Evangelizing Vs. Proseletizing

[gelibeme]

A friend posed this question to me, and I would like to give him a good answer. Anything you could help me with is great.

"Whats the difference between evangelisizing and prosletizing?"

[Pontifex]

This is a good question.

By definition Evangeliziation is the preaching of the Gospel, which is always accompanied by one's own experience with the Risen Jesus. This is done in the hopes that people will convert or be drawn to the truth of Catholicism.

Proselytizing, is similar except this word has the connotation of force. To induce someone into conversion as opposed to sharing one's faith in freedom.

The first is a fountain that wells up in the person whose love for Jesus and the Church cannot be kept silent and out of love for others shares it. The second is motivated by all other reasons except the one mentioned above.

Blessings.

Pontifex