Fiction Father Joseph was an eccentric priest, according to his parishioners. His best friend was Thomas, an atheist. People loved him, nevertheless, because he cared for them with the tenderness of a shepherd who knew every one of his sheep by name. Yet another Christmas came and the very active parishioners were in the church building the crib. “Is it because Jesus taught us to care more for the lost sheep that you love Thomas so much?” Chandy asked Father Joseph while they were working on the crib. “Whoever said that Doctor Thomas was lost?” wondered Father Joseph. Thomas the atheist was a doctor who gave free treatment to patients who could not afford to pay consultation fees. People used his services but hated him merely for being an atheist. “He’s an atheist,” said Chandy. “Why should atheists be counted as lost?” countered Father Joseph. “Many of the atheists are far better human beings than orthodox Christians.” “But you are a priest of the