Givers
Could you imagine what society would be like if Christians did not care for their neighbors? Even though atheists do not like to admit that they are heavily influenced by their Christian environment, how would life be different if everyone lived the atheists’ ethic?
But, how many times have you heard “giving” of Christians discussed with reference to John 3:16? Christians are taught, and many take very seriously, God’ command to give, to provide for the needy, those worse off. “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27).
Although Catholicism is wrong theologically on so many counts, we look around and see what they have done for the poor and their hospitals are in most semi-large cities across the country. Christianity motivated them to give.
The Gallup World Poll annually takes a survey of 162 nations across the world. Yes, America’s religious culture motivates Americans to give quite generously. Also, it comes as no surprise that the more frequently someone attends worship services, the more likely he or she is to give – regardless of the country. Compared with France… Among those who give generously, 25% are worship-attenders, 14% do not. The numbers for Americans are 55% and 39% respectively.
In recent years, according to Dr. Rodney Stark, in America’s Blessings: How Religion Benefits Everyone, including Atheists, the typical American has contributed 5% of their income to charity. Roughly 66% goes to “church” and the other 33% to other (secular) charities. Additionally, among the “secular” charities, Christians make up the vast bulk of those givers. Over half of “worship-attenders” have given money to “nonreligious” charities. Only 37% of “non-attenders” had given.
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In a survey taken back in 2002, 78% of Americans had given to a charity. Eighty-percent of Protestants and Catholics had given but only 66% of “nones” had given. Yet, how many of those “nones” who gave, gave motivated because of Christian influence in their lives?
One more item – as with everything else we’ve noticed the last few weeks – the frequency of attendance at worship impacts our giving! Among those who attend worship weekly, 87% had given to a charity that year. Among infrequent worshipers, the number is 80%. Among those who “never” attend, the number drops off to 60%.
If Christ had never lived and motivated Christians to think about others (and if He had not commanded Christians to worship and to give), the percentage of Americans giving to secular charities would drop from 78% to 60% (That’s a conservative estimate). Based on figures from the National Philanthropic Trust, Americans donated $137 billion to secular charities. Without Christ, that figure would drop by at least $31 billion!
Indeed, all the families of the earth are blessed through the Seed of Abraham (Gen. 12:3; Gal. 3:16).
–Paul Holland
