Are some theists afraid of atheists?

[Der/die AtheistIn]

To echo emjay, empathy is the driving force of my morality.  And not in the abstract.  I was born physically disabled.  I've had 45 surgeries to date, most of them osteotomies (which are very painful), in order to have what physical ability I currently enjoy.  It's not an exaggeration when I say that I've been in the hospital during important moments like holidays and birthdays.  It's also not an exaggeration to say that I feel some kind of physical pain every day (pressure sores suck).  I've also suffered a bit from depression, thinking that I'm useless and worthless and perhaps that everyone else would be better off if I wasn't around.

And it's because of those experiences that I try my best to make sure others don't have to experience them, or something like them.  It's why I donate to The Jimmy Fund and Doctors Without Borders and Child's Play.  It's why I favor universal healthcare.  It's why I take a hard stance against people who take action without another's consent (as a disabled person, I'm painfully aware of my own vulnerability and helplessness).  And a whole bunch of other things.

I believe in helping humanity because I've suffered as a human.  More than some, not as much as others, but suffered nonetheless.  And I'd like to help usher in a day when that doesn't happen any longer.

I'm sorry that you had to suffer, glad that you're so willing to help others!