From the “Campus Ministry Update 2008” published by the Ivy Jungle:
Religious People Give More: Religious Americans give more money and time to charitable causes than their non-religious neighbors. A new book by Arthur Brooks, Who Really Cares, analyzed ten data sets, concluding that religiosity is one of the best predictors of charitable giving. Religious citizens give 3.5 times more money, volunteer with organizations twice as often, are 57% more likely to help the homeless, and 66% more likely to donate blood than those who are not religious. The findings also paint an unexpected political picture as those who are more religious also tend to be more conservative in social and political issues. In fact, of the 25 states with above average charitable giving, 24 voted for George Bush in the last election. In Arkansas, citizens donate an average of 3.9% of their income, while in Massachusetts it is only 1.8%. Good news for religion, however, among religious people, the data showed nothing distinctive about those who consider themselves evangelicals. (Books and Culture January/February 2008 p. 11)
Very interesting stuff. Mr.Brooks also says if you are a drinker you are more successful and charitable. And the conservatives are over populating the world.
Funny how its all in the translation.
Nothing new. 🙂