My family undoubtedly gives more money to Christian organizations (our local church, Compassion International, etc.) than secular ones (United Way, Little Leage, etc.); however, we view all charity as inherently Christian. Therefore, we give blood, we volunteer hundreds of hours each year to community projects, and we donate generously to museums and the arts.
2007-03-26 08:41:19
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answer #1
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answered by S David G 1
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Both. I have donated to Catholic Relief Services, the Catholic Worker House of Hospitality, and the Open Door Mission, but I have also donated to Meals on Wheels, Foodlink, America's Second Harvest, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. What matters is the reputation of the charity for doing its work well, not whether it is religious or secular. ( By the way, when I donated to the Tsunami Relief, I deliberately chose to do it through the local Islamic Center, rather than through Catholic Relief, because I thought a sign of cross-cultural sympathy might mean a lot at a time like that.)
2007-03-26 15:30:13
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answer #2
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answered by Maria E. 3
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The Red Cross has always been a great target for my contributions. However, I focus more on little known secular charities. Many are related to the Aliyah in Israel.
I would not trust one penny to the United Nations.
BTW - Christian-based charities that do secular work usually have the lowest admin costs (paid for by churches usually) as well as separate companies that keep their financial dealings in check called "Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability".
2007-03-26 15:29:46
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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I think it's about even. We do donate to both our church/faith-based charities, and to secular charities (Red Cross, Heifer International, United Way, Goodwill Industries, and Golden Harvest Food Bank).
We also give blood regularly and I volunteer for CASA (court appointed special advocates), which is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for children in child protective services custody.
2007-03-26 15:32:34
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answer #4
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answered by Contemplative Chanteuse IDK TIRH 7
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We donate to our church and other Christian organizations.. as well as to non-religious charities(such as Golden Harvest food, and the Red Cross)
2007-03-26 15:30:01
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answer #5
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answered by allyn h 4
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I pay tithing in my church. But I also donate to the red cross and other organizations that I think will use my money for what it is supposed to be used for. The bible does say that Charity never faileth. I do think that we all need to open our hearts and our pocketbooks sometimes.
My church uses the money we give as tithing and fast offerings, not only to build the church, but also to provide for people in need. The money we give goes towards new buildings that are needed, temples, and missionary work. The fast offerings I give go towards helping the needy get food, clothing, shelter and a host of other things. We also do humanitarian projects- we put together kits that are sent all over the world to help with hygiene, food, clothing, schooling, and other needs. They are sent to areas where they don't have the things they need to survive, or to better themselves without help.
Our church is also one of the first to respond to disasters. We were one of the first groups to show up during Katrina and the Tsunami disasters. In fact, our members who had stored food and water gave what they had to others, so they could have food and water. We were there before the red cross, for sure the government, and any other groups were there. I'm not bragging, it's a fact.
We have been told that as a people, we need to store food and water, clothing and other materials so we have them in case of emergency or other financial disaster. We help others with this, and we have a store house that dry packs and wet packs foods for people to buy so they can have a little stored also.
Our church doesn't only allow our members these benefits, it is for anyone who needs them. You don't have to go to our meetings, or attend our church to have access to all these things. It doesn't matter to us who you are, if you need help, we will help.
We provide meals for families who have just a baby, or a surgery, or if they just need a break for a while, or any other reason they feel they need one. This is done through the women of our church. We have a very strong system of visiting people who live near us to make sure they have what they need, and to see if we can help in any way. It doesn't matter what you believe, we care about everyone. We want everyone to have the things they need to support themselves, and to have the things in life they need. Yes, we will give a short lesson if they let us, but it doesn't matter if they don't. It's a way for us to help our fellow man and to do service for others.
2007-03-26 15:39:22
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answer #6
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answered by odd duck 6
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I have donated to the American Red Cross and the Bush-Clinton Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund. I refuse to ever donate to UNICEF, because of all the waste and fraud that occurs there.
The rest of my giving generally goes to Christian organizations that belong to the ECFA. (Evangelical Council for FInancial Accountability.)
2007-03-26 15:32:18
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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Both. But there is a lot of overlap between christian and secular charities and if they are doing pretty much the same thing I will donate to the christian charity.
2007-03-26 15:28:31
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answer #8
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answered by Laura H 5
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Yes, I donate to a couple of non-religious charities (National Autistic Society and Sightsavers) as well as my church. They all get about the same amount.
2007-03-26 16:42:00
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answer #9
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answered by Nebulous 6
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Yes. I sure do. The Red Cross for one. I have also have donated in my area - locally - zoo, museums. And, to certain members of my family that I consider to be secular charities.
2007-03-26 19:34:05
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answer #10
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answered by Phyllobates 7
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