What is the difference between evangelizing and proselytizing

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Asked 7 years ago. Active 7 years ago. Viewed 2k times. Improve this question. The proselytizing attitude, in its negative sense, believes only in its efforts, only seeks to convince, without leaving room for God, even pushing us away from Him.

How could anyone believe in the word of a Christian who is irritated by the small number of people he has managed to reach?

One winter evening, St. Francis de Sales went to preach in a parish in Chablais south of Lake Geneva. In the congregation sat only one, somewhat older, person. Francis gave his sermon as if a whole crowd were there: he liked to say that one soul was a field vast enough to sow the word of God! It is so true that the success of an apostle cannot be measured by the number of people evangelized. We fear that if our neighbors don't convert, there's something wrong with the Gospel or with ourselves.

Proselytization isn't inspired by the Holy Spirit, whose fruits are "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" Gal Proselytization arises from the works of the flesh, whose bad fruits include "hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions, occasions of envy" Gal The Holy Father is calling Christians, then, to leave behind the works of the flesh, to not attempt to force anyone else to believe as we believe, but rather to become transparent to Jesus Christ in the holiness of our lives and the truth we profess.

We are to become light to the nations, salt of the earth, a people set apart, a city on a hill. We are to draw people to us with the power of the Holy Spirit, not any sort of earthly power or force.

We are to prepare ourselves to the best of our abilities to be good and faithful witnesses to one who is infinitely better than we are, allowing grace to build on prepared nature. Consider the examples offered by the saints, such as St.

Faustina - could her writings in the Diary have so powerfully communicated the love and mercy of God to the nations if she herself had not cooperated so fully with God's grace? Could Mother Teresa of Calcutta have been such a powerful Christian witness in the 20th century if she hadn't been deeply, radically converted herself?

Could St. John Paul II or St. So let us ask the saints and angels for their intercession, that we may take up the mantle of evangelization in the present day and be a light to the nations in a dark time. Let us trust in Jesus and the Holy Spirit to evangelize through us, if only we say yes to God, if only we act from love of God and neighbor.

Ever see Mormons riding bicycles down the street, and felt guilty? Have you ever been to church on Sunday morning where the Gospel seemed to have been replaced with the admonition to evangelize? Then yes, you have been the victim of proselytizing, and victims victimize. Proselytes proselytize. The word evangelism comes from the same word that is translated "Gospel" There is only one Gospel, and should anyone come preaching any other gospel, even if they are an angel from heaven, let him be anathema!

This is what Paul tells the Galatians. This Gospel is the forgiveness of sins. It is the declaration that you are not guilty, justified and made innocent by the blood of Christ and nothing else. It is the good news that Jesus Christ died for sinners, and you qualify. It is a joyous message, and the joy is contagious. These are things that result from the Gospel, from hearing that your sins are forgiven.

It is through the Gospel and the forgiveness of sins that the Holy Spirit purifies your heart with fire, and cleans your conscience with the blood of Christ. Evangelism is for believers, evangelism is for you, and when the Holy Spirit has had His way with you, well then He will also work through you when and where He pleases.

This is why evangelism starts at church, on Sunday morning with a sermon focused on the Gospel.