Is proselytizing morally justifiable? This paper presents a defense of Christian evangelism, arguing against Margaret Battin's critique in *Ethics in the Sanctuary*, which questions the morality of traditional evangelism due to potential unwarranted paternalism. The author asserts that Christian evangelism is justified to make the this-worldly benefits of religious belief accessible to all. It also aims to increase religious affiliation to foster a more supportive social environment for Christians and to ensure the survival of the institutional Church, which benefits both Christians and non-Christians by preserving church property, providing access to buildings, and conducting visible public liturgy. This perspective provides a nuanced counterpoint to ethical concerns surrounding religious conversion, promoting a discussion on the role and impact of evangelism in contemporary society.
This philosophical defense of proselytizing, published in Religious Studies, contributes to the journal's exploration of religions, ethics, and philosophy. By engaging with ethical arguments surrounding evangelism, the paper aligns with the journal's scope and scholarly tone. The analysis of the benefits of religious belief expands the journal's coverage.