-So What is the Difference Between Evangelizing and Proselytizing?

In a recent statement by DoD Spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen the Pentagon supposedly ‘clarified’ their earlier statement about restricting religious discussion in the military:

“Service members can share their faith (evangelize), but not force unwanted, intrusive attempts to convert others of any faith or no faith to one’s beliefs (proselytization).”

So ‘evangelizing’ is OK but ‘proselytizing’ is out. Sounds good but exactly what is the difference between the two?

When Christians share their faith and testimonies with others we call that ‘evangelizing’ but when Mormons or Jehovah Witnesses come to our door doing the same thing we refer to that as ‘proselytizing.’ So what is the real difference? As far as I can tell it really is the same thing except when others are doing it to us then we use the negative “P” word?

From Merriam-Webster:

Definition of EVANGELIZE

transitive verb

1: to preach the gospel to

2: to convert to Christianity

intransitive verb

: to preach the gospel

Also from Merriam-Webster:

Definition of PROSELYTIZE

intransitive verb

1: to induce someone to convert to one’s faith

2: 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

So what is the real difference? When Christians ‘proselytize’ –that is try to convert others to their faith -it is called ‘evangelism.’ That is why this new ‘clarification’ by the DoD is entirely inadequate because one man’s ‘evangelism’ is another’s ‘proselytizing.’ It is a matter of perspective and arbitrary to say the least.

Therefore, Christians in the military discussing and sharing their faith are still possibly in danger depending on how it is received and perceived. The real and actual line needs to be drawn at coercion. When coercion is involved it violates the teachings of Biblical Christianity and should not be acceptable in the military or in the church.

Here are links to our earlier posts on this issue:

-UPDATE: Pentagon ‘Clarifies’ Proselytizing Court Martial Statement

-Pentagon: Talk About Jesus and Face a Court Martial?               *Top