Difference between revisions of "Charity"

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(Charity is essential to the success of free enterprise. Charity is the "other side of the coin," without which free enterprise could collapse for exploiting too many people while failing to help those unable to pay for assistance.)
 
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[[Image:Bouguereau Charity.jpg|thumb|Charity / [[Adolphe William Bouguereau|Bouguereau]]]]
 
[[Image:Bouguereau Charity.jpg|thumb|Charity / [[Adolphe William Bouguereau|Bouguereau]]]]
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'''Charity''' has several meanings, from the commonly used and understood, to the abstract and technical:
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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'' is the giving of time or resources without the expectation of Earthly reward.<ref>http://mw1.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charity</ref>
 +
*''Charity'' 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 essential to the success of [[free enterprise]].  Charity is the "other side of the coin," without which free enterprise could collapse for exploiting too many people while failing to help those unable to pay for assistance.
 +
==Charity and Religion==
  
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*''Charity'', as used most commonly, refers to generosity, especially the giving of time or resources without the expectation of Earthly reward.  The noun refers to an institution that engages in such behavior. <ref>http://mw1.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charity</ref>
+
Charity is important to most religions, and is practiced by both religious and secular people and organizations.  
  
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*''Charity'': as 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]].   
+
*[[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>
 +
*[[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.
  
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*''Charity'' is also one of the fruits 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.  
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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]])
 +
:''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).
  
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==Charity and Religion==
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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>
  
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Charity is important to most religions, and is practiced by both religious and secular people and organizations.
+
====United States cities with the highest volunteer participation in religious venues====
  
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*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 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 Matthew 25:31-46<ref>Matthew 25:31-46 (KJV) [http://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/Mat/Mat025.html#31]</ref> shows the necessity of charity to [[salvation]]. Mormons are usually said to require to donate 10% of their income to support the church and its works.
+
* [[Salt Lake City]]  21.8%
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*Islam: charity ('زكاة', 'zakat', in Arabic) is one of the [[Five Pillars]] of the religion. A tithe of money (normally 10%) is given to help the poorest in society.
+
* [[Charlotte]] 15.9%
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*Judaism:  Judaism uses the concept of ''tzedakah'', or ''righteousness''. The theology behind this is quite layered and complex.
+
* [[Minneapolis]]/[[St. Paul (City)|St. Paul]]  14.6%
 +
* [[Omaha]] 14.6%
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* [[Nashville]], 14.5%
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* [[Louisville]] 14.5%
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* [[Tulsa]] 13.6%
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* [[Kansas City]] 12.9%
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* [[Dallas]] 12.2%
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* [[Oklahoma City]] 11.9%<ref>''[[Christianity Today]]'', Sept. 2007, Pg. 19</ref>
  
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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>''Ask Dr. Ruwart: Libertarians and Taxation" [http://www.theadvocates.org/ruwart/questions_maint.php?s_keyword=charity&id=226]</ref>
+
====Americans have a long tradition of charitable giving and volunteerism====
  
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====United States cities with the highest volunteer participation in religious venues====
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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>
  
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* Salt Like City  21.8%
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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>
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* Charlotte  15.9%
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* Minneapolis/St. Paul  14.6%
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== Charity and irreligion ==
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* Omaha 14.6%
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* Nashville, 14.5%
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*[[Atheism and charity]]
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* Louisville 14.5%
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* Tulsa 13.6%
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*[[Atheist fundraising vs. religious fundraising]]
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* Kansas City 12.9%
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* Dallas 12.2%
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==Levels of giving per country==
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* Oklahoma City 11.9%<ref>''Christianity Today'', Sept. 2007, Pg. 19</ref>
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 +
The following is a table of national giving levels as a percentage of GDP.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Country
 +
! Level of Giving as % of GDP
 +
|-
 +
| [[USA]]
 +
| 1.67
 +
|-
 +
| [[UK]]
 +
| 0.73
 +
|-
 +
| [[Canada]]
 +
| 0.72
 +
|-
 +
| [[Australia]]
 +
| 0.69
 +
|-
 +
| [[South Africa]]
 +
| 0.64
 +
|-
 +
| [[Republic of Ireland]]
 +
| 0.47
 +
|-
 +
| [[Netherlands]]
 +
| 0.45
 +
|-
 +
| [[Singapore]]
 +
| 0.29
 +
|-
 +
| [[New Zealand]]
 +
| 0.29
 +
|-
 +
| [[Turkey]]
 +
| 0.23
 +
|-
 +
| [[Germany]]
 +
| 0.22
 +
|-
 +
| [[France]]
 +
| 0.14
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
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 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"/>
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
  
 
*[[Altruism]]
 
*[[Altruism]]
 +
*[[Fundraising]]
 
*[[Greed]]
 
*[[Greed]]
 +
*[[Capitalism]]
 +
*[[Social Services]]
 +
*[[Symbols of the Holy Spirit]]
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
  
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[[category:Christianity]]
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{{Virtues}}
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[[category:economics]]
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 +
[[Category:Economics]]
 +
[[Category:Fruits of the Holy Spirit]]
 +
[[Category:Conservative Traits]]
 +
 
 +
{{Conservatism}}

Latest revision as of 00:18, February 17, 2024

Charity / Bouguereau

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 -- liberals are far less charitable -- and charity has religious significance.

  • Charity is the giving of time or resources without the expectation of Earthly reward.[1]
  • Charity is a Christian virtue.[2] 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 essential to the success of free enterprise. Charity is the "other side of the coin," without which free enterprise could collapse for exploiting too many people while failing to help those unable to pay for assistance.

Charity and Religion

Charity is important to most religions, and is practiced by both religious and secular people and organizations.

  • 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 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 Matthew 25:31-46[3] 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.[4]
  • Judaism: Judaism uses the concept of tzedakah, or righteousness[5]. 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.

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. 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. Qur-an 2:271a (Islamic Scripture)

In Judaism, any act of kindness [Chessed[6]] 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).

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".[7]

United States cities with the highest volunteer participation in religious venues

Americans have a long tradition of charitable giving and volunteerism

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.[9]

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.[10]

Charity and irreligion

Levels of giving per country

The following is a table of national giving levels as a percentage of GDP.

Country Level of Giving as % of GDP
USA 1.67
UK 0.73
Canada 0.72
Australia 0.69
South Africa 0.64
Republic of Ireland 0.47
Netherlands 0.45
Singapore 0.29
New Zealand 0.29
Turkey 0.23
Germany 0.22
France 0.14

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 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.[10]

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://mw1.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charity
  2. ↑ http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09397a.htm
  3. ↑ Matthew 25:31-46 (KJV)
  4. ↑ http://www.jihadwatch.org/2008/05/us-most-charitable-nation-oil-rich-muslim-countries-give-almost-nothing.html
  5. ↑ https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4203668/jewish/What-Is-Tzedakah.htm
  6. ↑ https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/111261/jewish/Tzedek-amp-Chessed-Righteousness-and-Kindness.htm
  7. ↑ Ask Dr. Ruwart: Libertarians and Taxation"
  8. ↑ Christianity Today, Sept. 2007, Pg. 19
  9. ↑ http://www.america.gov/st/washfile-english/2007/June/200706261522251CJsamohT0.8012354.html
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 International Comparisons of Charitable Giving (November 2006) Briefing Paper, Charities Aid Foundation
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