Who really helps the needy? Pew study shows us, and so does the Orlando Sentinel
Religious people donate and volunteer more than their nonreligious neighbors. This has been established for years (yes, I'll show that in a moment), but professionals in the mainstream media don’t often pick up on it.
So it's a pleasure to read a news feature in The Orlando Sentinel – which not only reports a new Pew Research Center study on the fact, but takes the reporting down to the level of real people and groups in its own circulation area.
Starting with a minister who pastors a church and serves dinner at a rescue mission, the article broadens into a trend story:
Echoing a new Pew Research Center study that found religious people are more apt to volunteer and make charitable donations than others, the Rescue Mission and other Central Florida charities say the faith community provides critical support in providing food, shelter and clothing for the needy.
In survey results released last month, 45 percent of highly religious people — those who said they pray daily and attend weekly services – reported they had volunteered in the past week. By comparison, only 28 percent of others indicated they'd volunteered over that time frame.
Sixty-five percent of the highly religious individuals said they had donated money, time or goods to the poor in the past week, compared with 41 percent of people who were defined as being less religious.
You could use the story in a journalism clinic on showing how national studies shed light on local trends. Not only does the Sentinel summarize the Pew findings, but it provides the big picture on charity in Central Florida:
The roughly 7,000 nonprofits classified as 501(c)(3) in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Lake counties raise about $4.6 billion each year in charitable donations, he said. congregations are likely responsible for harnessing an additional $1.5 billion, he estimated, extrapolating this number from the few churches and faith organizations that have publicly available tax reports.
These congregations also help direct people toward the right nonprofit resources, said Eric Geboff, executive director of the Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando.
Even among secular non-profits, 10 percent to 15 percent – such as Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando – are "grounded in faith," the Sentinel says.
This story even passes a crucial GetReligion test, specifying the church that Fulmore pastors: Church of Christ at Gotha. Many mainstream media just call clergy "pastor," as if all churches and denominations are interchangeable.
The well-sourced 700-word piece includes remarks not only from Fulmore and the Orlando Union Rescue Mission, but also from the director of the local Jewish Family Services and even the imam of area's Islamic society. I'm surprised, though, that the newspaper doesn't ask the Diocese of Orlando, which has its own charity wing.
Especially enterprising is when the Sentinel gives a few paragraphs to a secularist leader:
At the same time, the impulse that drives many religious people to volunteer might have nothing to do with belief in God, said Joseph Richardson, who belongs to a local group of secularists, the Central Florida Freethought Community. Acts of kindness often flow from a humanist perspective that atheists and theists alike can embrace, he said.
"Having this compassion and empathy for fellow human beings and understanding that they hurt and need help sometimes … that's the kind of motivation that we have for doing volunteer work," Richardson said.
I'll confess that whenever I did a story on charity as a newspaper religion writer, I didn’t think of that angle.
My only question here is, why didn’t the Sentinel ask a logical follow-up question: "Why do you think so many more religious people give and volunteer more than nonreligious?" Richardson may have left the door open to the idea that freethinkers lack the "compassion and empathy" that the religious have. He should have had a chance to explain that.
Richardson does get to voice concerns that religious people use charity to proselytize, and the Sentinel gets a denial from the imam, Muhammad Musri. That was probably adequate. If Richardson didn’t bring up overall stats, his point is more argumentative than factual.
While I admire the thoroughness in facts and quotes, I do see a religious ghost here. Why are religious people helpful and giving? The answer likely lies in the various traditions – benevolence in Christianity, tzedakah in Judaism, zakat in Islam – that teach the need to share what believers have received from God. That could have been a good sidebar.
Some background on giving and volunteering would have been good, too. In 2001, a Independent Sector found that religious households not only gave more to charity but volunteered more – both to religious and secular organizations.
And in 2006, social researcher Arthur L. Brooks published a whole book on the topic, showing that given equal income and socioeconomic situation, religious and social conservatives give and do more for charity than their secular counterparts.
