If you’ve been pelted with questions about the “Mother God” by seemingly polite college-aged women in the past week, you aren’t the only one. Whether you are lounging in Market Square or jogging Downtown, you are not safe from their inquiries.In fact, I had the misfortune to run into six of these self-righteous Church of God followers in a two-day span.They approach you with a smile and say, “excuse me” in a timid voice that leads you to believe they’re seeking directions.That’s where they hook you.They proceed to introduce themselves as students from New Jersey and ask if you have ever heard of the female God, not to be confused with the Christian mother of God, Mary. If you give the slightest pause or quizzical look, they abruptly ask, “Do you believe in God?”What exactly the Mother God is, I never found out.I offered the pair of women a forced smile, explained I was busy and held my breath until they walked away; however, I was not as friendly the second and third time it happened. I probably would have been less offended if they had asked me what kind of underwear I had on.For many, faith is a deeply personal thing, and I would argue that’s the way it should be. When people question others about their faith, they run the risk of sending the message that religion is a defining trait, or even worse, that non-Christians are misguided, even abhorrent.The first time my faith was questioned by these people of God was last spring, and I chose to be honest to see how they would react. I explained I was agnostic to a man who looked about 18, who immediately launched into rhetoric about how my soul can still be saved if I just attend their Bible study meetings on Tuesdays at 8 p.m.Well, sign me up – what a small price to pay for salvation. All joking aside, I learned a lesson that day. The type of people who approach you on the sidewalk and interrogate you about your beliefs are not the kind of people who are open-minded and accepting of other religious views.Therein lies the irony. I, being a nonbeliever, am more respectful of others’ faith than these Christians who make it their life mission to “save” the atheists, Muslims, Hindus, and so on.In the 21st century, there is more religious freedom than ever before, especially for agnostics and atheists. Many of us no longer feel the need to lie about our religion or utter empty prayers we don’t actually believe in. Yet there is also the sentiment that this country is a Christian nation, and anyone who deviates from this image is corrupt.What I have to say to these people is stop and think about the message you’re sending. Which is more immoral: me not going to church on Sundays or you making others feel inferior for not matching up to your religious standards? I may be a heathen, but I do believe there is something in the Bible about accepting others despite their differences.Attempting to convert others is futile because people who want religion will find it on their own. On the other hand, using guilt tactics and reminders of an afterlife in hell are not the proper ways to enlighten others.If you really are as virtuous as you pretend to be, forget what others believe and devote your time to strengthening your personal relationship with God, which you claim is the top priority. In short: worry about your own soul, and the rest of us will be just fine.