so, stop it. Evangelizing or proselytizing, it is unwanted and will never endear your faith to me.

Sorry, but we are blessed to have basic human rights in our country.

I am not in your presence and I didn’t push your finger to click on this thread, you chose to do so. How are you being made to read this thread?

You made a choice to come to a religious forum, where people post about religion. Maybe you should not come to a religious forum if you don’t like religion., or people talking about religion.

It’s nonsensical to do so, and then claim to be victimized by “proselytizing.”

I didn't claim that you were proselytizing by posting this thread. I am explaining my feelings towards people who approach me--on the street, ringing my doorbell, etc. My point is that people who feel as I do don't care about semantics. We just don't want to be asked to take time from our day to listen to a monologue from someone who has a very certain point of view. If I want to learn more about a particular religion, I will take a class on it (and I have).

Unfortunately for you, we live in a country that cherishes religious freedom.
People who do those things are legally and morally allowed to do so.

Are you the poster that had a very extreme reaction to having their doorbell rung by religious people? I think in that thread, a thread about realtors putting flyers in people’s mailboxes about selling their homes was referenced from the real estate forum. It was rationally explained by many posters (and not religious posters) that people who have extreme anxiety and an outsized need to control society have issues they need to deal with.

We all encounter minor annoyances and opinions that counter our own. Our desire to silence other opinions because we don’t like them runs counter to everything our country was built upon. It is unnatural in America to wish to silence other citizens, and legally, not going to happen. We live in a free society.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your testimony, OP. Jesus loves all of us, regardless of where our consciences lead us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Frankly I didn’t care enough to read every word of your exceedingly long post. I will sum up my concerns in a concise manner—are you trying to make me take time out of my day to listen to you talk about your religion? If so, stop it. Evangelizing or proselytizing, it is unwanted and will never endear your faith to me.

This. If someone approaches me because they want to tell me a version of why their religion is right and my religion is wrong, I don't care if they consider it to be evangelizing or proselytizing -- I don't want it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Frankly I didn’t care enough to read every word of your exceedingly long post. I will sum up my concerns in a concise manner—are you trying to make me take time out of my day to listen to you talk about your religion? If so, stop it. Evangelizing or proselytizing, it is unwanted and will never endear your faith to me.

Sorry, but we are blessed to have basic human rights in our country.

I am not in your presence and I didn’t push your finger to click on this thread, you chose to do so. How are you being made to read this thread?

You made a choice to come to a religious forum, where people post about religion. Maybe you should not come to a religious forum if you don’t like religion., or people talking about religion.

It’s nonsensical to do so, and then claim to be victimized by “proselytizing.”

I didn't claim that you were proselytizing by posting this thread. I am explaining my feelings towards people who approach me--on the street, ringing my doorbell, etc. My point is that people who feel as I do don't care about semantics. We just don't want to be asked to take time from our day to listen to a monologue from someone who has a very certain point of view. If I want to learn more about a particular religion, I will take a class on it (and I have).

Unfortunately for you, we live in a country that cherishes religious freedom.
People who do those things are legally and morally allowed to do so.

Are you the poster that had a very extreme reaction to having their doorbell rung by religious people? I think in that thread, a thread about realtors putting flyers in people’s mailboxes about selling their homes was referenced from the real estate forum. It was rationally explained by many posters (and not religious posters) that people who have extreme anxiety and an outsized need to control society have issues they need to deal with.

We all encounter minor annoyances and opinions that counter our own. Our desire to silence other opinions because we don’t like them runs counter to everything our country was built upon. It is unnatural in America to wish to silence other citizens, and legally, not going to happen. We live in a free society.

Dp and I remember the poster who freaked out the JWs or someone similar rang their doorbell, and they even had a glass door so they could see who it was and not answer. Agree that pp has no legal basis for trying to silence anybody else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Frankly I didn’t care enough to read every word of your exceedingly long post. I will sum up my concerns in a concise manner—are you trying to make me take time out of my day to listen to you talk about your religion? If so, stop it. Evangelizing or proselytizing, it is unwanted and will never endear your faith to me.

This. If someone approaches me because they want to tell me a version of why their religion is right and my religion is wrong, I don't care if they consider it to be evangelizing or proselytizing -- I don't want it.

Fine. An adult would say “no thanks” or just plain “no.” Instead of freaking out in person or on DCUM for days.

[Anonymous]

I don’t proselytize but I wish atheists would stop proselytizing, including trying to promote their atheism on so many DCUM threads.

I recognize their right to do so, however (unless, as often happens, they’re actually derailing a thread).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Frankly I didn’t care enough to read every word of your exceedingly long post. I will sum up my concerns in a concise manner—are you trying to make me take time out of my day to listen to you talk about your religion? If so, stop it. Evangelizing or proselytizing, it is unwanted and will never endear your faith to me.

This. If someone approaches me because they want to tell me a version of why their religion is right and my religion is wrong, I don't care if they consider it to be evangelizing or proselytizing -- I don't want it.

Fine. An adult would say “no thanks” or just plain “no.” Instead of freaking out in person or on DCUM for days.

