In modern English the word â??proselyteâ? means a convert, as a verb it means one who seeks conversion. It derives from a Greek word that means to approach, in the religious context one who approaches a faith other than his own. In New Testament times it commonly referred to Gentiles who converted to Judaismâ??a widespread phenomenon especially in the urban centers of the late Roman Empire, which were promising targets for Christian missionaries (just look at the itinerary of the Apostle Paul). The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, was intended to be used by these Gentile converts.
In contemporary America conversion is not a big issue. It is sometimes an irritating annoyance, as when Mormons or Jehovahâ??s Witnesses ring your doorbell to engage you in religious conversation or at least to have you accept their literature. Sometimes it becomes more than an irritation. Evangelicals are the major Christian group that lustily continues to approach outsiders with intent to convert. And especially Jews, with their historic memory of forced conversions in the past, are outraged when the conversion of Jews to Christianity is openly declared a major project, as was done a few years ago by the Southern Baptist Convention.
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