Twice again, I agree with MZ. I wrote checks to the charities of last year's winners. I intend to do the same again, perhaps to my favorite charity (slim chance). The bet is to lose the amount of my pledge, with 100% odds of success. In _comity_, I can support the organizations favored by others who are participating in good faith, and I will write a check at the end of the contest.
I don't object to atheism. Some of our contestants are non-believers, and some have faiths other than Christianity. I grew up in mostly Asian societies, and find value in oriental religions. The reason I won't support an atheist organization is personal, and I will hold it even if no one agrees. I believe that every person has a spiritual dimension, with or without a specific belief in a manifestation of God. I can't support organized attempts to deny this truth.
Mike McFarland has shown caring and empathy, though he does not have a belief in "God". Because he shows respect for others and participates in our community, I hope he will not object to being my example of an atheist with spirituality.
In re: the invitation to participate: "comity" has a second meaning in addition to "friendly social atmosphere". The second meaning is "avoidance of proselytizing members of another religion". http:www.m-w.com The root word is "comis" (courteous), not "comoedia" (farce).
Finally, there are a zillion charities, doing many kinds of services to people. Education, healthcare, treatment centers, social services, disease-specific organizations, research organizations, scouting, environmental organizations. I suggest that a person participating in a charitable contest should be able to find the name of a suitable organization in his/her check register. If my choice of a charity is offensive to anyone, I can easily find another. There is so much to believe in! |