No one is freaking out. You're the one who wrote a much too long post about a semantic difference that doesn't matter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Frankly I didn’t care enough to read every word of your exceedingly long post. I will sum up my concerns in a concise manner—are you trying to make me take time out of my day to listen to you talk about your religion? If so, stop it. Evangelizing or proselytizing, it is unwanted and will never endear your faith to me.

Sorry, but we are blessed to have basic human rights in our country.

I am not in your presence and I didn’t push your finger to click on this thread, you chose to do so. How are you being made to read this thread?

You made a choice to come to a religious forum, where people post about religion. Maybe you should not come to a religious forum if you don’t like religion., or people talking about religion.

It’s nonsensical to do so, and then claim to be victimized by “proselytizing.”

I didn't claim that you were proselytizing by posting this thread. I am explaining my feelings towards people who approach me--on the street, ringing my doorbell, etc. My point is that people who feel as I do don't care about semantics. We just don't want to be asked to take time from our day to listen to a monologue from someone who has a very certain point of view. If I want to learn more about a particular religion, I will take a class on it (and I have).

Unfortunately for you, we live in a country that cherishes religious freedom.
People who do those things are legally and morally allowed to do so.

Are you the poster that had a very extreme reaction to having their doorbell rung by religious people? I think in that thread, a thread about realtors putting flyers in people’s mailboxes about selling their homes was referenced from the real estate forum. It was rationally explained by many posters (and not religious posters) that people who have extreme anxiety and an outsized need to control society have issues they need to deal with.

We all encounter minor annoyances and opinions that counter our own. Our desire to silence other opinions because we don’t like them runs counter to everything our country was built upon. It is unnatural in America to wish to silence other citizens, and legally, not going to happen. We live in a free society.

I am not that poster and don't know the thread you are referring to. I did not say that people are not legally or morally forbidden to do these things. What I am trying to convey is that doing these things has the exact opposite effect that proselytizers/evangelists/whatever you want to call it desire. I assume that the desire is to interest other people in the given religion. However, when people accost me to tell me about their religion, rather than interest me, it engenders a negative opinion of the religion, as it's quite intrusive.

On the flip side, I find other religions, ones whose adherents do not inconvenience me, to be intriguing, and I am more likely to seek out information on those religions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Frankly I didn’t care enough to read every word of your exceedingly long post. I will sum up my concerns in a concise manner—are you trying to make me take time out of my day to listen to you talk about your religion? If so, stop it. Evangelizing or proselytizing, it is unwanted and will never endear your faith to me.

Sorry, but we are blessed to have basic human rights in our country.

I am not in your presence and I didn’t push your finger to click on this thread, you chose to do so. How are you being made to read this thread?

You made a choice to come to a religious forum, where people post about religion. Maybe you should not come to a religious forum if you don’t like religion., or people talking about religion.

It’s nonsensical to do so, and then claim to be victimized by “proselytizing.”

I didn't claim that you were proselytizing by posting this thread. I am explaining my feelings towards people who approach me--on the street, ringing my doorbell, etc. My point is that people who feel as I do don't care about semantics. We just don't want to be asked to take time from our day to listen to a monologue from someone who has a very certain point of view. If I want to learn more about a particular religion, I will take a class on it (and I have).

Unfortunately for you, we live in a country that cherishes religious freedom.
People who do those things are legally and morally allowed to do so.

Are you the poster that had a very extreme reaction to having their doorbell rung by religious people? I think in that thread, a thread about realtors putting flyers in people’s mailboxes about selling their homes was referenced from the real estate forum. It was rationally explained by many posters (and not religious posters) that people who have extreme anxiety and an outsized need to control society have issues they need to deal with.

We all encounter minor annoyances and opinions that counter our own. Our desire to silence other opinions because we don’t like them runs counter to everything our country was built upon. It is unnatural in America to wish to silence other citizens, and legally, not going to happen. We live in a free society.

I am not that poster and don't know the thread you are referring to. I did not say that people are not legally or morally forbidden to do these things. What I am trying to convey is that doing these things has the exact opposite effect that proselytizers/evangelists/whatever you want to call it desire. I assume that the desire is to interest other people in the given religion. However, when people accost me to tell me about their religion, rather than interest me, it engenders a negative opinion of the religion, as it's quite intrusive.

On the flip side, I find other religions, ones whose adherents do not inconvenience me, to be intriguing, and I am more likely to seek out information on those religions.

How you feel about religion and the differences between religions is your personal opinion, which is valid and fine.

However, Christians don’t try to convert you. They believe only God can change your mind and heart about religion, and change you into a Christian. As Christians, we don’t have any power to make you become a Christian or live as a Christian. I don’t think people understand that, because every post claims Christians think they can change someone into a Christian by talking to them or taking them to church. That’s not how it works.

Christians, some of us, do like to tell people about God. That’s personal testimony and sharing the Good News, and Jesus Christ instructs us to do so.

Please tell us you aren’t interested and move along with your day.

America was based upon freedom of speech, religion, the press, etc. You can’t stop people from saying things you don’t like, and lots of people will say things you don’t like. As adults, we learn that other people think differently than we do, and we go about our day. We don’t become enraged and hostile and try to make people stop thinking what they want or saying what they want. Legally, ethically, morally, people have a right to be religious in public and your right is to ignore them.