On Fri, 21 Nov 2003 03:21:26 GMT, "Jay Honeck"
wrote:

I guess I had assumed that anyone smart
enough to get their pilot's certificate couldn't be so gullible -- and
rude -- as to go around trying to "save" perfect strangers.

The best proselyting is done by showing the example of a happy life.

There is, IMO, no inconsistency to be found by finding a confessed
Protestant in a casino. For so many denominations the only requirement
is that little prayer. Plenty of Baptist grammas go to Vegas, I think.

I still have a
hard time believing that it wasn't some sort of a "Candid Camera" set up,
but I'm afraid they really, honestly thought they were doing the right
thing.

Anyone ever run into this before? What did you do?

You, in your cordial Midwestern way, fed a pair of Christian
proseletyzers your time and attention. You gave them an impression of
interest that they, in their zeal, failed to notice was more than just
good Midwestern friendliness.

They take advantage of that, and it's certainly not your fault.

What I usually do is raise the ante. I've got a pretty strong set of
beliefs, so I listen to what they have to say and then make sure they
know that I'm very committed to my own belief system, and would they
like to know more about that?

Another thing that works nicely is, "I know you believe that, guys,
but I think your premise is simply incorrect and unprovable, and what
I'm looking for must be provable."

If not, then, "I guess our conversation is concluded, gentlemen. Have
a nice flight home," and off we go.

Rob


--
[You] don't make your kids P.C.-proof by keeping them
ignorant, you do it by helping them learn how to
educate themselves.

-- Orson Scott Card