From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  (Redirected from Proselytisation)
Jump to: navigation, search

Proselytism /ˈprɒsəlɨˌtɪzəm/ is the act of attempting to convert people to another religion or opinion.[1][2] The word proselytize is derived ultimately from the Greek language prefix προσ- (pros-, toward) and the verb ἔρχομαι (érchomai, to come) in the form of προσήλυτος (prosélytos, a new comer).[3] Historically in the Koine Greek Septuagint and New Testament, the word proselyte denoted a gentile who was considering conversion to Judaism. Though the word proselytism originally referred to Early Christianity (and earlier Gentiles such as God-fearers), it now refers to the attempt of any religion or religious individuals to convert people to their beliefs, or any attempt to convert people to a different point of view, religious or not. Proselytism is illegal in some countries.[4]

Bahá'í Faith[edit]









Groups noted for proselytism include:

Indian religions[edit]


Proselytisation is not alien to Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism although they are largely pluralistic.


Buddhism has historically been an actively proselytising faith, which spread mainly through monks and missionaries all over India, South Asia and Indo China.The Emperor Ashoka sent royal missionaries to various Kingdoms of South Asia with the message of the Dhamma of the Buddha even sending his son and daughter as missionaries to Sri Lanka. Even Today Buddhism is a growing religion in the West. The role of the bhantes and bhikkus monks for the spread of the message of Buddha and of the faith of Buddhism is crucial. Buddhism admits converts without any distinction of race, previous religion or gender and any adherent of Buddhism can at least theoretically aspire to reach the highest ecclesiastical offices or even attain the status of Buddha or Bodhisattva.


Hinduism, also known as Sanatan Dharma, is the world's oldest continuously practised religion. Classical Hinduism has no binding conversion/reconversion rituals prescribed and one is free to choose the Hindu religion if he/she wants to, or follow any philosophy or belief one fancies and worship any other god in a manner he/she deems fit.

The Arya Samaj movement of Hinduism aimed at stemming the increased conversions to Christianity in 19th century India. It was originally restricted to the reconversion of those Hindus who had, willingly or unwillingly embraced another religion and were now willing to return to the Hindu Fold.

There is a trend in certain areas of India to stop any apostasy from Hindu faith through social ostracism by fundamentalist Hindu political groups, and the reconverts are usually accepted back. Converts from Hinduism to the other religions are condemned because such conversions to Christianity allegedly include material inducements and opportunities offered by foreign missionaries sponsored by Western Christian nations.[citation needed] Similarly any converts from Hinduism to Islam are claimed by Hindu fundamentalist groups to have converted basically to avail polygamy which, by Muslim Personal Law, is legal in India. However, conversion just for the purpose of polygamy is not permissible by Indian law.Convert and Remarry?

Hare Krishna[edit]







Proselyt protesting in Germany.

In Islam, (see dawah and Islamic missionary activity) inviting people to the religion is a meritorious activity. 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 Muslim scholars that force is not to be used to convert someone to Islam.


Further information: Conversion to Judaism

Unlike in the Hellenistic era (Second Temple Judaism), in the modern era most branches of Judaism do not actively proselytize non-Jews. Instead non-Jews are encouraged to follow Noahide Law, which is said to assure a place in the World to Come. Some groups, however, will encourage nonobservant Jews to be observant, such as Aish HaTorah or Chabad. Many branches of Judaism are open to the conversion of the non-Jewish spouses of already existing mixed marriages to convert to Judaism.[17] Orthodox Judaism in theory, neither encourages or discourages conversion, however their standards for conversion can be very challenging but persistent and sincere requests for conversion are conducted.[18]

Currently the Dor Deah branch of Orthodoxy is the only group known to actively encourage the proselytizing of Gentiles to Judaism.[19] Today there is no official Dor Dai movement, but the term is used for individuals and synagogues within the Yemenite community (mostly in Israel) who share the original movement's perspectives.

Inherited membership[edit]

Some religions, such as the Druze and some Zoroastrians, do not accept converts at all.[citation needed]



Some don't mind preaching but are concerned if the speech is accompanied by material 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 material benefits not available to those who don't convert. Others are concerned if the preaching is aimed at children without the knowledge or consent of the parents.


Many religions, including Christianity and Islam, believe that their religion is the One true faith. Judaism discourages active proselytism and maintains an exclusivist doctrine on adherence while Christianity and Islam both doctrinally advocate active proselytism, while discouraging converts from maintaining multiple adherences or apostasy.

Legal standpoint[edit]

From a legal standpoint (international, as well the European Union, or nationally India, Canada 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,







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

Some countries such as Greece[20] prohibited all proselytism until 1994 when Jehovah's Witnesses were legally recognized as a religion and allowed to preach. Some countries such as Morocco prohibit it except for Islam. Some restrict it in various ways such as prohibiting attempts to convert children or prohibit offering physical benefits to new converts.




See also[edit]

References and sources[edit]

  2. ^ "Define Proselytism". Retrieved 2013-11-25. 
  3. ^ "LSJ: προσήλυτος". LSJ: προσήλυτος. Retrieved 16 November 2011. 
  8. ^ Matthew 28:19-20
  12. ^ "CWNews". CWNews. 2001-09-28. Retrieved 2012-08-06. 
  13. ^ "Daily Mail". London: Daily Mail. 2007-12-14. Retrieved 2012-08-06. 
  14. ^ "Philosophy". International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Retrieved 24 September 2012.  |first1= missing |last1= in Authors list (help)
  15. ^ Sebastian, Rodney; Parmeswaran (April 2008). "Hare Krishnas in Singapore: Agency, State, and Hinduism". Sojourn: Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia 23 (1): 81. 
  17. ^
  19. ^ "Welcome to Dor Deah". Retrieved 2012-08-06. 
  20. ^ "English translation of the Greek constitution - Article 13.2". 

External links[edit]