I was in Joann's Fabrics today supporting my habit of hoarding fabric (Keepsake Cotton, $3.99 a yard) and, as is my wont, talked to strangers as I progressed through the store. I was talking with an elderly woman--I'm 71, but she looked to be in her '80s. When I said, "Nice talking with you" and started to move away, she took a booklet from her purse and handed it to me, saying, "Here, you might like to read this."

Before I saw the title, I knew that I wasn't going to want to read it. The title, "Journey to . . ." (I don't remember the last word) and the picture of a church confirmed my first impression. I handed it back to her and said, "No, thanks, I'm an atheist."

She looked surprised but tried to hand it back to me, saying, "Just read it anyway." My response was still negative so she suggested, "Then give it to someone else to read."

I repeated "No" more firmly and moved away.

As an atheist, WHY would I give a religious tract to someone? The sheer lack of logic in the suggestion boggled me. Should I walk up a stranger--or to someone whom I know-- and say, "Hey, I'm an atheist, but here's something that might make you believe in god"?

What's wrong with this picture?