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How is proselytizing a bad thing?

Carmen Fowler

1/15/2010 12:06:15 PM

Conservative news commentator and journalist Brit Hume has been accused of proselytizing.  

 

What is proselytizing?

 

Why is it considered “bad” from a post-modern worldview?

 

Here’s the scenario:

 

I have something you don’t have. That which I have is a great blessing to my life.  If I continued to be compelled by a worldly me-centered selfishness, I would not be compelled to share what I have with you. However, that which I have has actually changed the way I think and the way I live. I am no longer consumed with me-centered thoughts nor an obsessive desire for “more.” I am now compelled by love to share what I have with you, who lacks such blessing. I do not force the gift upon you, but offer it freely, just as it was freely offered to me.

 

Please explain to me, how is this a bad thing?

 

Think of it this way:

 

You and I are in the same boat. Our boat is sinking, fast. We have no means of saving ourselves. Death is certain. Help has arrived from the outside. A savior! I can see him. I have a hold of the lifeboat. There is room for you. My self-preserving, self-promoting, self-centered instinct is to take the out that is offered to me and leave you behind. But being saved compels me to want to share the good news of the offer of salvation with you. I cannot make you want to be saved. I cannot force you to take the life that is offered freely out of grace. You may certainly choose to reject the offer, but I am irresistibly compelled to offer it to you.

 

How is this a bad thing?

 

“Proselytizing” is defined as the process of seeking to recruit or convert someone to your faith, party or cause. If we believe something deeply, we are likely proselytizing all the time. People who are “advocates” of anything are technically proselytizing. The entire point of the advocacy committees of our denomination, the Washington and U.N. offices, and every advocacy group you can think of are working to proselytize people. The problem is that we have come to think of proselytizing as a pejorative term. The truth is it is fairly synonymous with evangelism.

As fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ we are commissioned to make other disciples. That’s proselytizing. We are commanded to share the good news of God’s grace available through Jesus Christ with others. That’s proselytizing.

 

Are there more and less winsome ways to go about it? Certainly. But the reality is that we cannot escape the calling to which we have been called. The good news demands to be told. It is, in fact, like a fire burning within those who believe. We cannot keep it to ourselves! Not because we think of ourselves more highly than those who do not yet know, but because God has given us His love for them – a love that desires that they know and receive His grace in Jesus Christ that they might live!

 

Tell me again: How is that a bad thing?

 

RELATED POSTS: Brit Hume and the public nature of our faith; Christianity and Buddhism; Truly converted?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Comments  4

  • Bill Lafferty 15 Jan, 02:20 PM

    Don't you already know- the only one the media wants to proselytize is Obama. God bless you again for the work you do. Bill Lafferty

  • Jim Yearsley 16 Jan, 10:57 AM

    Great reflection Carmen, and may God continue to bless your ministry and witness.

    I sat and cheered for Mr. Hume as he made his case - and at the time (as well as now) thought it a pretty winsome statement.

    I wish our clergy and congregations were as clear and courageous in their evangelism.

  • Rev. Dr. Carmelo Mercado 20 Jan, 08:59 AM

    The subtle difference between proselytizing and evangelism in the Christian faith is that the former tries to convince, say, active Christians of other denominations that their core beliefs are wrong or inadequate, while the latter tries to persuade unbelieving or "de-churched" people of their need to know the living Savior. Such evangelization is acceptable in our postmodern age. However, proselytizing has the negative connotation of squandering precious time and resources in trying to "convert" believers, albeit of a different tradition.

    Proselytism occurs, for example, when a Mormon, Jehovah Witness, or even a Presbyterian tries to "convert" an active Christian of the Baptist or Catholic tradition to his/her sect or denomination.

    Evangelistic efforts are appropriate and needed when persons are inactive, nominal, or "cultural" Christians, regardless of their denominational background. These people need to hear afresh the Good News of Jesus Christ.

    A major controversy occurs, however, with the notion of what to do with believers of a different religion altogether, especially with Judaism. With our long history of anti-Semitism and our share spiritual heritage, should Christians "evangelize" the Jewish people of God?

    What about Muslims or Buddhists? For many Christians, sharing the Good News with people of different religions is an appropriate evangelistic response, as long as it is done in a respectful manner.

  • sal 30 May, 07:31 PM

    mathew 24:14
    And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come
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