Proselytism is the practice of attempting to convert people to another opinion, usually another religion. The word proselytism is derived ultimately from the Greek language prefix 'pros' (towards) and the verb 'erchomai' (to come). Historically in the New Testament, the word proselyte denoted a person who had converted to the Jewish religion. Though the word proselytism was originally tied to Christianity, it is also used to refer to other religions' attempts to convert people to their beliefs or even any attempt to convert people to another point of view, religious or not. Today, the connotations of the word proselytism are often negative but this article will use the word neutrally to refer to any attempts to convert a person or people to another faith. Greek (, IPA: — Hellenic) has a documented history of 3,500 years, the longest of any single language within the Indo-European family. ... John 21:1 Jesus Appears to His Disciples--Alessandro Mantovani: the Vatican, Rome. ... It has been suggested that Ger toshav be merged into this article or section. ... Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people. ... Religious conversion is the adoption of new religious beliefs that differ from the converts previous beliefs; in some cultures (e. ...

In Christianity

Many Christians consider it their obligation to follow what is often termed the Great Commission of Jesus, recorded in the final verses of the Gospel of Matthew: "Go to all the nations and make disciples. Baptize them and teach them my commands." The early Christians were noted for their evangelizing. Christianity is a monotheistic[1] religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament. ... In Christian tradition, the Great Commission is the instruction of the resurrected Jesus Christ to his disciples, that they spread the faith to all the world. ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ... For other uses, see Gospel (disambiguation). ... Matthew the Evangelist (מתי, Gift of the LORD, Standard Hebrew and Tiberian Hebrew: Mattay; Septuagint Greek: Μαθθαιος, Matthaios) is an important Christian figure best known as one of Jesus Twelve Apostles. ...

Some Christians make a distinction between proselytism (illegitimate) and evangelism (legitimate). An Eastern Orthodox writer, Stephen Methodius Hayes has written: "If people talk about the need for evangelism, they meet with the response, 'the Orthodox church does not proselytize' as if evangelizing and proselytism were the same thing." This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The Eastern Orthodox Church is a Christian body that views itself as the historical continuation of the original Christian community established by Jesus and the Twelve Apostles, preserving the traditions of the early church unchanged, accepting the canonicity of the first seven ecumenical councils held between the 4th and the...

Some Eastern Orthodox objections to proselytism are far from consistent. The Moscow Patriarchate has repeatedly strongly condemned what it describes as Catholic "proselytism" and is opposed to a prominent Catholic construction project in an area of Russia where the Catholic community is small. But it is currently seeking to do some similar building projects itself in a predominantly Catholic country, where the first-ever Russian Orthodox church was consecrated in 2003. On 29 June 2005, the Pravoslavie.ru Orthodox website outlined a Moscow meeting between the Patriarchate's head of External Church Relations, Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, and Irish ambassador to Russia Justin Harman. At this meeting, Dublin-based Russian Orthodox priest Fr Georgi Zavershinsky reportedly brought up the question of building a traditional Russian wooden church in the western, predominantly Catholic, Irish city of Galway, which "would adorn the tourist centre of the city and bear vivid witness to Orthodox tradition and culture, both to immigrants from the CIS and to Irish people living on the Atlantic coast." [1] The Eastern Orthodox Church is a Christian body that views itself as the historical continuation of the original Christian community established by Jesus and the Twelve Apostles, preserving the traditions of the early church unchanged, accepting the canonicity of the first seven ecumenical councils held between the 4th and the... Saint Basils Cathedral, a well-known Russian Orthodox church situated in Moscow The Russian Orthodox Church (Русская Православная церковь) is that body of Christians who are united under the Patriarch of Moscow, who in turn is in communion with the other patriarchs and primates of the Eastern Orthodox Church. ... The Russian Orthodox Church (Russian: ), also known as the Orthodox Christian Church of Russia, is that body of Christians who are united under the Patriarch of Moscow, who in turn is in communion with the other patriarchs and primates of the Eastern Orthodox Church. ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... June 29 is the 180th day of the year (181st in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 185 days remaining. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... WGS-84 (GPS) Coordinates: 53. ...

Most self-described Christian groups have organizations devoted to missionary work which in whole or in part includes proselytism of people of other faiths (including sometimes other variants of Christianity) or none. Groups noted for their extensive proselytism include: A missionary is traditionally defined as a propagator of religion who works to convert those outside that community; someone who proselytizes. ...

