At the Harvard forum last week with Peter Singer, the influential ethicist and atheist, I was grateful for the opportunity to share with him and those gathered how God has changed my life.

We agreed that, as humans, we are essentially selfish. (Who can deny that?) We agreed that there is a spark of compassion in each of us that compels us to act. Where we respectfully differed was why.

Singer described giving as part of an “ethical life,” that people are much more likely to give when they see others giving and when they realize that it’s personally fulfilling. As a Christian, I added that giving away money is an unnatural act. Only God can make a change in someone’s heart that causes us to overcome our selfishness.

Our reasons differ, but Singer is advocating the same radical thought that Jesus did: That is, to ignore our neighbor’s need is wrong—for a Christian or an atheist.

Many of us are doing something. But compared to what we could do, is it enough? As we enter the main giving season of the year, will each of us—and the American church—heed the Holy Spirit’s urging to be intentional about our giving? Or will we succumb to selfishness or fear of further economic turmoil?

“Rich and I are trying to develop a culture where it should be unacceptable not to give to the poor,” said Singer. Do you think it could happen? Why do you give to the poor? And what will wake up the American church to really care about the poor—and act it?

Want to hear my dialogue with Peter Singer? Listen to the 90-minute audio here.

And, you can see a slideshow of images from the event.