I also wish the Orlando Sentinel had interviewed some beneficiaries. Besides Fulmore, all of the quotes are from institutional chiefs. True, they're in a position to speak authoritatively. But a person or two who have gotten help from religious sources would have crystallized the facts on the ground.
It would also be good to link to the Pew survey. It's not easy to find, because it has a general title of "How highly religious Americans’ lives are different from others." Here's the link.
But my main problem is that there aren’t more such articles. For so many mainstream media, religion news these days is about setting straight whom to marry or which bathroom to use. Meanwhile, tens of millions of regular people quietly give and work for others. http://www.getreligion.org/getreligion/2016/5/30/who-really-helps-the-needy-pew-study-shows-us-and-so-does-the-orlando-sentinel
So it's a pleasure to read a news feature in The Orlando Sentinel – which not only reports a new Pew Research Center study on the fact, but takes the reporting down to the level of real people and groups in its own circulation area.
Starting with a minister who pastors a church and serves dinner at a rescue mission, the article broadens into a trend story:
Echoing a new Pew Research Center study that found religious people are more apt to volunteer and make charitable donations than others, the Rescue Mission and other Central Florida charities say the faith community provides critical support in providing food, shelter and clothing for the needy.
In survey results released last month, 45 percent of highly religious people — those who said they pray daily and attend weekly services – reported they had volunteered in the past week. By comparison, only 28 percent of others indicated they'd volunteered over that time frame.
Sixty-five percent of the highly religious individuals said they had donated money, time or goods to the poor in the past week, compared with 41 percent of people who were defined as being less religious.
You could use the story in a journalism clinic on showing how national studies shed light on local trends. Not only does the Sentinel summarize the Pew findings, but it provides the big picture on charity in Central Florida:
The roughly 7,000 nonprofits classified as 501(c)(3) in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Lake counties raise about $4.6 billion each year in charitable donations, he said. congregations are likely responsible for harnessing an additional $1.5 billion, he estimated, extrapolating this number from the few churches and faith organizations that have publicly available tax reports.
These congregations also help direct people toward the right nonprofit resources, said Eric Geboff, executive director of the Jewish Family Services of Greater Orlando.
Even among secular non-profits, 10 percent to 15 percent – such as Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando – are "grounded in faith," the Sentinel says.
This story even passes a crucial GetReligion test, specifying the church that Fulmore pastors: Church of Christ at Gotha. Many mainstream media just call clergy "pastor," as if all churches and denominations are interchangeable.
The well-sourced 700-word piece includes remarks not only from Fulmore and the Orlando Union Rescue Mission, but also from the director of the local Jewish Family Services and even the imam of area's Islamic society. I'm surprised, though, that the newspaper doesn't ask the Diocese of Orlando, which has its own charity wing.
Especially enterprising is when the Sentinel gives a few paragraphs to a secularist leader:
At the same time, the impulse that drives many religious people to volunteer might have nothing to do with belief in God, said Joseph Richardson, who belongs to a local group of secularists, the Central Florida Freethought Community. Acts of kindness often flow from a humanist perspective that atheists and theists alike can embrace, he said.
"Having this compassion and empathy for fellow human beings and understanding that they hurt and need help sometimes … that's the kind of motivation that we have for doing volunteer work," Richardson said.
I'll confess that whenever I did a story on charity as a newspaper religion writer, I didn’t think of that angle.
My only question here is, why didn’t the Sentinel ask a logical follow-up question: "Why do you think so many more religious people give and volunteer more than nonreligious?" Richardson may have left the door open to the idea that freethinkers lack the "compassion and empathy" that the religious have. He should have had a chance to explain that.
Richardson does get to voice concerns that religious people use charity to proselytize, and the Sentinel gets a denial from the imam, Muhammad Musri. That was probably adequate. If Richardson didn’t bring up overall stats, his point is more argumentative than factual.
While I admire the thoroughness in facts and quotes, I do see a religious ghost here. Why are religious people helpful and giving? The answer likely lies in the various traditions – benevolence in Christianity, tzedakah in Judaism, zakat in Islam – that teach the need to share what believers have received from God. That could have been a good sidebar.
