Christians more inclined to donate to charities than non-Christians: Study
‘Tis the Season for Giving: Christians Lead the Way in Generosity
According to the American Bible Society’s annual report on the spiritual state of the American Christian, the ABS has once again found that generosity is strongly correlated to the Christian faith.
In the ABS study titled “State of the Bible: USA 2023,” practicing Christians are more likely to give to charity (95%) than either non-practicing Christians (68%) or non-Christians (51%).
The study defined a practicing Christian as one who identifies as a Christian, attends church at least once a month, and considers faith as very important in his or her life.
A non-practicing Christian was someone who identified as Christian but missed one of the two remaining criteria. Non-Christians did not identify as Christian.
Only about one in five Americans qualified as a practicing Christian according to the study’s criteria.
Not only were Christians nearly twice as likely to give to charity, they were much more likely to give in greater amounts.
As the study found: “When people practice a meaningful Christian faith, they give, and they give more.”
The average donations given for the three categories were reflective of the likelihood to give in the first place. The average donations were $5,350 for Christians, $3,806 for non-practicing Christians and $3,168 for non-Christians.
The ABS study also found a high correlation between volunteer work and charity giving. When asking people about their volunteer work, those who volunteered at church were more than twice as likely to donate at the highest level (more than $1,800) than those who didn’t.
The generosity connection to volunteer work also extended to community volunteers, who were 60 percent more likely to give at the highest level than non-volunteers.
The study stated succinctly, “The Bible urges believers to give … Clearly one’s relationship with the Bible is associated with financial generosity.”
The study referenced specific scriptures supporting the link between Christian faith and generous giving:
- “We have examples of Joanna, Susanna, Mary, and others who supported Jesus’s ministry ‘out of their out means’ (Luke 8:1–3). Barnabas sold the property to fund the early church (Acts 4:36–37). Paul commended the Macedonian churches for their ‘rich generosity’ (2 Corinthians 8:1–5).”
As Christians are led by the holy scriptures in their generosity, the Word also instructs the state of the heart in service to our Lord: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Col. 3:17).
As we enjoy this Christmas season, let Christians remember that we shine a light through our works and giving, not only to one another in hope and love, but to the world as a witness.
As C.S. Lewis once said, “The great thing is to be found at one’s post as a child of God, living each day as though it were our last, but planning as though our world might last a hundred years.”
The post Christians ‘Significantly’ More Likely to Donate to Charities Than Non-Christians: Study appeared first on The Western Journal.
What were the primary motivations for Christians to give, according to the study?
Highest level compared to non-volunteers. This suggests that the act of volunteering itself fosters a spirit of generosity and encourages individuals to give more to charitable causes.
The study also delved into the motivations behind Christian giving. It found that the primary motivation for Christians to give was their belief in God’s commandment to help those in need. Christians saw giving as a way to express their faith and fulfill their religious responsibilities. This aligns with the biblical teachings that emphasize the importance of generosity and caring for the less fortunate.
Furthermore, the study highlighted the impact of Christian organizations in facilitating charitable giving. It revealed that Christians were more likely to give to religious organizations compared to other types of charities. This indicates the significant role that churches and religious institutions play in inspiring and mobilizing Christians to contribute to their communities.
The findings of the ABS study are consistent with previous research that has shown the generous nature of Christians. The religious teachings that emphasize love, compassion, and helping others undoubtedly contribute to this trend. As Christians embrace the true meaning of the holiday season, they are reminded of the importance of giving and selflessness.
However, it is essential to emphasize that generosity is not exclusive to Christians. Individuals from various faiths and even those who do not identify with any religion also exhibit remarkable acts of generosity and philanthropy. The ABS study focused specifically on the correlation between Christianity and giving, shedding light on the patterns within this demographic.
With the holiday season fast approaching, it is a time for reflection and gratitude. It is a season that reminds us to think beyond ourselves and to extend a helping hand to those in need. As the ABS study shows, Christians lead the way in generosity, setting an example for everyone to follow. Through their giving, they make a positive impact on their communities and demonstrate the true spirit of the season – a spirit of compassion, kindness, and selflessness.
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