@Sandman
What we appear to be discussing is not atheists or atheism doing charity better, but atheism doing charity a thematically christian way. Secular charity isn't going to satisfy on that count, neither in principle or practice - the latter being the reason that christian charities have begun to operate the way secular charities do.
Causes™ turn into conditions for aid. This is needless, inefficient, and cruel - possibly the worst combination of traits to be saddled with if the underlying aim is to reduce hunger. Causes™...additionally...have a tendency to draw bad actors. From their pov, it's a group of marks telling you exactly how they prefer to be lied to. This happens across the secular/religious divide but in theism's case a god provides cover and prevents accountability. From the mismanagement of funds to the rape of children. From something as intimate as a private cult all the way up to religious institution.
Ultimately, thinking about gods in the way that theists do necessarily invites these errors - as personal gods err in personal ways. These errors...if we let them....propagate through everything we do in their name - because we've elevated them to a position above or beyond scrutiny. They are the right and proper state of affairs, more or less the fabric of reality.
What we appear to be discussing is not atheists or atheism doing charity better, but atheism doing charity a thematically christian way. Secular charity isn't going to satisfy on that count, neither in principle or practice - the latter being the reason that christian charities have begun to operate the way secular charities do.
Causes™ turn into conditions for aid. This is needless, inefficient, and cruel - possibly the worst combination of traits to be saddled with if the underlying aim is to reduce hunger. Causes™...additionally...have a tendency to draw bad actors. From their pov, it's a group of marks telling you exactly how they prefer to be lied to. This happens across the secular/religious divide but in theism's case a god provides cover and prevents accountability. From the mismanagement of funds to the rape of children. From something as intimate as a private cult all the way up to religious institution.
Ultimately, thinking about gods in the way that theists do necessarily invites these errors - as personal gods err in personal ways. These errors...if we let them....propagate through everything we do in their name - because we've elevated them to a position above or beyond scrutiny. They are the right and proper state of affairs, more or less the fabric of reality.
I am the Infantry. I am my country’s strength in war, her deterrent in peace. I am the heart of the fight… wherever, whenever. I carry America’s faith and honor against her enemies. I am the Queen of Battle. I am what my country expects me to be, the best trained Soldier in the world. In the race for victory, I am swift, determined, and courageous, armed with a fierce will to win. Never will I fail my country’s trust. Always I fight on…through the foe, to the objective, to triumph overall. If necessary, I will fight to my death. By my steadfast courage, I have won more than 200 years of freedom. I yield not to weakness, to hunger, to cowardice, to fatigue, to superior odds, For I am mentally tough, physically strong, and morally straight. I forsake not, my country, my mission, my comrades, my sacred duty. I am relentless. I am always there, now and forever. I AM THE INFANTRY! FOLLOW ME!
