nawracenie

Nawracenie is the act or process of inducing someone to adopt a different religious belief, most commonly referring to Christian evangelistic outreach. The term derives from the verb nawracać, which means to turn someone back or toward a different path, and the noun form nawracanie emphasizes the ongoing effort rather than a single moment of change. In everyday Polish usage, nawracanie often describes activities aimed at converting others to a faith, typically within Catholic and Protestant contexts, though it can appear in other religious settings as well.

In religious practice, nawracanie can encompass a range of activities, including preaching, personal testimony, catechesis, and invitation to participate in religious rites such as baptism or confirmation. It is often carried out by clergy, lay evangelists, or mission-oriented organizations, and may occur through organized campaigns, revival meetings, door-to-door outreach, or casual conversation. The approach and emphasis vary by tradition: some communities stress personal experience and invitation, while others emphasize doctrinal instruction and sacramental initiation.

Historical and contemporary perspectives on nawracanie differ. It has played a central role in the spread of Christianity and in local religious life, particularly in countries with strong missionary traditions. Critics of nawracanie emphasize concerns about freedom of religion, coercion, or cultural imposition, advocating for respectful, voluntary belief choices and adherence to human rights standards.

See also: nawócenie, nawrócenie, evangelizacja, proselytism.