Catholicism and Theism

As a young catholic girl, i always felt that my own contrition fell short. If i didn't believe in god, then fear of eternal damnation could hardly be a reason for me to repent anything. By contrast, a theism is morally bracing because it gives us a sound foundation for morality - which has consequences. Atheists have the opportunity to practise perfect piety by giving up belief in god. There are things that you lose when you give up belief in God. Morality is not one of them. I don't understand what there could be for the basis for the duty not to cause pain and hurt other creatures who suffer more than we do. A couple of craig