An Overheard Conversation

Kalamazoo, Michigan. On the campus of Western Michigan University. Student union: Two young men in suits and ties are the only ones talking in the study area. They are taking turns talking to a young African-American woman about the history of Joseph Smith and how he fits into, and completes, her already believed Christian doctrine. One man’s suit is gray and the other is black. I’m not sure that I have ever seen Mormons wearing anything besides the normal short-sleeve dress shirts, ties, black pants and nametags, so I have to turn toward them, over my left shoulder, a few times just to make sure I am hearing them correctly. Anytime the woman says something that contradicts what they were hoping she would say, the one in the gray suit says, “that’s interesting…” and then attempts to steer her in a more preferred direction. The woman laughs a quick uncomfortable laugh after almost every question she answers and sometimes the men break into small smiles, maybe trying to relieve her apparent anxiety. The theological part of the conversation comes to an end with the two men telling the woman that if she prays about it for seven days she will get an answer and then taking down some of her information (telephone number, address, etc.). Finally a closing prayer that opens with “Gracious Father…” After the prayer they sit at their table exchanging a bit of small talk and after most comments everyone exchanges the same uncomfortable laugh that the woman had laughed after most of her earlier comments. They all stand to put on their coats and exit the study area.