Funny looks

I'm currently nearing the end of Dawkins' The God Delusion; an enthralling and evocative read. It has taken me the best part of a year to get through it, such is my easily distractable nature. I don't think Dawkins does himself any favours with the way puts some of his points across, and you have to work through some serious crust to get to the gold, but overall it's an enjoyable read and one that I would certainly recommend. Anyway, that's by the by...

Yesterday I was reading the book on the train on the way home from work. There is a paranoid part of me that likes to push the cover well down into my lap for fear of the religiously inclined taking offence, but on this occasion I was oblivious to all around me, infatuated by the examples of sheer vulgarity performed in the name of religion. I must admit that there is a part of me that would welcome the opportunity of an impromptu debate with a religious fanatic on the journey home from another dull day at work.

Towards the end of my journey I looked up and one guy was staring at my book. He was white, late thirties, casually dressed and appeared to be of sound mind. I looked up and as we made eye contact a look of fear came across his face. For the rest of the journey (only five minutes, thankfully) his face maintained that expression and as I stood up to get off the train he made sure to stand out of my way, shuffling backwards and letting me pass. As I ambled towards the exit gate he shuffled past me, keeping his eye on me as he walked as far away from me as he could.

WTF?