Cryptoproselyte

/ˌkrɪptoʊˈprɒsəlaɪt/ noun

Definition

A person who converts to a religion or belief system in secret while publicly maintaining their former faith or beliefs.

Etymology

From 'crypto-' (hidden) and 'proselyte' (convert), combining to describe people who converted to new religions, particularly Judaism or Christianity, while hiding their conversion from authorities or their community.

Kelly Says

During religious persecution in history, some people secretly converted but couldn't tell anyone—cryptoproselytes had a double life, worshipping privately while appearing loyal to their old religion publicly.

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