Should I contribute to missionaries of a religion I don't believe in?

Question

A former student of mine has included me on a group mailing list asking for prayers and financial support for her missionary group that's going to Russia to work with youth in a sports camp/Bible study group. No doubt the sports activities will be fun for the Russians, but there's no mention of building houses, feeding the hungry, or otherwise helping the poor. The primary purpose of the mission is to "open the hearts of the people" & to connect with God in a new and intimate setting".

While I have no problem with people sharing their religious views with willing listeners or with followers of a particular religion renewing their belief in God, I'd rather help out a charity that makes a more concrete contribution to people's lives. I only earn $15,000 a year as an adjunct professor at a university & can't afford to sponsor anyone taking an overseas trip for their own spiritual enrichment.

Should I make a token contribution anyway? If not, how should I respond?

Answer 1

I would explain that because of the nature of your job you get multiplie requests for contributions to various organizations and unfortunately am unable to give to all of them. If you are inclined, you may wish to give your former student a small going away gift or a gift certificate as a token, but you are under no obligation to otherwise contribute to her spritual endeavors.

Answer 2

It would be acceptable to contribute to a cause founded by a religion that you don't believe in, if you believed in the cause. If the missionaries were offering computers or warm coats, it sounds like you'd be more up for it. As charities go, this one sounds pretty frivolous.

If you were more well off yourself, I might suggest giving as a graduation gift to your former student if you were decent friends. As it stands, it sounds like you have enough doubts that it wouldn't be worthwhile. Also, did your former student ask you if you wanted to be involved? If not, that's actually pretty rude. The organisation doesn't need a response, but your former student might. If you want, you could get involved in more locally based charitable activities, and write to eachother regarding your experiences. Or you could simply thank them for thinking of you, but explain that donations are not options available to you at this time.

Answer 3

Let me ask you another question. Does giving people things they didn't work for help them in the long run? This is the main problem in Africa, the UN gives money to the governments, which they use to buy arms instead of capital improvements to their country. Without that money, they would have to build up the capital if they chose to do war. You only make 15000 dollars a year, so giving money to charity would hurt you financially. Instead, you could donate your time to help others maybe in education as you are a adjunct professor. I volunteer my time to get adults to pass the GED.

Answer 4

I would vote NO. If you don't feel quite right about it, don't do it. If there is some way you could maybe donate your time, rather than money since you say you have limited income, that might be a better choice. As far as how to respond, I would let them know you may have some time to donate (if you do), or simply let them know you are unable to help at this time.

The fact that you asked this question shows you have a caring and giving heart, which I can appreciate...good luck.

Answer 5

I don't believe you should contribute to this cause. It doesn't sound very convincing to me. I can't tell you exactly how you should respond because I don't know your former student or these missionaries and how they will react to certain responses. A possible option would be to say that, though you wish them luck in their quest, if you donate, you would prefer to give to a group that would help improve their quality of life as well as their spirituality.

Answer 6

If you're included on a group mailing list, this is not personal communication and I don't believe any response is required. If you don't believe in this cause and have only limited finances, why would you even consider contributing?

Answer 7

You are not obliged to contribute to something you don't believe in even if you had the money. And it was very rude of your ex student to ask you so.

My answer would be that I'd be dishonest with myself and with them if I spent money in a project (not necessarily religious) I cannot believe in. In short, you should make it clear you don't believe in what they're doing, and that should be enough. If they don't understand, there's nothing you can do about it.

Answer 8

no. please don't. i am graduating this year with my focus on developing and funding charitable and faith-based groups. i chose to go this direction because of a research paper i had done, in which i discovered what a waste some of these organizations are. if they want to vacation and spread the word, let them get a job to do it. please if you can contribute do so responsibly. you don't sound like you can afford it, so don't. but remember there are things in your own community you can do to help people. tell them exactly what you just said. if they push you, let them know you find their practices offensive.

Answer 9

Send something to a Russian orphanage (a good used computer perhaps) they really need help...and thank the missionaries for inspiring you to do this.

Answer 10

No, and don't feel guilty either.
luv Ava

p.s. I can sympathize, but in life we need to make clear decisions and then move on, quietly and quickly; if you don't people can read your hesitant behavior and they will use you. Money will come for them, and move along and don't question yourself, ever!