A couple of smartly dressed men called on me on Sunday and reassured me that they were not trying to convert me but were interested in my views. As usual they became slightly confused and glazed when I agreed that things were pretty bad with the world, but I was a very happy atheist and did not have a 'god-shaped hole' in my life. They tried earnestly to convince me that it was obvious and scientifically sound that life could not be merely random when the arrival of my family for lunch brought discussion to end.

My sister darkly warned that having admitted to being an ex-Catholic would result in a special leaflet to convert Catholics if they were witnesses. She felt aggrieved at idea of being harassed in one's own home. I had some sympathy with my callers. I believe in religious choice and don't like to be subject to others' conversion attempts, but can see that if you think that you can save souls it must be difficult not to do so.

My sister was far more robust about it. She hated the way politeness makes one a prisoner when 'invaded' at home. She suddenly declared that "Jesus didn't doorstep!" She is of course quite right. She also came up with quote about being bid to shake the sand off one's sandals and pointed out that Jesus only entered houses where he was invited. And that he delivered sermons in public places. We decided Jesus was actually pretty sound.