poltr1 | New neighbor.....

This evening, I met a man in the apartment complex neighboring my condo complex. He was out walking his dogs -- actually, letting them go unleashed. (I need to check the township ordinances to verify that dogs need to be on leashes.) He said his name was Ken. He asked me 2 or 3 times how I was doing. (Why does he need to know and why should he care?, I thought. But I answered "All right" each time.) He also said that he's a Christian. Right then, my guard went up with him. He was trying to cozy up to me with further conversation and an invitation to dinner, but I remained aloof.

I don't grok the evangelical mindset. What business is it of everyone's to know my spiritual path? I don't go around saying, "Hi, I'm Jim and I'm a Unitarian/Wiccan/Pagan/Recovering Catholic/whatever." And if I did, how many people would welcome me or shun me? Or worse, how many people would try to convert me to their spiritual path?

Years ago, I had a bad experience with someone who called himself a Christian. He said that I would be damned to Hell if I didn't accept Jesus Christ as my Savior right here and right now. I said nothing and walked away. One of my Jewish friends had a similar experience, and he was similarly troubled.

What's at risk if I open up to this guy? He's a lot more persuasive than I am. If I tell him too much information, how will he use it against me? Will he shun or ostracize me if I come out of the broom closet with him? Or will he try to invite me to his services, his groups, etc.? Perhaps I should accept the invitation with the condition that he come to my services, or decline the invitation.

I'll say this: If I were into multi-level marketing, I would definitely want this guy in my downline.

I'm gonna have to play my cards close to my vest with this guy.