• Southern Baptist Convention
• Jews for Jesus
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (also known as Mormons)
• Jehovah's Witnesses

See the article on missionary for more information. The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is a United States-based cooperative ministry agency serving Baptist churches around the world. ... Jews for Jesus is a Christian[1] evangelical organization based in San Francisco, California, whose goal is to convince Jews that Jesus is the Messiah and God. ... The temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located in Salt Lake City, Utah is the largest attraction in the citys Temple Square. ... A missionary is traditionally defined as a propagator of religion who works to convert those outside that community; someone who proselytizes. ...

Other religions

Some religions such as Islam (see dawah) sometimes share the Christian belief that converting people is acceptable. Others such as Judaism do not, though they will accept converts (traditionally after discouraging the one who wishes to convert; see Ger tzedek) and may attempt to convince those they consider non-practicing members of their group to become practicing. In ancient times, there have been periods (especially the Hellenistic) in which Jews were more favourable to proselytising than they are today. Some historians believe that one of the major sources of the early Christian movements were communities of pagans who had been attracted to Judaism. However, with the dominance of Christianity and Islam, Jews came to avoid proselytism, since that might incite Christians and Muslims to persecute them. Still others do not accept converts at all (membership is inherited), such as the Druze and Zoroastrians. Islam (Arabic:  ) is a monotheistic religion based upon the teachings of Muhammad, a 7th century Arab religious and political figure. ... This article is about the Muslim concept. ... Judaism is the religion of the Jewish people. ... Ger tzedek (Hebrew: righteous proselyte or proselyte [of] righteousness) or Ger (stranger or proselyte) is a gentile (i. ... Druze star The Druze or Druz (also known as Druse; Arabic: derzÄ« or durzÄ« درزي, pl. ... Zoroastrianism was adapted from an earlier, polytheistic faith by Zarathushtra (Zoroaster) in Persia very roughly around 1000 BC (although, in the absence of written records, some scholars estimates are as late as 600 BC). ...

Hinduism (and to a certain degree, other dharmic religions) are largely pluralistic, drawing their beliefs from a Vedic proclamation which states that "Truth is One, though the sages know it as many". As a result of this acceptance of alternate but valid religious practices, the phenomenon of proselytisation is largely absent in these religions but not unknown. One group that does is the International Society for Krishna Consciousness also known as Hare Krishnas. Hinduism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... map showing the prevalence of Dharmic (yellow) and Abrahamic (purple) religions in each country. ... The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view. ... Veda redirects here. ... Founder of ISKCON: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna movement, was founded in 1966 in New York City by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. ...

Views on proselytism

Legitimate versus illegitimate proselytism

The difference between legitimate proselytism and illegitimate proselytism may not be definable. What one person considers legitimate, another may consider improper or even illegal. Proselytism can include:

• No attempt to convert others unless they specifically ask about one's religion
• Preaching
• Providing physical benefits in hopes that recipients will be open to listening
• Providing physical benefits only to those willing to listen
• Providing physical benefits only to proselytes
• Forcing people to become proselytes

Illustrating the problems that can arise from such subjective viewpoints is this extract from an article by Dr. C. Davis, published in Cleveland State University's Journal of Law and Health: Cleveland State University (abbr. ...

According to the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, Jews for Jesus and Hebrew Christians constitute two of the most dangerous cults, and its members are appropriate candidates for deprogramming. Anti-cult evangelicals ... protest that “aggressiveness and proselytising ... are basic to authentic Christianity,” and that Jews for Jesus and Campus Crusade for Christ are not to be labelled as cults. Furthermore, certain Hassidic groups who physically attacked a meeting of the Hebrew Christian “cult” have themselves been labelled a “cult” and equated with the followers of Reverend Moon, by none other than the President of the Central Conference of American Rabbis.[2] Note differences: Hebrew Christians identify themselves primarily as Christians. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Jews for Jesus is a Christian[1] evangelical organization based in San Francisco, California, whose goal is to convince Jews that Jesus is the Messiah and God. ... Each March, U.S. college students spend Spring Break participating in “Big Break,” a Campus Crusade outreach to Panama City Beach vacationers Campus Crusade for Christ is an interdenominational Christian mission organization, focusing on evangelism and discipleship in over 190 countries around the world. ... The Unification Church is a new religious movement started by Sun Myung Moon in Korea in the 1940s. ...

