Hellenization vs. Conversion: Which is it?

When discussing religion, people often talk about conversion. "I converted to (insert name of religion here)." This term, at least in the Western world, has most often been associated with the Christian tradition as well as others. But does this term apply to Hellenic religion? I would argue that the answer is no. Here's why:

Let's begin by looking at the term conversion itself. A quick online search on the website Freedictionary.com yields this definition:

Conversion:

1.a. The act of converting. b. The state of being converted.

2. A change in which one adopts a new religion, faith, or belief.

The term implies a simple change of belief or faith. But is this what really happens when someone discovers Hellenic religion? Do they simply convert to a new set of beliefs or is there something more that happens?

On the surface, this change does occur. People see that the individual has simply gone from religion A to religion B. This person might talk about different deities and myths than they once did, if they did that at all. I would argue however, that what actually happens, based on my experience, is a process akin to receiving a secular education rather than simply receiving a purely religious one. Hellenic religion requires, by its nature, inquiries into science, philosophy, linguistics, history, and politics, aside from theology and mythology. Again, this process is more akin to a secular University education than it is to religion.

So, if its not simply 'conversion', then what term should be used to accurately describe what happens?

I suggest using the term Hellenization. This is actually a term that was used in ancient times to describe the same process I explained above. To become "Hellenized" meant that you would come to understand, not just believe, the universe from a Greek perspective. The ancient Greek worldview was predicated on understanding the natural world as well as honoring the more mysterious aspects of the universe aka the Gods. It meant that the individual was granted, by natural right, freedom of thought, speech, movement, and opinion. Asking tough questions and applying Reason to obtain answers was an inherent quality of the tradition. In essence, the individual did not simply change their beliefs, the individual was educated about the universe.

As modern Hellenists, we are not called to do missionary work of any kind. In fact, going out to people and preaching to them about our methods, beliefs, or views without their consent would be a gross violation of our own values which are based on personal freedom and choice. Our tradition is not interested, shouldn't be anyway, in the number of people we "save" or bring to our Gods. I believe that our Gods prefer free thinking men and women who come to Them on their own accord by way of Reason and Experience, rather than just on Faith alone.

Slavery is not welcome here.