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I know what the word means. But frequently, especially in my discussions with atheists and members of other religions, the word does not always get used according to the dictionary definition. It's good to make sure we all agree on what we're talking about.
It's interesting to note that your definition and Woodrow's do not match the dictionary definition.
From various online dictionaries:
Quote:
pros·e·lyt·ize
ˈpräsələˌtīz/
verb
verb: proselytize; 3rd person present: proselytizes; past tense: proselytized; past participle: proselytized; gerund or present participle: proselytizing; verb: proselytise; 3rd person present: proselytises; past tense: proselytised; past participle: proselytised; gerund or present participle: proselytising
convert or attempt to convert (someone) from one religion, belief, or opinion to another.
"the program did have a tremendous evangelical effect, proselytizing many"
synonyms: evangelize, convert, save, redeem, win over, preach (to), recruit, act as a missionary
"I'm not here to proselytize"
advocate or promote (a belief or course of action).
"Davis wanted to share his concept and proselytize his ideas"
synonyms: promote, advocate, champion, advance, further, spread, proclaim, peddle, preach, endorse, urge, recommend, boost
"he wanted to proselytize his ideas"
Quote:
pros·e·ly·tize
verb \ˈprä-s(ə-)lə-ˌtīz\
: to try to persuade people to join a religion, cause, or group
pros·e·ly·tizedpros·e·ly·tiz·ing
Full 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
I know what the word means. But frequently, especially in my discussions with atheists and members of other religions, the word does not always get used according to the dictionary definition. It's good to make sure we all agree on what we're talking about.
It's interesting to note that your definition and Woodrow's do not match the dictionary definition.
Maybe you didn't read my post. I copied the definition from the dictionary.
Maybe you don't understand. I'll try to help. Atheists, by definition, don't have any religious faith.
Sure you do. You actively believe there is no God. That's why you go to religious message boards and tell us all about your faith, prosletyzing and hoping we can understand your views.
Maybe you don't understand. I'll try to help. Atheists, by definition, don't have any religious faith.
I was referring to this little ditty:
Quote:
Originally Posted by mensaguy
I think a more contemporary understanding of the word is to go out into the public and attempt to offer religion to other people without an invitation to do so. I've never heard of it being done except by Christians.
Sure you do. You actively believe there is no God. That's why you go to religious message boards and tell us all about your faith, prosletyzing and hoping we can understand your views.
I don't. I'd have to ask an atheist if they feel like they are ACTIVELY believing there is no God, or if it is just a passing thought from time to time. I post here because it entertains me, particularly as I observe how much stupidity I see. I wouldn't know how to proselytize if I tried. My own personal beliefs stay inside my mind.
Originally Posted by mensaguy I think a more contemporary understanding of the word is to go out into the public and attempt to offer religion to other people without an invitation to do so. I've never heard of it being done except by Christians.
How could you have interpreted that to be a definition when I said it was a more contemporary understanding?
I've been accosted by atheists many times who want to tell me I'm wrong....whether or not I ask them to share their faith with me.
You've been accosted. Many times. Uh, huh. Just where is this happening? Are the atheists coming out of the bushes when you're on your way to Starbucks?
advocate or promote (a belief or course of action).
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