Even though they said they would not wear identifying t-shirts or otherwise promote their organization, their offer was rebuffed by the executive director of the group who told the local newspaper:
"This is a ministry to serve God. . . ,. We stand on the principles of God. Do they [atheists] think that our guests are so ignorant that they don't know what an atheist is? Why are they targeting us? They don't give any money. I wouldn't want their money."The volunteers instead set up their own site across the street where they distributed care packages to the homeless consisting of socks, gloves, and personal care items.
Unless I'm missing something, it sounds like the Christian director was overly defensive and intolerant. Why did it feel like an attack? Why isn't the offer to help people in need taken as a good thing?
I do believe that Jesus of Nazareth and Pope Francis would have accepted their help with open arms. Rather than rejecting the atheists, they would have exemplified their good deeds as putting their faith into action.
Atheists can be moral, altruistic, and concerned about those in need. Who gave Christians a monopoly on being/doing good?
Perhaps the difference is that this woman said "This ministry is to serve God." Others might think of it as serving their fellow human beings. Perhaps this woman thinks of it as building up credits to get into heaven; we of no religious faith would do it to make the world a better place, here and now.
Ralph
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