I can understand why its necessary to keep Religion separate from
State, and also I can see a logic in why Religion is kept away from
Schools(even though it saddens me that even the idea of God is
systematically being driven out of the children's minds in their
formative years), what can be the logic for keeping religion away from
charity? I heard recently that certain
employers hesitate to match funds if the charitable organization is
connected to a religious institution (even though the charity is
recognized - like in the US 501(c)(3) charities are those which have
Federal Tax Exemption status)
What is religion without charity? As a Christian, my faith is nothing, if it does not bear good fruits in charity (The Bible is pretty clear that faith without 'works' is dead) - I am sure that is the case with most other religions. I know how certain religious extremists have used charity as a front for their extremists agenda. I also know of how funds from US and elsewhere have messed up the socio-ecumenical-secular fabric of countries like India. Those are gross abuses of money intended for charity and religion - yet, I feel the charity in religion is something really valuable and should not be stifled.
As long as one can trust that the money donated will be used solely for the charitable purpose, and will benefit those in need completely (and not be funded for any religious propagation) there should be a flourishing environment for charity driven by religion - where religion is encouraged to get involved and lead efforts in charity. Our world needs lot of charity.
What is religion without charity? As a Christian, my faith is nothing, if it does not bear good fruits in charity (The Bible is pretty clear that faith without 'works' is dead) - I am sure that is the case with most other religions. I know how certain religious extremists have used charity as a front for their extremists agenda. I also know of how funds from US and elsewhere have messed up the socio-ecumenical-secular fabric of countries like India. Those are gross abuses of money intended for charity and religion - yet, I feel the charity in religion is something really valuable and should not be stifled.
As long as one can trust that the money donated will be used solely for the charitable purpose, and will benefit those in need completely (and not be funded for any religious propagation) there should be a flourishing environment for charity driven by religion - where religion is encouraged to get involved and lead efforts in charity. Our world needs lot of charity.
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