[Mr. Silverback]

The notable exceptions are Christianity and Islam, both of which make conversion a major part of their religious practices.

1. Conversion by love and conversion by the sword are very different things.

2. You are ignoring or unaware of the evangelical aspect of many Eastern religions, especially their more recent offshoots. I can't tell you how many times a Buddhist friend of mine has tried to convince me that Buddhist practice is consistent with my faith. Sure, he's doing that because he thinks I'll be happier, but how is that any different from me wanting someone to become a Christian because i think they'll be happier and Jesus told me to?

[AnotherUnixGeek]

I can't tell you how many times a Buddhist friend of mine has tried to convince me that Buddhist practice is consistent with my faith. Sure, he's doing that because he thinks I'll be happier, but how is that any different from me wanting someone to become a Christian because i think they'll be happier and Jesus told me to?

The difference is that the Buddha didn't tell your friend to proselytize, whereas Jesus did ask you to and a Muslim will say his prophet told him to.