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'''Charity''' means generosity, typically in a helpful way to those in greater need.  The [[United States]] is by far the most charitable nation in the world, as a percentage of its [[GDP]] and in absolute terms.  Charity is uniquely [[conservative]] -- [[liberal]]s are far less charitable -- and charity has religious significance.

'''Charity''' means generosity, typically in a helpful way to those in greater need.  The [[United States]] is by far the most charitable nation in the world, as a percentage of its [[GDP]] and in absolute terms.  Charity is uniquely [[conservative]] -- [[liberal]]s are far less charitable -- and charity has religious significance.

*''Charity'' is the giving of time or resources without the expectation of Earthly reward.<ref>http://mw1.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charity</ref>

*''Charity'' is the giving of time or resources without the expectation of Earthly reward.<ref>http://mw1.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charity</ref>

*''Charity'' - first mentioned in the Bible: Exodus 25:2; 35:5 at Jews' constructing the Tabernacle,<ref>Hila Ratzabi, [https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-tabernacle/ What Was the Tabernacle (Mishkan)?]. A portable sanctuary in the wilderness.</ref> and Deuteronmy 15:7-11 giving to the poor, is a [[Christian]] [[virtue]].<ref>http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09397a.htm</ref>  This is enumerated among the Divine virtues by St. [[Paul]] in 1 Corinthians 13:13.  It is the greatest of the three, included with [[hope]] and [[faith]].  In this sense, charity refers to a divinely infused love, unlimited and directed toward Man and toward [[God]].   

*''Charity'' - first mentioned in the Bible: Exodus 25:2; 35:5 at Jews' constructing the Tabernacle,<ref>Hila Ratzabi, [https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-tabernacle/ What Was the Tabernacle (Mishkan)?]. A portable sanctuary in the wilderness.</ref> and Deuteronomy 15:7-11 giving to the poor, is a [[Christian]] [[virtue]].<ref>http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09397a.htm</ref>  This is enumerated among the Divine virtues by St. [[Paul]] in 1 Corinthians 13:13.  It is the greatest of the three, included with [[hope]] and [[faith]].  In this sense, charity refers to a divinely infused love, unlimited and directed toward Man and toward [[God]].   

*''Charity'' is considered a benefit of the [[Holy Spirit]]. The [[Fruits of the Holy Spirit]] are perfections that the [[Holy Spirit]] forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. The tradition of the Church lists twelve of them.  

*''Charity'' is considered a benefit of the [[Holy Spirit]]. The [[Fruits of the Holy Spirit]] are perfections that the [[Holy Spirit]] forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. The tradition of the Church lists twelve of them.  

*''Charity'' is considered a benefit of the [[Holy Spirit]]. The [[Fruits of the Holy Spirit]] are perfections that the [[Holy Spirit]] forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. The tradition of the Church lists twelve of them.  

*''Charity'' is considered a benefit of the [[Holy Spirit]]. The [[Fruits of the Holy Spirit]] are perfections that the [[Holy Spirit]] forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. The tradition of the Church lists twelve of them.  

*[[Judaism]]:  Judaism uses the concept of ''tzedakah'', or ''righteousness''<ref>https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4203668/jewish/What-Is-Tzedakah.htm</ref>.  The theology behind this is quite layered and complex.  

*[[Judaism]]:  Judaism uses the concept of ''tzedakah'', or ''righteousness''<ref>https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4203668/jewish/What-Is-Tzedakah.htm</ref>.  The theology behind this is quite layered and complex.  

In both the Christian and Islamic faiths, charity is not considered righteous if done to enhance the giver's reputation. Thus private and discreet charity is prompted by love not status.

In both the Christian and Islamic faiths, charity is not considered righteous if done to enhance the giver's reputation. Thus private and discreet charity is prompted by love, not status.

:''Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.'' [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] 6:1 (Christian Scripture from the [[Bible]])

:''Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.'' [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] 6:1 (Christian Scripture from the [[Bible]])

:''If you give alms openly, it is well; but if you do it secretly and give to the poor, that is better.'' [[Koran|Qur-an]] 2:271a (Islamic Scripture)

:''If you give alms openly, it is well; but if you do it secretly and give to the poor, that is better.'' [[Koran|Qur-an]] 2:271a (Islamic Scripture)

In Judaism, any act of kindness [Chessed<ref>https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/111261/jewish/Tzedek-amp-Chessed-Righteousness-and-Kindness.htm</ref>] is counted of high value, but there are vast differences depending on intentions. The obligation to give to the poor is on each and every one. When doing that, the highest value is the way one gives - how he makes the poor person feel. And if one gives with a sour manner one loses the reward (Shulchan Aruch YD:248-9. Based on the verse in Det. 15:10).

