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→Charity and Religion
*[[Christianity]]: the Catholic theologic sense is mentioned above. Most Christian faiths require practitioners to give of themselves as they are able, following the command of [[Jesus]] in [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]] 6:30 ([[KJV]]): "Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask [them] not again." Also, [[the parable of the sheep and the goats]] in [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] 25:31-46<ref>[http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Mat/Mat025.html#31 Matthew 25:31-46 (KJV)]</ref> shows the necessity of charity to [[salvation]]. Many Christian denominations ask for a [[tithe]], or one-tenth of the income, to go to the church, a portion of which is then given to charity outside of the church. No specific figure is given for how much to give outside of the church body.
*[[Christianity]]: the Catholic theologic sense is mentioned above. Most Christian faiths require practitioners to give of themselves as they are able, following the command of [[Jesus]] in [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]] 6:30 ([[KJV]]): "Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask [them] not again." Also, [[the parable of the sheep and the goats]] in [[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]] 25:31-46<ref>[http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Mat/Mat025.html#31 Matthew 25:31-46 (KJV)]</ref> shows the necessity of charity to [[salvation]]. Many Christian denominations ask for a [[tithe]], or one-tenth of the income, to go to the church, a portion of which is then given to charity outside of the church. No specific figure is given for how much to give outside of the church body.
*[[Islam]]: charity ('زكاة', 'zakat', in Arabic) is one of the [[Five Pillars]] of the religion. A tithe of money (normally 2.5%) is given to help the poorest in society. Implementation of this pillar in Muslim countries is spotty at best.<ref>http://www.jihadwatch.org/2008/05/us-most-charitable-nation-oil-rich-muslim-countries-give-almost-nothing.html</ref>
*[[Islam]]: charity ('زكاة', 'zakat', in Arabic) is one of the [[Five Pillars]] of the religion. A tithe of money (normally 2.5%) is given to help the poorest in society. Implementation of this pillar in Muslim countries is spotty at best.<ref>http://www.jihadwatch.org/2008/05/us-most-charitable-nation-oil-rich-muslim-countries-give-almost-nothing.html</ref>
*[[Judaism]]: Judaism uses the concept of ''tzedakah'', or ''righteousness''. 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 is counted of high value, but there are vast differences depending on intentions. When giving to the poor, 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).
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 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>