Christian Charity

I was recently reminded of a “real” which we should often reflect upon: Christians give more to charity, do more charitable work, than any other single group. Studies indicate that the churchgoer gives up to twice as much to charity as any other person, religious or non-religious (giving even more to non-religious affiliated charities than non-Christians). In addition to charitable work, Christians also provide an impressive degree of first-response disaster relief. Name a disaster in the last fifty years and a Christian-affiliated response team was among the first ones there.

Even if one takes into account the fact that a great deal of Christian giving goes towards “ministers' salaries, church upkeep, and Sunday School” the simple fact is that Christians still give more than any other group. What can explain this?

I will delve into the realm of “motivations” only to say this: whether the Christian gives more because they “are forced to” (an ignorant claim I’ve often heard), i.e. it is their (absolute) duty as a Christian, or because they have a genuine concern for the suffering of the world, matters little to me. In fact, one could argue that "giving as a duty" takes nothing away from the charitable act, but speaks a great deal rather about the integrity of an ideology that requires providing assistance to others. What concerns me here is the outcome: Do the suffering receive aid? Motivations are a moot point (though I would accept an argument which attacks a “charity” with strings attached). In a twist on St. Paul’s discussion concerning the preaching of the gospel: “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice” (Phil. 1:18) -What does it matter? (Why question the motives of the Christian here?) The important thing is that Christians give more, whether from false motives or true, to the aid organizations of the world. And because of this I rejoice.

Apart from motivations, one of the major contributing factors to this incredible amount of Christian giving must certainly be related to organizational structure. I've touched on this briefly in a previous blog (in relation to the possibility of reconciliation): Isn't it precisely the Christian system, a system which provides a structure within which giving is made a simple matter, a system in which large groups of people are effectively empowered to give, in which giving itself is a kind of cherished narrative within the community, that has contributed to the success of Christian charity? (This should give those anti-organizational Christians pause: Do not forget the power of an organized people to change the world).

I agree here with my beloved philosopher: The way to show our respect for an authority (an individual or organization, political or not) is to be ruthlessly critical. I want to add: And let us also give honour where honour is due.