Humanists, atheists must be praised for blood drive

Editor,

I salute the UNM Humanist Society for holding a blood drive Tuesday. Supporting efforts such as donating blood falls loosely into what, as a Catholic, I would call a corporal act of mercy. While donating blood is not specifically enumerated, activities like visiting the sick and feeding the poor are expected to be performed by Catholics as part of our faith.

Obviously, one need not be a Catholic, or religious at all, to be of value to one's fellows by giving of him or herself in these ways. Thanks are therefore in order to the humanists and atheists who support these activities.

In keeping with our spiritual acts of mercy, I remember these people in my prayers. I do so with no expectation or request that they join me in prayer.

John Bauer

UNM staff