There's been a lot of talk about faith-based initiatives lately. Some of us favour giving tax money to churches, and some of us favour not giving tax money to churches. I've always been one to favour giving one's personal money to religious organizations if one desires, but keeping taxpayer money out of the equation. The issue generates strong feelings on all sides. I wonder - how many of us actually give to the poor?
I doubt if the results of this poll will be useful to Senator Obama. Maybe Markos (or his advertisers) can get some use out of it. I will certainly learn something from it, and perhaps anyone who reads it will also learn something from it.
Charity can consist of time and money, as well as tangibles such as shelter (people staying in one's home), food, and clothing. Charity is freely donated to those less fortunate than oneself. I'm curious - how many of us give for the provision of the needy, and how many of us specifically give to religious organizations for the care of the needy? How many of us have donated recently - since this faith-based flap re-appeared?
If you gave a million dollars to the poor in May 2008, it doesn't count (of course, it counts - but not for this unscientific survey). If you tossed a few bucks into your religious organization's collection plate or donations basket, in June 2008, it does count. Use your conscience and your honesty.
Remember, groups like the Salvation Army are religious organizations, but Goodwill is secular and a group like Goodsearch allows you to direct donations to religious or secular nonprofits.