Yes, yes, I know this is the Pit…but I would like to try to inject a note of rationality. Do forgive me, please. 
The type of evangelism of which furryman complains is more than a biblical commandment; it’s a psychological imperative for those who practice it. There are so many biblical commandments which are blithely ignored–happyheathen and others can come up with a long list, I’m sure, starting with ‘Love thy neighbor’–so why is this particular one so fervently implemented?
Evangelism is one variety of a very common psychological, emotional device that works like this:
Step 1. An individual becomes convinced (converted, born again, whatever) of a non-logical viewpoint on life/existence. He accepts this belief (in an afterlife, reincarnation, heaven, whatever) because of the emotional comfort it gives him on a very deep, emotional level.
Step 2. Assuming that the individual is not totally insane, living in his own fantasy world, he goes about life in a reasonably normal way: benefitting from technology and science, depending on the continuing efficacy of logical cause-and-effect reasoning in, for instance, driving a car.
Step 3. Eventually, sometimes very quickly, his emotional need to believe in a spiritual regimen that includes non-rational dogma comes into subconscious conflict with his rational assessment that such things may be unlikely. Silent, nagging, religious doubt is the true cross forever born by religious enthusiasts. (BTW, any etymologists present? I hope the use of ‘enthusiast’ here tickles you as much as its does me. 
)
Step 4. This feeling of doubt is (almost) always resolved in the following simple manner: The emotional needs win and the intellect is bent to support them. So how can he use intellect to repress doubt in these areas?
Step 5. A simple answer: If he can convert others to his faith and they become strong believers (without revealing their interior doubts to the public), that gives strong support to his own belief. The intellect, therefore, works at finding ways to convert the unbeliever–such as witnessing on your doorstep and in SDMB.
To summarize–perhaps I should have done this first? --the religious enthusiast needs to convert others in order to strengthen his own belief…and any amount of logic you care to put in front of him won’t change this. The poor schmuck must work it out for himself, hopefully before burning anyone at the stake.
For the rest of us, well, we may at least try to love our neighbors–but a strong fence helps.
Oh, yes, this is the Pit so I’ll try to cooperate: If you don’t like what I’ve said, Fuck Off!!…and have fun doing it.
