Proselytizing

Revision as of 14:07, 10 December 2008

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Proselytism

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proselytize

Proselytizing is the practice of attempting to persuade someone to join a group or adopt a belief. It is used primarily to refer to evangelism, but "deconversion" attempts and nonreligious persuasion (to a political party, say) also fit the definition.

Prominent proselytes

Most Christian groups do missionary work, which generally includes proselytism. Groups particularly noted for proselytizing include:

• Jehovah's Witnesses
• The Roman Catholic Church
• Mormons
• Born-again Christians
• Jews for Jesus
• Southern Baptist Convention
• The Church of Scientology (through "personality tests")

Legality

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees both freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Proselytism is legal under both of these provisions, but only to the extent that the potential convert's rights are not infringed upon.