It doesn't, as you know.
Personally, I love the book for what it is: a great novel, with an awesome message. It is wordy in spots, but it doesn't take anything away from its message.
The fact that Ayn was an atheist doesn't bother me, because I'm comfortable in my own skin regarding my personal ethos and belief in God. When I donate to my church, or give money to a street person, in my mind I'm giving value for value. More importantly, I'm doing it as an act of free will, not as a response to government coersion.
I find it laughable that opinions can be expressed about a novel that's over 1100 pages in length. There's too much going on in that novel that must be digested in order to express an informed opinion.
Well said.
I don’t remember where Rand said it, and I’m paraphrasing, but Rand said she had no problem with charity, as long as it was given of free will.