Actually I think it was a reference to evangelizing "non-believers".....for Jehovah's Witnesses, those would be the "heathens"....those of us who have yet to accept the "word."  In the context of my enjoying visiting with others, it implies I'm, like those Jehovah's Witnesses, out to 'convert' or 'save' the non-believers in my view of the world.  I think, if we're honest, there's a bit of truth in that with most discussions of controversial issues.  If we didn't believe in our view, we'd likely change it.  However, in many cases, I've had discussions where the result was a better understanding of each other's views and one of those "agree to disagree" events...nothing wrong with that.  

If we apply that "heathen" term to religion, I too, as an agnostic, would be considered by many to be a heathen.  Like you, I've been called much worse.....that's "life in the big city."  best regards, Gary