Some background on giving and volunteering would have been good, too. In 2001, a Independent Sector found that religious households not only gave more to charity but volunteered more – both to religious and secular organizations.
And in 2006, social researcher Arthur L. Brooks published a whole book on the topic, showing that given equal income and socioeconomic situation, religious and social conservatives give and do more for charity than their secular counterparts.
I also wish the Orlando Sentinel had interviewed some beneficiaries. Besides Fulmore, all of the quotes are from institutional chiefs. True, they're in a position to speak authoritatively. But a person or two who have gotten help from religious sources would have crystallized the facts on the ground.
It would also be good to link to the Pew survey. It's not easy to find, because it has a general title of "How highly religious Americans’ lives are different from others." Here's the link.
But my main problem is that there aren’t more such articles. For so many mainstream media, religion news these days is about setting straight whom to marry or which bathroom to use. Meanwhile, tens of millions of regular people quietly give and work for others. http://www.getreligion.org/getreligion/2016/5/30/who-really-helps-the-needy-pew-study-shows-us-and-so-does-the-orlando-sentinel
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It's really sad that many in the progressive left accuse believers of not walking the walk when all the evidence is to the contrary. We help on our own voluntarily while progressives try to coerce their political enemies to do it through the tax code while they take credit for the giving of others while giving little or nothing themselves to charitable causes.
It's really sad that many in the progressive left accuse believers of not walking the walk when all the evidence is to the contrary.
When one takes money from one pocket and puts it in the other, that ain't walking the walk …
… that's tap dancing around the reality.
Who do you think picks up the slack for tax-exempt churches?
Tithing isn't giving charity … it's paying DUES to belong to the club (so-to-speak).
Without doubt, many religious people give to charities of all kinds, that out of caring and compassion; but to tout RELIGION a an entity as more charitable than any other demographic, is just as self-serving as self-sustaining "charity".
Words are inadequate to answer this... but, Good Grief!
Giving to a church is fine, but it goes to support one's own comfort, etc., in a church setting. I've been to several churches, right down the road-- brand new building, including a fancy library and a gym. But would the charitable members of this church help our fellow Kentuckians have a library in their county? Nope. They would neither donate books, even religious ones, to help their fellow man-- only their own. Would they help a community build a community center that benefits the entire community in another, poorer county? Nope.
Not one church would help, in any way.
Would they bring in canned food and other food items to help the refugee center? Nope. Would they bring in and donate school supplies to the poor children that live the same county they do? Nope. Would they allow a portion of their unused and vacant property to be used for a community garden? Nope.
So don't give me this crap. I donate at least 10% of my $$ to help people. Yet, you would label me an "uncaring progressive liberal". I've given entire paychecks for people who need help. And done it gladly. So, NOPE.
You sure do talk the talk, but do YOU walk the walk? What sacrifices have you made for those less fortunate than yourself?
Many churches do all of that. Provide support for education and books, provide food and shelters for the the homeless, provide equipment, supplies, man power for disaster relief, operate ministries for prisons, the deaf, the blind. Many meet these and development , water, micro loans, and other needs abroad. Many provide medical and educational services here and elsewhere. That's my experience with faith based missions and ministries I support.
We have had vastly different experiences. I have been sadly disappointed by many of the so called "Christian" churches here in Louisville. If it doesn't benefit their congregation-- don't ask.
My own church refused to sponsor a "Mother's Day Out" activity, because of the projected wear and tear on the playground equipment. I mean, really!
In general, if they can't preach there, they won't help. If it doesn't benefit themselves somehow, they aren't willing to donate their time and energy. It's sad, but true, XX.
I have worked with legitimate charities here in Louisville, that the churches WON'T help. At all, in any way.
Want to donate a book to their library? It has to be on their approved reading list. "Plato's The Republic" isn't on the list. I guess they don't want the congregants thinking. Nor is "The Bee Keeper" by Joyce Carol Oates. Nor "Freckles", by Joyce Carol Oates. And those are very good books-- look them up if you haven't read them.