Propriety of proselytism

Views on the propriety of different types of proselytism, differ radically. Some feel that freedom of speech should have no limits and that virtually anyone, anywhere should have the right to talk about anything they see fit. Others see all sorts of proselytism as a nuisance and an intrusion and would like to see them restricted (either completely or to a limited arena). Thus, Prof. Natan Lerner of Tel Aviv University observes that the issue is one of a clash of rights—the right of a person to express his or her views—versus the right of a person not to be exposed to views that he or she does not wish to hear.

Some don't mind preaching but are concerned if the speech is accompanied by physical benefits (e.g., a soup kitchen that provides food, but only under the condition that the recipients listen to an evangelical discourse) or new converts are given physical benefits not available to those who don't convert. Others are concerned if the preaching is aimed at children without the knowledge and consent of the parents.

Legal standpoint

From a legal standpoint (international and United States), there do appear to be certain criteria in distinguishing licit from illicit proselytism:

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Article 18 states: The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is a United Nations treaty based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, created in 1966 and entered into force on 23 March 1976. ...

1. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This right shall include freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and freedom, either individually or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching.
2. No one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice.
3. Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary to protect public safety, order, health, or morals or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.
4. The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to have respect for the liberty of parents and, when applicable, legal guardians to ensure the religious and moral education of their children in conformity with their own convictions.

In the United States, the first amendment to the Constitution provides that all humans have:

• the right to have religious beliefs (or not) (Freedom of Religion);
• the right to form organizations for the purpose of worship, as well as for promoting their cause (Freedom of Association); and
• the right to speak to others about their convictions, with the purpose of influencing the others. (Freedom of Speech).

By the same token, these very rights exercise a limiting influence on the freedoms of others. For instance, the right to have one's religious beliefs presumably includes the right not to be coerced into changing these beliefs by threats, discrimination, or similar inducements. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen guarantees freedom of religion, as long as religious activities do not infringe on public order in ways detrimental to society. ... Freedom of association is a Constitutional (legal) concept based on the premise that it is the right of free adults to mutually choose their associates for whatever purpose they see fit. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Limits

Limits on proselytism is a combination of what is considered legal (and this varies from country to country) and what is considered moral (and this varies from person to person).

Some countries such as Greece prohibit all proselytism, some such as Morocco prohibit it except for particular religion. Some restrict it in various ways such as prohibiting attempts to convert children or prohibit offering physical benefits to new converts.

Religious groups also draw lines between what they are willing to do or not do to convert people. For instance the Roman Catholic Church in Ad Gentes states that "The Church strictly forbids forcing anyone to embrace the Faith, or alluring or enticing people by worrisome wiles." The World Council of Churches in The Challenge of Proselytism and the Calling to Common Witness (note this document uses proselytism in the negative sense only) The Roman Catholic Church or Catholic Church (see terminology below) is the Christian Church in full communion with the Bishop of Rome, currently Pope Benedict XVI. It traces its origins to the original Christian community founded by Jesus Christ and led by the Twelve Apostles, in particular Saint Peter. ... Ad Gentes is the Second Vatican Councils Decree on the Missionary Activity of the Church. ...

19. Proselytism as described in this document stands in opposition to all ecumenical effort. It includes certain activities which often aim at having people change their church affiliation and which we believe must be avoided, such as the following:

• making unjust or uncharitable references to other churches’ beliefs and practices and even ridiculing them;
• comparing two Christian communities by emphasizing the achievements and ideals of one, and the weaknesses and practical problems of the other;
• employing any kind of physical violence, moral compulsion and psychological pressure e.g. the use of certain advertising techniques in mass media that might bring undue pressure on readers/viewers;
• using political, social and economic power as a means of winning new members for one’s own church;
• extending explicit or implicit offers of education, health care or material inducements or using financial resources with the intent of making converts;
• manipulative attitudes and practices that exploit people’s needs, weaknesses or lack of education especially in situations of distress, and fail to respect their freedom and human dignity.

In Islam, the Qur'an states "Let there be no compulsion in the religion: Surely the Right Path is clearly distinct from the crooked path." (Al-Baqarah, 2:256) which is taken by most Muslims that force should not be used to convert someone to Islam. Islam (Arabic:  ) is a monotheistic religion based upon the teachings of Muhammad, a 7th century Arab religious and political figure. ... The Qurān [1] (Arabic: ‎, literally the recitation; also called The Noble Qurān; also transliterated as Quran, Koran, and Al-Quran) is the central religious text of Islam. ... Surat al-Baqarah (the Cow) is the second, and the longest, sura of the Quran, with 286 ayat. ...

