What do Non-believers Think about Proselytizing?
Walter Bennett
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Proselytize in the following ways:
intransitive verb
- : to induce someone to convert to one’s faith
- : to recruit someone to join one’s party, institution, or cause
transitive verb
: to recruit or convert especially to a new faith, institution, or cause
My experience is that the actual interpretation varies from one person to another and even between one cause or another. This is particularly the case in a divisive culture such as the one we find ourselves in. Proselyting in any way shape or form is seen by non-Christians, more often than not, as a negative personal attack. Today, it is difficult to even carry on a light discussion on different causes or beliefs without one party or the other claiming that they feel attacked. In the case of Christianity, there is some history (and current practice) that lends some credibility to this feeling of being attacked. Unfortunately, it is the exception to the rule, but is done so passionately that it stands out against all those who quietly and gently share their faith. It is these exceptions that have shaped the general public’s disdain of Christian “evangelism.”
I personally do not believe that there is any example of rabid proselytizing in the New Testament. Certainly by Jesus. We have not been called by Jesus to go to holy war on unbelievers – wearing them down to submission. Rather, we have been called to love them as creations of God.
Read the room. If we are to be effective servants of God we must follow the example set for us by Jesus. We need to avoid anything that may appear to someone to be proselytizing in a negative way. Instead, we need to get to know people where they are. Share life with them as we go, moving more deeply into relationships. As we become more and more like Jesus, He will shine through us in our words, thoughts, and actions. Our friends will see and experience a difference in us and our relationship with them from anything they have with their non-Christian friends. In this way, we will not be or be seen as proselytizing. Following this example of Jesus, we will be revealing Him to them until the Holy Spirit lets us know it is time for them to make a choice.