I am VERY disgusted by the lack of 'acts of Christian charity' that our local churches espouse. If you're poor, it's your own fault, and heaven forbid we help them! What harm would a community garden do? They cited insurance-- aren't they already paying insurance? If it helps feed people, under their own steam, what's the problem? They're not looking for a hand out, but just a place to dig in the dirt and grow their own vegetables. The church doesn't even have to mow that area. What harm would the donation of used coats be? Or other used clothing? Just because it is going to an Indian reservation... Because they can't spread their own brand of "Christianity", they're not interested? PISH!
You are right that our experienced are so different. I am aware that there are some who haven't had the giving spirit. I couldn't be a part of an ungiving church.
That's why I quit. Exactly why I quit. The talk the talk, but don't walk the walk... I can do more good on my own. And I do, as frequently as I possibly can.
If giving is so important and it is, why quit when you could join a church or denomination with a more charity driven outlook? Why not join the Salvation Army or find another charity with a church background supporting it and join the denomination that backs it, losing ones faith over the actions of a few hypocrites is sad too.
1st, and foremost, I have not lost my faith. My faith is truly strong and has been tested. The mere fact that you would even suggest that I lost my faith--JUST because I do not wish to attend a church-- drives me to distraction and makes my head want to explode. I've worked out what I feel, based on careful consideration and much thought. I follow my heart, and do the best I can to do what I know is right.
Secondly, I give with NO strings attached-- no one has to sit down and be preached at-- nor is that my style-- to receive what I try to generously give. 3rd, my brand of religious thinking doesn't go well with the mainstream faiths. I personally think that God loves us all, even those that don't believe in Him, and that he comes in many different shapes and colors, showing different faces to different peoples. On the "church" side, I don't understand the huge uproar over dunking over sprinkling, and don't believe that God cares, one way or the other-- what He cares about is what resides in the heart.
I don't pretend to understand His universe, and know, without a shadow of a doubt, God is greater than anything, and everything is in his hands. The rest is just dogma. I'm not a big fan of dogma...
Find me a church that leaves people be and helps other people and I may there. Have fun finding one... By the very nature of a church, it is an organization that must support itself. Any group of humans getting together on a regular basis, becomes a "clique", where status is determined by indiscriminate forces, and I don't believe in that. It's between You and God. A church is an organization, that exists to perpetuate itself, AND I don't honestly feel that it is a holy place, because Mankind always turns it into political fodder and hierarchy.
Then, there is Church Law and God's Law. Church laws claim to be God's law, but are they? I don't think so. It is all subject to someone else's interpretation of the written word, custom, and social acceptability. I live down here in the Bible Belt, and my thought is that 90% of them are NUTS. I'm not a fan of "my way or the highway thinking", and I'm not a big proponent of churches, period.
God will take care of all of us, and we're all very likely to be surprised when we die...
No church should base its doctrines on anything besides what is in the Bible. There may be writings and illustrations as well but those must be in agreement with the Bible, not contradicting it. Anyone who is a believer and is living in the best light that God has shown them is going to be saved. There is no doubt about that. People past and present who were not exposed to the Israelite message before the cross or the gospel message afterward, who lived according to the best info God did provide them will also be saved. It is the hearing of and then rejecting the message or new light that puts one at risk and we're no judges of the inner conscience of another. When we get to heaven we will be surprised that certain people aren't there as we look upon the outward appearance and Godlooks upon the heart. T likewise there will be people there that we thought to ourselves they had no chance. This is why we don't judge others.
I don't see it that way. As my Grandma said, "The bible in one man's hand is as dangerous as a gun in another's hand."
I don't believe God made all these people, just so that he condemn them for not believing the "right way". What about the Hindus? The Buddhists? The Animists? I don't see God as vengeful, I see him as merciful. I don't see God as being entirely picky about exactly how people worship...
We obviously can't talk about this, you and I-- so I declare an IMPASSE and wish you a good day!
