Yep, still working on the tree. I picked up more decorations from my mom’s house yesterday.

I don’t think I was clear about something in the other post. I don’t think a giving nature is only present in those who practice a religion or a belief in God…although I have seen those who weren’t giving change upon conversion.

No…what I referring to in denying part of ourselves is an intensely spiritual nature, that often seeks out something greater than ourselves…that higher power. Atheism, even at its weakest definition, denies that existence. Atheism isn’t just a refusal to worship or follow the Judeo-Christian Yahweh. It’s the belief that no such power exists at all, in any culture. Some forms of atheism admit that we are spiritual creatures and embrace such philosophies as Buddhism, which proclaims no deities. Other forms deny even that part of ourselves.

I think my problem is that I’ve had enough supernatural experiences in my faith that I simply can’t go toward atheism, or even an agnostic belief, anymore. To do so would be to deny something intrinsic in my being. But that’s just me.

I’m glad that I am not the only one who has put up the tree and decorations already.

Involvement in the community and helping others is something that comes from caring about your fellow man. I don’t know if there is a direct correlation to a person’s faith in God. I think the common denominator is the desire to make the community stronger and help others. Any other motivating factors… don’t know.

Best wishes to you and Rachel.