The HuffPo is gleefully reporting a story about a homeless man’s stunt that attempts to shame people into giving him money.
In the picture, which has since gone viral on Reddit and Imgur, the man, who appears to be homeless or transient, is sitting on a sidewalk and holding a sign that reads, “Which religion cares the most about the homeless?” Arranged in front of him are eight small, plastic bowls and a hat, each labeled with different religions and filled with varying amounts of change. Although we can’t say for sure how much money is shown in the photo, the bowls labeled “atheist” and “agnostic” seem to be the fullest.
Well that proves it right there. Atheists are just better people, I guess. At least that seems to be how it’s being reported. The thing is, if I saw that dude with the bowls and the signs I’d see through it right away.
It’s a weird thing. Atheists are always accusing Christians of saying they’re better people except we never say that. But they do. Atheists are constantly saying they’re smarter and better that Christians who are just being good to avoid hell while atheists are being good for goodness sakes.
I have a question though. What is “good” to an atheist? I never know how they come upon their definition. So many simply seem to adopt so much from Christianity in defining good.
But getting back to this dude. If I were walking by him I wouldn’t give. It’s a scam he’s running. He’s attempting to inspire some form of tribalism to increase giving. I’m not going to give money because the reputation of Christianity is on the line. I give to those who seem to need, not those who are playing an angle on me.
Kudos to the guy however for including atheism as a religion.
May 3, 2013 at 10:27 am
I clicked on the photo to enlarge….look behind blue bag; is he charging a cell phone? Just asking.
May 3, 2013 at 11:06 am
It's a scam. And it just shows that "athiests" and "agnostics" are more readilly scammed – seduced by appeals to outward appearances. When you give alms don't blow your horn – don't let even your left hand know what your right is doing.
May 3, 2013 at 12:33 pm
Well spotted Robert. Some "down and outs" look too well fed to be taken seriously:-)
May 3, 2013 at 12:46 pm
After all, we take for granted all those wonderful atheist hospitals and atheist soup lines. And when there's a tragedy, the atheist aid agencies begin to roll with trucks of water, food, blankets, and tents.
May 3, 2013 at 2:43 pm
Hey, we seem to be doing better than the pagans!
May 3, 2013 at 2:45 pm
Mack, the Red Cross is not a religious organization. Might want to get your facts in order.
May 3, 2013 at 2:46 pm
Oh, and don't forget Doctors Without Borders.
May 3, 2013 at 3:14 pm
Jokers are just throwing money into the atheist bowl. That's what I would have done at about age 20. The ridiculous part is that HuffPo is reporting this as if it is an actual story.
May 3, 2013 at 3:16 pm
Better signs:
"Which religion actually helps the homeless and not random people on street corners?"
"Which religion wants to stick it to the others in a fake poll?"
"Which 'news site' wants to make me famous?"
May 3, 2013 at 3:59 pm
Atheism is intellectual and spiritual laziness. Thinking about suffering IS hard. Admitting I'm not the center of the universe is hard.
But this constant need for validation by staging pictures or "debating" Christians is a symptom of their pain.
God imprinted in our souls a longing to be with Him. Take that away and it must hurt. A person must constantly validate the decision against God by acting constantly to reinforce that distancing fromGod.
May 3, 2013 at 4:17 pm
Must be his Obamaphone.
May 3, 2013 at 5:23 pm
Jonathan, Oh, snap!
May 3, 2013 at 5:39 pm
….this guy is a scam artist….
….I'm going to take my toddler and preschool grandkids for a walk on his sidewalk!….
….who knows what lessons may be learned there!
….who knows what could happen!…
….these kids are clumsy, loud, boisterous, and demanding!…
….I truly "ADORE THEM"!!!!
….those bowls are such an attractive nuisance!
May 3, 2013 at 11:35 pm
What a scam.
May 4, 2013 at 1:02 am
Anonymous #1, I fail to understand your allusion to the Red Cross. I have never heard of them professing either faith or atheism. Give me a fact so that I might straighten it.
May 4, 2013 at 6:10 am
Should have read "which religion is the most gullible"
May 4, 2013 at 10:13 pm
It seems he wants people to give out of pride/guilt. Are you prideful of your faith? Does he make you feel guilty as a Christian you didn't give? It's a scam.
I always give through non-profits who provide services, religious or not.
As someone who knows a few people who assist the homeless with transitional housing, healthcare, and other necessities.
Never give homeless people MONEY!
May 5, 2013 at 2:01 pm
People donate through their church. Atheism has no church. People give through the virtue of charity. Atheism has no virtue of charity. People give because of a need to give in love. Atheism has no need to give in love. Atheism takes, takes, takes our civil rights to freedom in speech, press and peaceable assembly with God.
May 6, 2013 at 5:42 pm
Just an FYI, this guy sits on Guadelupe Street, "the drag", right across the street from UT Austin. I see him most days I walk on the drag. I haven't approached him like I've approached other individuals seeking assistance, so I'm not sure if he is homeless or not.
Many of the people on the drag take on the homeless look to deceive generous college students. What's worse is that this creates a stigma in young minds that homeless people are frauds (I was one of those kids), when many are most certainly not. I've talked with the homeless and needy on the drag on multiple occasions, and I have volunteered at the local food pantry (Micah 6). I'm familiar with those who are in need, the homeless, and those who don't want to work.
We must pray for these men and women who deceive and play off the emotions of others for their gain, and we must pray for those of us who distance themselves from lending a hand to the poor.
May 9, 2013 at 2:37 am
//What is "good" to an atheist?//
Why is the only option for morality for you dependent on supernatural superstitious fantasies?
It is truly staggering to me that you can't imagine or think of morality/ethics in anyway that doesn't require you to evoke make believe.