Some time ago, I received an email from an infrequent correspondent containing an article titled "Why So Pushy?" It was written by some theistic apologist, explaining that people who proselytize are only trying to share something they feel is amazing, fully wanting others to feel how wonderful it is, too.
The article implied that since the proselytizers don't feel they're being pushy, neither should anyone else!
Well, this whole thing reminded me of something. For, once upon a time (or maybe twice), there was something I was so turned on by that I had to share it with everyone I knew. And I just knew they'd find it as amazing as I did.
Needless to say, they didn't. And when I'd bring it up again, they felt (justifiably) that I was being pushy. Friendships were strained, and I (like other proselytizers) simply couldn't understand why the heck they didn't "get it," why they didn't welcome my opportunity with open arms.
So I think I've figured it out. Evangelism is like this world-wide MLM (that's Multi-Level Marketing, for those of you lucky enough not to have a friend involved with Amway or one of the many, many others out there), and they're trying to build their downlines! The more people they can convert, the closer they are to getting that Pepto-Bismol colored Cadillac.
Okay, so maybe they don't get a pastel Caddy, but they certainly think they get something out of it. Maybe they get admission to that ritzy section of heaven where only those who've recruited a hundred people or more can get in.
At any rate, don't think for a moment that I'm trying to defend these theistic thugs. Just because I used to push various MLM ideas on others doesn't mean I think "excitement" is an excuse for behaving like a boor.
Still, it's interesting to have this perspective on it. I've often heard it said that MLMs tend to be very much like religions, and can attest to that from my own experiences. Attending an Amway rally when I was a teenager was amazingly similar to attending a revival meeting.
It's just too bad what the evangelists are pushing isn't as useful as cleaning products or kitchen knives.
