Religious folks believe they are living their life to it's best possible potential when they are most closely following the tenets of whatever their particular religion or religious leaders require. Today, as I watch my son's physical health deteriorate here in the childrens hospital, surrounded by hundreds of other children in similar horrendously painful medical conditions, I have come to a conclusion: Each person is responsible for their own care, livelihood, and pursuit of happiness, but the next most noble objective should be to alleviate human suffering --in whatever form that may be. Health and healing, education, fighting oppression,, etc. It's a superior mindset compared to killing abortion doctors or demonizing gays or ostricizing those who don't agree with us.

I think it speaks to the real moral difference between theists and atheists (or possibly humanists?). I'm probably not the first person to have this thought, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on this as well, but I am looking to share this concept with others in a persuasive way. Do you know of any atheist essays or poetry that might encapsulate this idea? How would you get this point across?