History of proselytism

Since the collapse of the former Soviet Union and the rise of democracy in the Eastern Bloc, the Russian Orthodox Church has enjoyed a revival. However, it takes exception to what it considers illegitimate proselytising by the Roman Catholic Church (even though the Roman Catholic Church had been setup in Russia before the Soviet Bloc severely limited the contacts of Roman Catholics with the outside world), the Salvation Army, Jehovah's Witnesses and other religious movements in what it refers to as its canonical territory. [3] The Russian Orthodox Church (Russian: ), also known as the Orthodox Christian Church of Russia, is that body of Christians who are united under the Patriarch of Moscow, who in turn is in communion with the other patriarchs and primates of the Eastern Orthodox Church. ... The Roman Catholic Church in Russia is part of the worldwide Roman Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope and curia in Rome. ... Shield of The Salvation Army The Salvation Army is a non-military evangelical Christian organization founded in 1865 by one time Methodist minister William Booth. ... Canonical territories are geographical subdivisions that mark the boundaries of the jurisdiction of local orthodox churches on the one hand and the Roman Catholic Church on the other. ...

Greece has a long history of conflict, mostly with Jehovah's Witnesses but also with some Pentecostals over its laws on proselytism. This situation stems from a law passed in the 1930s by the dictator Ioannis Metaxas. A Jehovah's Witness, Minos Kokkinakis, won 3,189,500 drachmas (US $10,600) in damages from the Greek state after being arrested repeatedly for preaching his faith from door to door [4]. In another case, Larissis vs. Greece, a member of the Pentecostal church also won a case in the European Court of Human Rights. The Pentecostal movement within Evangelical Christianity places special emphasis on the direct personal experience of God through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as shown in the Biblical account of the Day of Pentecost. ... The 1930s (years from 1930-1939) were described as an abrupt shift to more radical and conservative lifestyles, as countries were struggling to find a solution to the Great Depression, also known in Europe as the World Depression. ... Ioannis Metaxas (Greek Ιωάννης Μεταξάς, April 12, 1871 – January 29, 1941) was a Greek General and the Prime Minister of Greece from 1936 until his death in 1941. ... Minos Kokkinakis (1909 Sitia, Crete- 28 January 1999 Sitia) was a Greek Jehovahs Witness who campaigned to overturn Greeces ban on proselytism, then an offence under Greek law. ... European Court of Human Rights building in Strasbourg The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), often referred to informally as the Strasbourg Court, was created to systematise the hearing of human rights complaints against States Parties to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, adopted by...

See also

• List of proselytes
• Religious conversion
• Missionary
• Evangelism
• Dawah
• Fate of the unlearned

As Judaism is not an actively proselytizing religion, conversion is a relatively uncommon occurrence. ... Religious conversion is the adoption of new religious beliefs that differ from the converts previous beliefs; in some cultures (e. ... A missionary is traditionally defined as a propagator of religion who works to convert those outside that community; someone who proselytizes. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... This article is about the Muslim concept. ... The term Fate of the Unlearned describes an eschatological question about the ultimate destiny of people who have not been exposed to a particular theology or doctrine and thus have no opportunity to embrace it. ...

References

• C. Davis (1996). "Joining a Cult: Religious Choice or Psychological Aberration?". Cleveland-Marshall Journal of Law and Health 11. 
• Russian Canonical Territory.
• Human Rights Without Frontiers Int.. European Court Final Judgments on Religious Freedom Issues 1964-2001.

External links

• [5] International Religious Liberty Association: "Proselytism, Change of Religion, and International Human Rights" by Natan Lerner.
• Pope Benedict XVI asks always for guarantees that Christian faith can be "proposed" and that it can be "freely chosen": When Civilizations Meet: How Joseph Ratzinger Sees Islam
• For a discussion of some of the legal aspects of defining illicit proselytism, see the article Proselytism, Change of Religion, and International Human Rights, by Natan Lerner, PhD
• Christian Aggression in India
• Missionaries converting Hindus with threats of Naxalite reprisals
• Proselytism and Crypto-Christians in Cyprus
• Tactics used