Should we ever foster delusion?

[Seraphina]

OP: you can acknowledge the delusion but never foster or indulge it. 

You might need to fake it if your well being is being threatened.

A subway platform surrounded by hostile people is probably not the best place to be. That guy  meant for those people to turn on you. Read my signature.

In the op story, I think you might have come across as less of a bad guy if you had been kinder. Remember, retarded people are like children. You might have distracted him. "Prayer, oh yes, I saw a man at the employment agency the other day. He looked just like you. A fine looking chap. He got the job and I bet you could to..."

Unless you're an evangelist for atheism, you don't have to get in trouble telling people what they don't want to hear. Descrettion is the greater par of valor.

+1
When approached by a stranger saying odd things I normally ignore while keeping an eye on them to make sure they don't get too close to me. I've learned that after being approached many times by incoherent people or guys making sexually explicit remarks.
In the OP's situation, the guy could have been mentally ill; religious delusions are a symptom of some mental illnesses.
I probably would have mumbled something then pretended to be busy with my phone while walking a safe distance away.
Or maybe said something equally insane back to him.

-Teresa