ARTICLE – The distinction between proselytism and authentic evangelization

October 24, 2024 by Pierre-Alain Giffard News, Recommended Texts

The difference between proselytism and true evangelization is crucial for understanding how to effectively carry out the mission of spreading the Gospel. While proselytism can involve coercion or manipulation, true evangelization flows from genuine love and concern for others’ spiritual well-being. This understanding is deeply rooted in both Sacred Scripture and the Church’s Magisterial teachings.

Biblical Foundation

Jesus’s final command to His disciples, known as the Great Commission, establishes evangelization as a fundamental Christian duty: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19-20). This mandate stems from Christ’s love for humanity and His desire for all to attain salvation: “God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

The Apostle Paul exemplifies this understanding when he writes, “For Christ’s love compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). His missionary journeys were motivated not by a desire to dominate or impose beliefs, but by genuine concern for others’ salvation. He explains, “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:22-23).

Magisterial Teaching

The Second Vatican Council’s declaration “Dignitatis Humanae” emphasizes that authentic evangelization must respect human dignity and religious freedom. It states that the truth “cannot impose itself except by virtue of its own truth, as it makes its entrance into the mind at once quietly and with power” (DH 1).

Pope Francis, in “Evangelii Gaudium,” distinguishes clearly between proselytism and true evangelization: “The Church grows not through proselytism but through attraction” (EG 14). He emphasizes that evangelization springs from a heart that has encountered Christ’s love and desires to share this transformative experience with others.

Characteristics of True Evangelization

Respect for Human Dignity: True evangelization recognizes and honors the inherent dignity of each person as created in God’s image. It respects freedom of conscience and avoids any form of coercion.
Motivated by Love: The primary impetus for evangelization is genuine charity—wanting others to experience the joy and fulfillment found in Christ. As Pope Benedict XVI wrote in “Deus Caritas Est”: “A Christian knows when it is time to speak of God and when it is better to say nothing and to let love alone speak” (DCE 31).
Witness through Life: Authentic evangelization involves not just words but the witness of a life transformed by Christ. The Second Vatican Council teaches that the faithful “must be witnesses of Christ throughout the world” (Lumen Gentium 33).
Dialogue and Accompaniment: Rather than imposing beliefs, true evangelization involves walking with others, listening to their experiences, and sharing faith through respectful dialogue.

Why Sharing the Gospel is an Act of Love

Sharing Ultimate Good: If one possesses knowledge of ultimate truth and the path to eternal happiness, withholding this information would be contrary to love. As Scripture states, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15).
Spiritual Works of Mercy: The Church teaches that instructing the ignorant and counseling the doubtful are spiritual works of mercy. Sharing the Gospel fulfills these acts of charity.
Building Community: Evangelization builds up the Body of Christ and strengthens human relationships through shared faith and values. It creates authentic community rooted in divine love.
Fulfilling Human Purpose: By sharing the Gospel, we help others discover their ultimate purpose and identity as children of God, contributing to their full human flourishing.

Conclusion

The distinction between proselytism and evangelization lies in both motivation and method. While proselytism seeks to impose beliefs through pressure or manipulation, true evangelization flows from an authentic love of neighbour.

The Church’s mission to evangelize, therefore, is not an aggressive campaign of conversion but a loving invitation to encounter Christ. It respects human freedom while offering the greatest gift possible—knowledge of God’s saving love. When understood and practiced properly, evangelization becomes not just a duty but a profound act of charity, sharing the transformative love that Christ first shared with us.

Pierre-Alain Giffard, Director of Pastoral Work

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