Why proselytize? There are many answers but one in particular stands out, in my experience, as the most popular reason for converting someone's thinking to our own, especially in religion. We may try to win converts because God says so; or because we truly believe another is damned, and we love them so much, we don't want to see this happen; or because we just need a fourth for golf. Overwhelmingly, though, people seem to proselytize simply because they want affirmation of their own beliefs.

Why do so many seek affirmation? It could be because they subconsciously suspect they're wrong. It could be because they know they cannot defend their beliefs, and they're hoping sheer numbers will do it for them. It's bad enough when atheists do it--they're wrong anyway--but it's just tragic when Christians do it (ref., ref.).

How many would-be believers have been turned off by eager proselytizers bashing them with their unbiblical doctrines? How many have been turned away by the anger of a believer who can't "get through" to the unbeliever? Many believers present a very poor witness for Christ when they react emotionally to dissent, even with other believers. Such weak-minded, immature "believers" (if they may even be called believers at all) are a tragic detriment to the Body of Christ, and they need to grow up already.

If you're not absolutely confident in your faith, keep you mouth shut--don't proselytize. If you can't provide answers to even the basic questions of faith, let alone the tough ones, remain quiet. If you get emotional in disagreement, you're far too immature to be having such conversations. A bad witness does far more damage than good (e.g.). Mind you, shutting up is not to be a permanent state. It should be a short-lived one. You need to grow up in spirit. You need to be learning the Word--diving into it yourself, rather than mindlessly accepting the feces coming out of most preachers' mouths. I also recommend finding a mature mentor to point you in the right, Godly directions--again, avoid most pastors and priests who are trained in self-worship. With effort, you can become an effective witness, confident your faith is based on reason and truth, and avoid inoculating others against the faith.