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Evangelism: meaning, definitions and examples

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evangelism

 

[ɪˈvændʒəˌlɪzəm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

spread religion

Evangelism is the practice of spreading the Christian gospel by public preaching or personal witness. It is the act of sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others in hopes of converting them to Christianity.

Synonyms

missionary work, outreach, proselytizing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
evangelism

Use 'evangelism' for discussions revolving around the spreading of religious faith, particularly in a Christian context, through preaching or personal witness.

  • The church holds weekly evangelism events in the community park.
  • She is passionate about evangelism and shares her faith at every opportunity.
missionary work

Employ 'missionary work' when referring to religious activities that involve traveling to different places, often abroad, to spread a religious message and sometimes involve community service.

  • He dedicated his life to missionary work in remote villages in Africa.
  • The organization funds missionary work to help build schools and hospitals.
proselytizing

'Proselytizing' often has a negative connotation and is used when someone actively tries to convert others to their religion, sometimes in a pushy or unwelcome manner.

  • His proselytizing at the office made many of his coworkers uncomfortable.
  • They were accused of proselytizing at the event, which was supposed to be non-religious.
outreach

'Outreach' is best used in general contexts of extending help or services, including but not limited to religious activities. It can be secular or religious in nature.

  • The local charity runs an outreach program to help the homeless.
  • The church's outreach efforts include food drives and free medical clinics.

Examples of usage

  • His passion for evangelism led him to travel to different countries to share the word of God.
  • She dedicated her life to evangelism, going door to door to talk about her faith.
  • The church organized an evangelism campaign to reach out to the community.
  • The evangelism efforts resulted in many people joining the church.
  • Evangelism plays a crucial role in the mission of many Christian organizations.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word traces back to the Greek term 'euangelion', meaning 'good news' or 'gospel'.
  • Early Christians used this term to describe their mission of spreading the teachings of Jesus.
  • The concept of evangelism became more organized in the 18th century with movements like the Great Awakening.

Cultural Impact

  • Evangelical movements significantly influenced American culture, shaping music, literature, and politics.
  • The rise of megachurches in the late 20th century transformed how evangelism is practiced and perceived.
  • In many countries, evangelistic efforts result in widespread community services and charity work.

Psychology

  • Studies show that individuals engaged in evangelism often experience a heightened sense of purpose and belonging.
  • The act of sharing beliefs can create strong community bonds among individuals who share similar values.
  • Psychological factors such as cognitive dissonance can influence how people approach evangelism.

Modern Trends

  • Digital evangelism emerged with the internet, enabling the sharing of beliefs through social media and online platforms.
  • Contemporary evangelism often merges with social justice efforts, advocating for issues like poverty and equality.
  • In some regions, a focus on relational evangelism emphasizes building personal connections over traditional preaching.

Literature

  • Many classic works of literature explore themes of evangelism, often highlighting its impact on society.
  • Notable authors like C.S. Lewis and John Bunyan have incorporated evangelistic themes into their writings.
  • Evangelical literature often aims to educate and inspire readers about faith and its applications in daily life.

Translations

Translations of the word "evangelism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 evangelismo

🇮🇳 सुसमाचार प्रचार

🇩🇪 Evangelisation

🇮🇩 penginjilan

🇺🇦 євангелізація

🇵🇱 ewangelizacja

🇯🇵 福音伝道 (ふくいんでんどう)

🇫🇷 évangélisation

🇪🇸 evangelización

🇹🇷 evangelizm

🇰🇷 복음 전도 (bog-eum jeondo)

🇸🇦 التبشير

🇨🇿 evangelizace

🇸🇰 evanjelizácia

🇨🇳 传福音 (chuán fú yīn)

🇸🇮 evangelizacija

🇮🇸 boðun

🇰🇿 Інжил тарату

🇬🇪 ევანგელიზაცია (evangelizatsia)

🇦🇿 evangelizm

🇲🇽 evangelización

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,870, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.