I believe that all the people of other religions around the world and through out time up until the end time will in fact be saved in heaven if they have lived their lives according to the best light/information they have been shown. You seem to believe that too? There is no one who has ever lived who doesnt / didn't have an opportunity to be saved. Jesus himself said narrow is the way to Heaven and wide is the road to being lost, so sadly it seems that there will be fewer saved than lost.
Religious people donate and volunteer more than their nonreligious neighbors.
Really?
In 2014, the majority of charitable dollars went to religion (32%), education (15%), human services and grant making foundations (12%), and health (8%).
Since donations to religious groups, even uncharitable ones, count as “charitable giving,” then it is no surprise that religious people give more to charity.
Simply put, non-religious people don’t donate to religion. This is neither earth shattering nor particularly informative. Nor is it surprising that those states populated by sects that push their members to tithe report higher “charitable” giving.
I don't question the roles of compassion and empathy, but the real test is in the proportion of donations to secular/utilitarian charities as compared to religious people giving to religious charities.
Altruism or self-funded pragmatism? Humanitarianism or self-perpetuation?
They have two gyms, an old folks home, a retirement community, a large library, 5 services on Sunday and 2 on Saturday, and the place is constantly hopping with bible studies, etc. They make a fortune (at $20 per head) for their Passion Play.
I'm sorry, but I find this to be utterly ridiculous. This is NOT what Christianity is all about! And then, on every street corner there are the wannabes that funnel more and more resources into their buildings and less and less into the people they SAY they are trying to help. My husband and I call them Six Flags over Jesus, because it is such a circus over there. The pastor makes more than $1 Million a year.
I can make my charitable dollars go farther and do more, on my own. And I do. (My overhead is less...)
That monstrosity has 'sucker' written all over it.
I get mad just thinking about that place.
Dowser, when I lived in Toledo, OH we had a similar mega church. It is still thriving, despite the fact that the pastor has been arrested on multiple DWI charges and masturbating in public. Read this, but try not to let your head explode.
Too late...
Is there really a difference between a secular and a faith based charity designed to meet the same needs? Why should my contribution to a homeless shelter run by a faith based group count for less than yours given to a secular charity that also serves the homeless?
I just went to the article to see the Pew Study. The link sent me to another newspaper, which also cited a Pew study, but no link to it. I then went to the Pew and could not find the study. If there was a study, it was not done recently.
I am so tired of these endless articles about religion. Who knew that this group was so fascinated?
You have been known to post a few yourself.
You really as a Christian tire of seeing articles about faith and belief in the religion section of NTer's? Why?
I thought it was common knowledge that conservatives were much more charitable than liberals. Liberals are only generous with other people's money.
Again, I protest!
Broad brushed labels that aren't factual or real.
I've seen homeless people without a coat, stopped the car and given them mine. That's not a "charitable donation", but it's helping someone stay warm. What's the monetary worth of that? Seeing as how it my first new winter coat in about 10 years, it was a hard gift to give, but it would have haunted me that I have old, but ok, winter coats and this lady was freezing. Does it have a monetary value? The cost of the coat? To me, not that much, but to that person, everything.
Note: I came home, selected one coat as a winter coat, and gave the rest to the Salvation Army. People need help!
What about the young families in the grocery store line that can't pay for all the food they need? Have you ever stepped up to the plate and paid their balance? I do, a lot. I can do without my People Magazine, if it buys food for their kids... What is the monetary value of that? It's purely random, I don't know these people. Yet, it is the least I can do. IF you are of a charitable mind, there is need everywhere. Opportunities are everywhere.
You would call me an uncaring progressive liberal. I call myself a human being...
My church at home would not sponsor a Mother's Day Out, because they may have to buy new playground equipment in the next 10 years or so. Yet, they're on a HUGE fund drive to build the church a gym. They don't need a gym. Go to the YMCA. If it is fellowship they want, set up a time for all the kids to go to the YMCA together-- or set up a volleyball net in the dang parking lot. Let's be a bit more practical! Save the postage and don't send me another begging letter...