Quote Originally Posted by Posh View Post
[SIZE=3][COLOR=Red]Yeah, I don't believe listening to a sermon should be the prerequisite for anything either. If people want to know about what you believe, that's fine. But I find religion, in mixed company, is not best discussed over a meal.
See, I don't have that much of a problem with a discussion "over a meal" or what have you. It may not be what I believe but, at least in my sister's case, i'm very interested to hear what she has to say. I think that's a lot different than being forced to listen to a sermon (in return for a hot meal or otherwise).

Thinking about what BrightLight said. . .I think maybe we should feel a responsibility. . .but we don't always. Along those same lines, do the reasons for those feelings matter? Taking a generic religious point of view you could have two very different rationals for acting charitable. Someone who was brought up in a religiously moderate and loving family might feel a responsibility because he/she was brought up to believe that it's the right thing to do. Another extreme point of view of the person who was brought up in a very strict, fundamental religious household and who feels like he/she needs to act charitably to avoid burning in hell. But those are topics for another time!

I think the main theme here is this: Maybe you want to be charitable, maybe you don't. If you don't, that's your choice. If you do, you should know that there are plenty of options for you to help your fellow human beings. You don't have to quit your job and join the peace corps. You could volunteer once a month at a soup kitchen or even doing something small by making sure you compliment at least one person every day. Something that small can make a huge impact.

-J