Proselytism: The History and Practice of Religious Conversion
Proselytism is the policy or practice of attempting to convert individuals to a different religious belief. The act of carrying out these attempts is known as proselytization. While the term is often used interchangeably with religious outreach, its connotations vary widely depending on the cultural and theological context.
In some circles, a distinction is made between evangelism—often viewed as a voluntary sharing of faith—and proselytism, which some define as conversion achieved through coercion or involuntary means. Because of these differing interpretations, proselytism is viewed as a fundamental expression of faith in some regions and is strictly illegal in others.
Key Facts
- Etymology: Derived from the Greek prosélytos, meaning "newcomer."
- Legal Status: Protected under Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, though restricted in some countries.
- Missionary vs. Non-Missionary: Religions are often categorized by whether they actively seek new converts.
- Ethical Boundaries: The World Council of Churches condemns proselytism that uses bribery, coercion, or exploits human vulnerability.
The Origins and Evolution of the Term
The English word proselytize comes from the Greek prefix pros- ("toward") and the verb érchomai ("I come"). Historically, in the New Testament and the Koine Greek Septuagint, a proselyte specifically referred to a Gentile considering conversion to Judaism.
Over time, the meaning expanded. While it originally focused on Judaism, it now describes any attempt by a religious individual or organization to convert others to their specific belief system. Modern scholars and religious leaders, such as Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli, note that the term's usage has shifted significantly across different eras.
Rights, Limits, and Ethics
The right to change one's religion and manifest that faith is a recognized human right under Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Consequently, many argue that legal limitations on proselytism are authoritarian and infringe upon freedom of speech and religion.
However, ethical boundaries exist. The World Council of Churches defines pejorative proselytism as conversion through "unjust means that violate the conscience of the human person." This includes the use of political, social, or economic power to win members, as well as ridiculing other faiths or exploiting people in distress.
Missionary and Non-Missionary Religions
In 1873, Max Müller proposed a classification dividing world religions into two primary groups based on their approach to growth:
| Category | Core Approach | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Missionary | Actively seek new followers | Christianity, Islam, Nichiren Buddhism |
| Non-Missionary | Do not actively seek converts | Judaism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Taoism, Confucianism |
The Baháʼí Faith
In the Baháʼí Faith, teaching the religion is seen as a path toward global peace and justice. Some adherents become pioneers, moving to areas with few Baháʼís to help spread the faith, while others engage in travel teaching. Despite these efforts, only a small minority are directly teaching the religion. Nevertheless, as of 2010, the faith grew at least twice as fast as the population of nearly every UN region over the preceding century.
Christianity
Most Christian groups maintain organizations for missionary work. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Jehovah's Witnesses are particularly noted for their doctrinal emphasis on proselytizing.
Tensions sometimes arise between denominations. For example, the Moscow Patriarchate has condemned Catholic proselytism toward Orthodox Christians in Russia. In response, the Catholic Church maintains it supports existing communities rather than proselytizing, citing the 1993 Balamand declaration and the document Ad gentes, which forbids forcing faith or using "worrisome wiles" to entice converts.
Indian Religions
The approach to conversion in Indian religions is diverse:
- Buddhism: While most forms are non-missionary, adherents of Nichiren Buddhism practice shakubuku to proselytize.
- Hinduism: Historically, conversion between internal traditions (like Vaishnavism and Shaivism) was common to better understand the Brahman (the ultimate reality). While some modern movements like the Arya Samaj launched the Shuddhi movement to reconvert people to Hinduism, others maintain that proselytism is anathema to Hindu precepts.
- Jainism: Based on the philosophy of Anekantavada (relativism and subjectivism), proselytization is largely absent, though converts are welcome.
- Sikhism: Proselytism via force or inducement is discouraged, as the faith emphasizes the fundamental right to practice religion freely.
Islam and Judaism
In Islam, inviting others to the faith is considered meritorious, provided it is done with wisdom and "beautiful preaching." The Quran (Al-Baqara 256) explicitly states there is "no compulsion in the religion." However, some interpretations of Sharia law forbid non-Muslims from proselytizing to Muslims.
Most Jewish organizations do not proselytize. An exception is Chabad, which conducts outreach specifically to halachic Jews (those defined as Jewish by Jewish law) who are not observant.
Inherited Membership and Restricted Groups
Some religious groups do not accept converts at all, relying entirely on inherited membership. Examples include the Druze, Yazidis, and Yarsans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between evangelism and proselytism?
While often used as synonyms, some distinguish the two by intent: evangelism is typically viewed as the voluntary sharing of the gospel, whereas proselytism can be perceived as coercive or involuntary.
Is proselytism legal worldwide?
No. While the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights protects the right to change and manifest religion, some countries have laws that make proselytism illegal.
Which religions are considered "missionary"?
The three primary missionary religions are Christianity, Islam, and Nichiren Buddhism, as they actively seek to gain new converts.
What is shakubuku?
Shakubuku is the specific process of proselytizing practiced by some adherents of Nichiren Buddhism.
Do all faiths allow conversion?
No. Certain groups, such as the Druze, Yazidis, and Yarsans, do not accept converts and maintain membership through birth.