Why do Christians only extend Christian charity to people who are Christian or to converts?

Question

Talk about leaving a black sheep behind!

This is the smallest town I've ever lived in. It's like one big family maybe. The only churches here are all Christian. There is no charity organization that I know of. I'm not blaming the local Christians for my lack of help (I need glasses and dental care for example), just frustrated that if I were the same religion, the odds that I would receive the help I need might increase

A religion that sets itself up as being the only correct one (has this changed?) is bound to leave behind 'black sheep' . ..National charity organizations . ..odd I've never heard of them . .. shouldnt there be some kind of welcome wagon when you move to a place or is competition for resources really the issue

Answer 1

They don't. But they do commonly take care of their own first.

BTW, when you pay bills, do you pay the bills of your family first, or the people down the street? Christianity is a family thing.

Answer 2

This is manifestly untrue, although your experience, if based on the "charity" of local churches or parishes, might be different.

"Christian Aid", to use just one international charity with a label name -- but others are similar -- provides aid to children everywhere in the world without regard to whether the country has any Christians at all.

The Salvation Army similarly never inquires into religion in the countries where it operates and the people it serves. However, like missionary organizations generally there is an implicit "charity begins at home" element: all missionary entities, whether the Salvation Army or the Christian and Missionary Alliance (a conservative missionary-based American church active in Africa) spend much of the contributions they receive on salaries and benefits for their missionary personnel. And they by definition their purpose for charitable work is to expand their membership, or at least to increase the number of practising Christians about.

Within the USA since the 1970s, ethnic and religious charities have had to change their focus insofar as there was an ethnic or religious criterion for receiving services. While non-Baptists, non-Jews and non-Catholics might not wish to spend their last days in a retirement or nursing home attached to a faith they don't belong to, anti-discrimination law has made it impossible for a charity to limit its services to its own religion. Or nationality: the "Swiss Home" in Mount Kisco, NY closed long ago for that reason (plus the fact that there may not be enough elderly Swiss migrants in the USA, Switzerland not being the poor country it was in the early 20th Century).

Answer 3

There are many Christian organizations that give generous help to people of other faiths. I think your blanket statement is totally unfair. (I'm not a Christian, by the way.) Look at the work of the Salvation Army, for example. And there are a number of Christian organizations that bring food and help when disaster strikes around the world. In my community, a number of churches offer cold night shelters during the wintertime, with different churches taking turns to provide the shelters and the volunteers to staff them. In fact, I'd say that Christians in general are quite generous in helping those of other (or no) faith, maybe more so than members of some other religions.

Answer 4

I am not Christian but I do notice that the Christian churches open their doors to many organizations that have members of every religion.. Christian churches are more than willing to allow Alcoholics Anonymous to hold meetings in their rooms. AA members are of many different faiths. They also host many other anonymous meetings knowing full well that the attendees are not all Christians. I have also worked at food banks, servicing people of every conceivable faith, where the predominant donors were Christian Churches. Soup kitchens at Christian churches all over the country open their doors to any needy person regardless of their religion. And Christian Churches, at their cost, distribute the food from federal and private food banks. I have never known a Christian Church that would not help a person in need. You are highly misinformed.

Answer 5

The thing about man is he is fallible and so are Religions because they were made by man. Every Sec in the Christian Religion is different as well as every Christian is differnet. I think it is unfair to make this generalization about all Christians, some maybe, but all no. My church supports people of other faiths and nationalities. I suggest if you are having an issue with one group of Christians, move to another group. GOD bless

Answer 6

I am a Christian, but I totally understand where you are coming from. There is a lot of un-Christian behavior among "Christians". No one ever said anyone is perfect, we all have our flaws, but there are some out there that think by belittling others, or pointing out the flaws of others makes them better, at least feel better. Truth being, the blood of Jesus is the only thing that can cover that sin...a lot of "Christians" need to get back on their knees and stop judging others, and get a good look at their own life.

Answer 7

I completley DIS-agree. Most christian charities give donated money to people and other organizations who have never even stepped into a church. Clothes drives that we do at church are donated to the local "value village" and has nothing to do with religion.

Stop being ignorant.

Answer 8

I'm not sure why that is, but it seems a little self rightous don't it. What's funny is Jesus Christ never hung out and helped only the people that believed in him ,, he hung around and spent time with the " sinners" in the world because in his eyes they were the ones that need his help and love the most. Funny how Christians have seemed to forget that huh??? :)

Answer 9

Well my cousin is Christian and helps people other than Christians. Actually I've never known him to help a Christian period. He usually works with inner city kids or helps out the local drug addicts. Probably trying to get them to be Christian's at the same time, lol!

Answer 10

I beg your pardon but we have one of the largest charity organizations in the world. We work hand in hand with the red cross and other charitable organizations around the world. Our charity extends to everybody worldwide no matter who they are and it is all done through member contributions and voluntary man power.