Maryland is now the wealthiest state in the nation, with a median household income of $65,144 in 2006. We are also one of the most politically liberal states in the nation, where Democrats, who are often associated with advocacy for the poor, outnumber Republicans by roughly 2 to 1. It would seem that these two facts would bode well for the region’s charities, but several recent studies prove the opposite.
Arthur Brooks studied 10 different data sets from prestigious universities, such as the Center on Philanthropy of Indiana University, to formulate the conclusions revealed in his book, “Who Really Cares: The Surprising Truth About Compassionate Conservatism ? America?s Charity Divide, Who Gives, Who Doesn?t, and Why It Matters.”
Those who work in fundraising for charities understand that generosity frequently declines as wealth increases. People of modest incomes in rural South Dakota or Mississippi are typically far more generous than those in affluent areas like San Francisco or Manhattan. What Brooks, who identifies himself as one who was raised in a politically liberal family, found to be most striking was that “liberals, who often claim to care more about others than conservatives do, arepersonally less charitable.” Brooks was surprised to discover that religious conservatives are the most generous of all.
It might seem obvious on first blush that religious people do give significantly, primarily to their faith communities. However, what Brooks found goes far deeper. “Religious people do not outperform secularists in charity simply because of their gifts to houses of worship. Religious people are, inarguably, more charitable in every measurable way,” he wrote.
As a pastor, I see a wonderful cycle that works as friends grow in their faith. Spiritual growth in other areas fosters movement toward what we in our church label “extravagant generosity.” And those who practice this sacrificial giving discover that their spiritual lives grow dramatically as a result.
In another study of the effects of generosity on our emotional well-being, Steven Post, a professor of bioethics at Case Western Reserve University, describes “the exciting new research that proves the link between doing good and living a longer, healthier, happier life.” His book, “Why Good Things Happen to Good People,” uses a wealth of data to document how generous people end up living longer, healthier and happier lives. It turns out that the words of Jesus from so long ago are now verified by the social sciences: It really is more blessed to give than to receive.
Our personal behavior is not controlled by the statistical averages studied by the academics. One of my most generous friends is from the extreme left, and I know some conservative Christians who are pretty cheap. In the next few months, many Americans will receive both IRS refund checks and an extra check for $300 to $600 per person to “stimulate the economy.” In a world where more than 1.5 billion people live on less than a $1 a day and six million children die from malnutrition before their fifth birthday each year, I?d like to suggest that you take your refund checks and give them away. Find a local charity that stirs your heart, or an international relief agency like World Vision or the One Campaign championed by rock star Bono ? and give life to another. In doing so, the Bible teaches you will actually grasp a little more of “life that is truly life” for yourself.
Kevin McGhee is a senior pastor at Bethany Community Church in Laurel and a 1978 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He can be reached at [email protected].
