My basic contention is that theism isn't that cause of philanthropy, and an atheist can be just as, if not more, philanthropic than a theist. That seems to be obvious, and probably can go without discussion on these forums. My questions to you all are as follows: What's the relationship between religion and philanthropy? What differences are there between secular humanism and the religious counterpart? Personally, I do not think theism or religion inhibit one from being philanthropic. However, if one needs a god to do "good" (i.e. loving things), then that is not a philanthropic person, IMO. Thanks, Scott Hughes