Defining and Living Out Evangelization

When many people hear the word “evangelization” either they think of missionaries preaching in foreign lands or Jehovah’s Witnesses going door to door asking, “Do you know Jesus?” Is this really all that evangelization is? Can ordinary people spread the gospel right where they are and if so how? There are many aspects of evangelization.

Before even starting one must be clear on the tone of evangelizing. One must propose instead of impose. When one imposes one puts pressure on a person to accept the message; however this is not effective. The individual may become fearful, irritated, or even defensive. Proposing is another matter entirely. Imagine a man who desires to marry his girlfriend. She is much more likely to reply favorably to “Will you marry me?” rather than “You are going to marry me.” Like the man, the evangelist does not demand but merely asks. Often when an individual is given a choice they are open to listening. Since they are not judged the defenses around their hearts are let down.

In order to convert souls one must love others. Jesus said, “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you love for one another” (Jn 13:34-35). By loving others we not only live out Christ’s command, but we also reveal His love to them. We love others by being kind, patient, and forgiving. In short, we respect them. Take the example of Daru from “The Guest.” Despite the Arab’s great sin, he treated the prisoner like a human being instead of an animal (Camus 166- 176). Love draws people because everyone desires it, and we are not complete without it.

In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the gospel at all times--If necessary, use words.” Serving as a witness to one’s faith is essential because living out one’s beliefs draws people. They become curious which leads them to discover the truth. This topic was once discussed on the talk show entitled Life on the Rock. One of the guests described times when people exclaimed, “What’s the matter with you? You’re so happy.”

Also one’s behavior displays what a Christian truly is. One example of this occurred years ago at the University of Michigan. A few Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist attended a calculus class. The professor was of no particular religion and was surprised to see nuns on a secular campus. At first she was nervous to see nuns in the habit but then observed the positive behavior of the sisters. Even though they never spoke of God in the classroom they converted their professor. She one day called her husband and enthusiastically said, “I have to become a Catholic!” Eventually the woman, her husband, and two children joined the Church.

Another way to witness one’s faith is with objects. Some methods of this are wearing a cross or holy medal, putting a button on one’s backpack, or displaying religious works of art in one’s room or office. How can inanimate objects help evangelize? First of all they can be conversation starters. Strangers may even stop the evangelist and question them about the item. Second, when people see these things they think of God. This is not saying, “Look at me!” but “Look at Him!”

The use of the media also aids in evangelization. Many people complain about how corrupt the media has become but technology in itself is not evil. It can be used for good or bad (Rheingold 192). It is up to us to use the media in a positive way. One can evangelize in the media in many ways: making movies, hosting television shows or radio talk shows, publishing books, or writing articles in a newspaper. Ordinary people, however, can spread the gospel as well. They can call radio talk shows or even send letters to journalists in response to their articles. Also, we live in an age where technology is at our fingertips. We can use blogs, MySpace, YouTube, email, and podcasting to evangelize. As time goes on technology will get even more advanced, so the sky is the limit.

During World Youth Day 2005, Pope Benedict XVI exclaimed, “Anyone who has discovered Christ must lead others to him. A great joy cannot be kept to oneself. It has to be passed on.” As Christians we must heed the call to spread the faith. There are many aspects of evangelization.