Never On Sunday

Overheard a woman tonight explaining her approach to evangelism. I won’t be able to quote her verbatim, but this is pretty close:

“When you’re ready. I don’t try to make someone believe; I can’t do that. But when the time comes, when they need God and they’re ready for the Message, it will be there for them.”

Clearly she was proud of herself: her gentle approach and the spirit of Christian charity with which she offered patience. I suppose it’s better than Torquemada’s approach to conversion, or even Pat Robertson’s. But does it really demonstrate a generosity of spirit?

Imagine the same sentiment came from an atheist: “When you’re ready. I don’t try to make someone give up superstition; I can’t do that. But when the time comes, when they no longer need the comfort of an imaginary magical friend and they’re ready for a broader perspective, it will be there for them.”

Sounds pretty patronizing, doesn’t it? Especially the smug assurance that the day will surely come. I wonder how she might react to the same condescension reflected back upon her from one of the converts she seeks.