RELIGION: Compassion doesn't require a faith

Re: “Pope visiting an increasingly less religious US” (Your Voice, 9-21).

While I agree that churches provide crucial services to the disenfranchised, I have a different view. My family grew up in the Episcopal church; my father, grandfather and both uncles were all ministers. Eventually we all fell away, and some of us are now atheists.

When my sister tells people of her lack of faith, they invariably say she’s too nice to be an atheist, as if those who don’t believe in God don’t donate or volunteer or have compassion with those who live on the margins of society.

You don’t have to believe to help your fellow human beings. What you must have, however, is empathy, charity and a sense of responsibility to your fellow sojourners on planet Earth.

I give the homeless money. I volunteer at a food bank. I counsel youth. The point is, be involved in your community. Replace the selfishness of our present society with selflessness.

If you’re well off and comfortable, think of those who are not. Give instead of take. These are all things found in the Bible, but you don’t have to be religious to help. Just be generous and compassionate to your fellow humans.

This story was originally published September 22, 2015 at 1:25 PM with the headline "RELIGION: Compassion doesn't require a faith."