I've been watching the horrible reports about the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. It is so awful to see the damage and to image how people are suffering through the ordeal. My immediate reaction this afternoon after hearing about the devastation was to make a contribution to the Red Cross.
Tonight, I heard news reports of so many organizations sending supplies and assistance to the affected area. Interestingly, many of the organizations are religious...churches, the Salvation Army, etc. It makes me think about an earlier post, in which I commented that I appreciate people offering help when it is not tied to their political or religious agendas. I realize I have a bias against religious groups...I make the assumption that they are out to convert people.
But when I see groups go out to help people in a situation like this, I soften a bit. I suspect the church groups that are making the trip to the hurricane-devastated area are not focusing on conversion, but on giving people aid. I suspect the people involved really do want to help. Their religion, as it happens, supports the concept of helping people. I admire that. I just don't admire the other aspects of their faith. But I do appreciate that there are so many that step up to help.
And, it makes me wonder why I rarely see humanist groups, secular groups, avowed atheists, etc. in the news. I wonder if such groups get involved like religious groups. I suspect they might be turned away if they tried to help. But I'd like to see them involved.
At any rate, I hope lots of people who are financially capable will donate to organizations like the Red Cross to help the victims of Katrina.
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