I had an interesting visit this morning. As I was reading the paper in my underwear, I heard a soft knock on the door. I pulled on some clothes and answered the door, finding two elderly ladies. They said that they were visiting their neighbors. Confused, I greeted them. The one closest to me then opened the Bible she had in her hands to Hebrews 3:4, “For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God” (according to the NRSV) and then touched the door frame and said “You know that this house is here and that someone built it, likewise, don’t you think that the Universe must have been created by someone, that it was intelligently designed by a Creator?” I was a bit stunned, to say the least, and considered my options. I could have simply said no, but I did not want to seem rude or open up any argument that I could not surmount against two old ladies. However, I didn’t want to just say yes, that seemed like it would invite more Bible thumping.
In retrospect, I think a polite no would have been best, but I settled on the middle road and said that I’m not really sure. I think that response encouraged them, for now I was not adverse to religion, but certainly in need of saving. They went on to show me several packets and magazines, demonstrating how great the universe was and how much God loves me. I smiled and was polite. I made sure to tell them that I’m not usually around this time of day when they left, after which they added as they were leaving: “Oh, weekends are better for you, then?”
The entire encounter lasted only a few minutes, and I wasn’t upset by it at all, though I ended up feeling spineless as I closed the door. Why couldn’t I just tell them what I thought? Is it nicer for them to feel like they’re saving a soul, or am I just wasting everybody’s time? If they come back, should I tell them as much? Should I invite them in? I don’t think they would get angry, and I think they might enjoy the feeling of engaging with a heretic. I’ll think about it a little more and let you know if anything noteworthy happens in the near future.
1 comment:
Maybe you did the right thing. No minds would have been changed. They might have kicked your butt, though, and that would have been cool--splatters of red jelly as the plastic packets explode while they wallop you with their fully loaded handbags. You would only survive if the ratios of sweet-n-low packets to lipstick wands in their purses were high.
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