In Judaism, any act of kindness [Chessed<ref>https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/111261/jewish/Tzedek-amp-Chessed-Righteousness-and-Kindness.htm</ref>] is counted of high value, but there are vast differences depending on intentions. The obligation to give to the poor is on each and every one. When doing that, the highest value is the way one gives - how he makes the poor person feel. And if one gives with a sour manner one loses the reward (Shulchan Aruch YD:248-9. Based on the verse in Det. 15:10).

For [[libertarians]], charity is the choice of the individual, as any societal intervention must be voluntary, and based on the decision of the individual.  It goes against libertarian belief to tax people involuntarily and redistribute wealth as "charity".<ref>[http://www.theadvocates.org/ruwart/questions_maint.php?s_keyword=charity&id=226 ''Ask Dr. Ruwart: Libertarians and Taxation"]</ref>

For [[libertarians]], charity is the choice of the individual, as any societal intervention must be voluntary, and based on the decision of the individual.  It goes against libertarian belief to tax people involuntarily and redistributes wealth as "charity".<ref>[http://www.theadvocates.org/ruwart/questions_maint.php?s_keyword=charity&id=226 ''Ask Dr. Ruwart: Libertarians and Taxation"]</ref>

====United States cities with the highest volunteer participation in religious venues====  

====United States cities with the highest volunteer participation in religious venues====  

The United States is “a land of charity,” says Arthur Brooks, an expert on philanthropy and a professor at Syracuse University's Maxwell School, who sees charitable giving and volunteerism as the signal characteristic of Americans. Americans increased their charitable donations significantly in 2006 to more than $295 billion—a record, according to a study released June 25 by the Giving USA Foundation, which reports on charitable contributions. The overwhelming majority of this money was donated by individuals, not corporations or foundations, according to the chairman of Giving USA, Richard Jolly. Donations from individuals, including bequests, accounted for 83.3 percent of total giving last year, or $245.8 billion, he told USINFO.<ref>http://www.america.gov/st/washfile-english/2007/June/200706261522251CJsamohT0.8012354.html</ref>

The United States is “a land of charity,” says Arthur Brooks, an expert on philanthropy and a professor at Syracuse University's Maxwell School, who sees charitable giving and volunteerism as the signal characteristic of Americans. Americans increased their charitable donations significantly in 2006 to more than $295 billion—a record, according to a study released June 25 by the Giving USA Foundation, which reports on charitable contributions. The overwhelming majority of this money was donated by individuals, not corporations or foundations, according to the chairman of Giving USA, Richard Jolly. Donations from individuals, including bequests, accounted for 83.3 percent of total giving last year, or $245.8 billion, he told USINFO.<ref>http://www.america.gov/st/washfile-english/2007/June/200706261522251CJsamohT0.8012354.html</ref>

Higher faith-based giving in the US explains 60% of the difference in proportion of GDP given to charity in the US and the UK. Religion giving accounts for a third of US charity donations, compared to 13% in the UK.<ref name="InternationalComparisons">[https://www.cafonline.org/publications/archive/international-giving.aspx International Comparisons of Charitable Giving (November 2006) Briefing Paper, Charities Aid Foundation]</ref>

Higher faith-based giving in the US explains 60% of the difference in the proportion of GDP given to charity in the US and the UK. Religion giving accounts for a third of US charity donations, compared to 13% in the UK.<ref name="InternationalComparisons">[https://www.cafonline.org/publications/archive/international-giving.aspx International Comparisons of Charitable Giving (November 2006) Briefing Paper, Charities Aid Foundation]</ref>

== Charity and irreligion ==

== Charity and irreligion ==

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The UK is especially proactive with donating to overseas charities, compromising 13% of total giving. In contrast, only 3% of US contributions goes to international  

The UK is especially proactive with donating to overseas charities, compromising 13% of total giving. In contrast, only 3% of US contributions go to international  

The lower levels of giving in some European countries reflects an expectation that social services should be provided through [[socialist]] state institutions. There is also an general inverse relationship between the rate of income tax and the level of giving.<ref name="InternationalComparisons"/>

The lower levels of giving in some European countries reflect an expectation that social services should be provided through [[socialist]] state institutions. There is also a general inverse relationship between the rate of income tax and the level of giving.<ref name="InternationalComparisons"/>

== See also ==

== See also ==