text: Two points:
  
  1. I was specifically replying to the atheist-op-ed writer, who, while writing cogently about Jesus Christ's commandment about loving others, didn't mention what HE (the writer) did during the Christmas season as to helping the disadvantaged.  The core message of atheism is that of denial of  God through Christ, without actually doing anything substantive to help the poor.
  
  2. Yes, of course there are SECULAR-based charities that do good work. But atheists have not really organized themselves into ""churches", until recently -- something that would give atheism the potential to do good work as atheists.  The three monotheistic religions  (Christianity, Judaism, Islam) all emphasize helping the poor. On this point, where are the atheists? I mean, really?
  
  Back to the op-ed piece, the writer makes good points, as ideas. But for me Christmas is a time of giving and the sharing of Christian love. -- David Murrell, Economics, UNB at Fredericton