Would you consider an Atheist who donates to a church's cause a hypocript? I donate to a church's shelter for battered women and recently to a church daycare that was burned down last week. I was called a hypocrite by an Atheist peer. I don't feel this way, I think that's absurd. Atheism does not make me less human. But are there Atheists who actually feel that's hypocrisy?
2006-10-02 15:03:25 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I do donate to secular charities as well, but why should I limit myself to only them instead of being able to help more people?
2006-10-02 15:26:55 · update #1
How dare you be compassionate? No it's not hypocritical.
2006-10-02 15:05:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Its not hypocrisy. Normally I would look for a secular charity but if there isn't one in the area and you want to help the community there is nothing wrong with that.
My only problem with donating to religious charities is that you don't always know where that money is going. You might want to donate to the battered women's shelter, but if the church needs new carpet in the narthex they might just shift that money where they need it.
I know it sounds like a stretch but I know for a fact that some churches do work this way. Some believe a donation is a donation and once they have it they can do with it as they see fit (or as they believe god sees fit).
But if you trust the church there is nothing wrong with it, I always donate to the local church's youth Habitat for Humanity trip.
2006-10-02 22:09:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
That money is going to be used now to try to convert those battered women. So, on top of the violence they've suffered, now they're going to be manipulated into becoming Christians, in exchange for help.
I wouldn't call you a hypocrit. But I do think you're wrong. There are many organisations OUTSIDE the church that help battered women. Couldn't you have given your money to some of those?
EDIT: Help those secular organisations strengthen and reach more people. Why shouldn't you also support religious organisations? Well, for the reasons I stated above. Also, the very fact that they will even talk about the importance of the church, BECAUSE of the many people who give them money, is unbearable in itself.
2006-10-02 22:24:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most atheists I know do volunteer work and donate time, money, blood etc. I do. You are not a hypocrite. However, there are lots of great organizations that need donations that do not require ppl to convert to get aid. If you like that particular charity you could volunteer sometime to see exactly how the money is spent.
2006-10-02 22:28:30 · answer #4 · answered by Medusa 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As an athiest you're in a minority situation almost anywhere in the United States. Athiesm is also not a collective so there are not really any athiest organizations (despite a few scattered in densely populated areas). Athiesm is by definition a lack of a collective association. Donating to specific charitable organizations does not imply your support of all attributes of the umbrella organization, and it is often one of few options available. If you get that comment again, asked that person to create a parallel charitable organization that would be considered acceptable. Until then, donate away.
2006-10-02 22:25:54 · answer #5 · answered by One & only bob 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends upon where the 'donation' goes. I think that giving to a women's shelter was just the humane and right thing to do. Sometimes we Atheists need to be less concerned with standing our ground when it come to helping a fellow human being. I don't think you are a hypocrite, I think you are a kind and caring person.
2006-10-02 22:16:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a fellow atheist I don't think it makes you a hypocrite. It is defiantly ironic that you would give to a church organization. However, I know how frustrating it can be to find local atheists charities to donate to. As long as you don't secretly believe in the existence of God as the reason for your donation it would seem to me that you are just trying to be a caring and ethical person.
2006-10-02 22:07:58 · answer #7 · answered by zatcsu 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Technically yes, but in a sense no because for one, you are trying to donate money for a cause of helping other women, but because it is given to the church, there likely will be some religious influence on the victims and in a way spreading christianity. But then again, the main purpose of receiving the money is to help abused woman, so the victim and denied the religious and still receive help.
2006-10-02 22:14:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not hypocritical at all. I try to only donate to secular causes though. I don't believe in supporting faith based help when the faith part of it is totally irrelevant and in the case of missions i definitely stay away because that is equal to bribery. They go to places where people need help and give help but dump their religion on them at the same time. It's deceitful.
2006-10-02 23:13:32 · answer #9 · answered by ChooseRealityPLEASE 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe, but not all. I am involved with my wife's church's charities because they help people. I have always thought that the most liberating part of being an atheist is that I am free to associate with human beings of all faiths.
2006-10-02 22:10:20 · answer #10 · answered by October 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Of course not. Some churches do a world of good, and I have no interest in seeing tax dollars going to their programs. Your atheist peer has a chip in their shoulder. Women's shelters and day care centers are needed, no matter who organizes them.
2006-10-02 22:07:01 · answer #11 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