proselytism etymology

Etymology:

  • From Greek "proselutes" ("newcomer, convert")
  • Latin "proselytus"
  • Old French "proselite"

Meaning:

Proselytism refers to the active spreading of one's religious beliefs or doctrines with the aim of converting others to that faith. It involves engaging in efforts to persuade and convince people to adopt a particular religious viewpoint.

Origin:

Proselytism has ancient origins, dating back to the period of religious proselytizing in the Hellenistic world, most notably by the Jewish people. During this time, Jews actively sought converts from other ethnicities and cultures. The term "proselyte" was first used in the Greek translation (Septuagint) of the Hebrew Bible to refer to non-Jewish converts to Judaism.

In later periods, proselytism became a characteristic of various religious movements, including early Christianity, Islam, and certain Buddhist sects. Religious leaders and missionaries often engaged in proselytizing activities, traveling to different regions and engaging in debates and public conversions to spread their beliefs.

Proselytism has been both a controversial and transformative force throughout history, leading to the conversion of millions of people to different religions. While it can be seen as an attempt to persuade others to adopt a particular worldview, it has also contributed to the spread of religious ideas, the diversification of religious practices, and the formation of new religious communities.

proselytism relate terms

  • proselyte

    Etymology Greek προσήλυτος prosḗlytos meaning one who has come over or

  • liberal

    Etymology The term liberal originates from the Latin word liberalis which means per

  • persuasion

    Etymology Latin persuadere to persuade convince induce Proto Indo European per

  • suasion

    Etymology Middle English suesioun Anglo Norman French suasion Latin suasio persuas

  • conversion

    Etymology Latin conversio Proto Indo European kʷert to turn twist Meaning

  • pamphlet

    Etymology The word pamphlet comes from the Latin word pamphilus which was the name o

  • accommodate

    Etymology Latin accommodare meaning to adjust adapt conform Root commodus m

  • constellation

    Etymology The word constellation is derived from the Latin word constellatio which

  • patience

    Etymology The word patience originates from the Latin word patientia which means su

  • salon

    Etymology The word salon derives from the Old French word salon which in turn comes

  • idea

    Etymology The word idea is derived from the Greek word idein ἰδεῖν meaning

  • nature

    Etymology The word nature ultimately derives from the Latin word natura which means