Protestantize is a verb that refers to the act of making something or someone conform to the principles, beliefs, or practices of Protestantism, a branch of Christianity that originated during the Reformation in the 16th century. The term "Protestantize" combines "Protestant," which denotes a member or follower of Protestantism, with the suffix "-ize," indicating a process of making or becoming something.
To Protestantize can encompass various ways of promoting Protestant customs, traditions, or doctrines, especially in the context of converting individuals or communities to Protestantism. This can involve advocating for Protestant teachings, encouraging the adoption of Protestant rituals or religious practices, or disseminating Protestant literature and resources. It can also encompass the influence of Protestant ideals in secular or non-religious domains, such as politics, education, or cultural norms.
The term may be used figuratively to describe processes that resemble the spread or adaptation of Protestantism, even outside of the religious context. For instance, one might speak of the "Protestantization" of a political movement, meaning its transformation to resemble the principles and values typically associated with Protestantism, such as individualism, political and religious freedom, or a focus on Scripture.
Overall, "Protestantize" describes the act of infusing Protestant beliefs, practices, or principles into a person, community, institution, or broader societal context, often with the intent of propagating or conforming to the tenets of Protestantism.
