How much can really be done about the need in the world? Can we overcome poverty in developing countries without large donations from governments?
We often hear that if just a percentage of the world’s weapons budget was diverted to provide aid we could wipe out poverty. We’ve been hearing for years that there is more than enough to go around but those of us in the west are taking more than our fair share.
A recent study is now showing that those of us who call ourselves Christian could have the problem wrapped up ourselves if we had the will to do so.
The research coming from the U.S. shows that Christians are currently giving around 2.66% of their income for God’s work. This obviously falls well short of what many believe to be the benchmark of tithing (giving 10% of income). Even those not convinced that tithing is a New Testament principle would have to agree that 2.66% is pretty small, especially when you consider that many would be not only tithing but giving extravagantly above that amount. This means that many more are giving well under that 2.66% average. I would imagine that the figures would be similar here in Australia.
On the Empty Tomb website, the researchers look at the potential of what could be done if Christians started tithing.
If Americans who identify with the historically Christian church increased their giving to an average of 10% of income, there could be an additional $86 billion dollars available for overseas missions.
One source estimates that $70-$80 billion would impact the worst of world poverty and $5 billion could end most of the 11 million under-5, global, annual child deaths. Also, $7 billion would be sufficient for global primary education for all children.
You should be aware, that there could also be $30.9 billion more a year for domestic outreach. And this all on top of our current church activites.
I’m very much aware that there are many Christians around the world who do give generously (and there are many from other faiths and many who claim no religious affiliation who give generously also) and that Christian aid agencies are doing amazing things. However, I’m now imagining how much more could be done if we took our responsibility to others seriously.
I also wonder how much money would be freed up for essential aid work if some of the churches receiving large incomes were to send out a lot more of that money rather than building bigger empires and paying staff obscene amounts. (I believe that pastors should be paid well but I also believe that a small percentage are paid each year well above what most people could ever dream of receiving in their lifetime. This post from Jordon Cooper illustrates that point rather well.)
If it is more blessed to give than to receive, why are so many of us willingly denying ourselves of that blessing? In Proverbs we are told, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them”. The research says that it is in our power to help. It’s up to us to act.
Thanks to Mark at lowercase for pointing me toward this issue.
Posted by Rodney Olsen
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First, I will get the tithing issue out of the way before I continue. It’s not a new covenant command. We are not under the law of tithing but rather the law of the Spirit of giving outlined in II Cor. 8 and 9 which should propel us to eventually give more than 10%. OK, that is out of the way.
So, second, to whom are we giving the money? We are hearing over and over again that much of the money does not reach the poor either in the donor’s country or other countries. One might say that is governmental aid but Christian organizations get the money where it belongs. Yes, often they can, but at what cost? Many larger Christian organizations use 50% or more for their “adminsitrative” costs.
Third, Should we just give money out? Or should we be doing what many organizations, both Christian and secular are doing and “teaching the people how to fish.” In other words, perhaps a microeconomic approach of giving each family a goat for milk sales, chickens for egg and poultry sales, or materials/loans to start a business, etc.
Food for thought huh.
Good comments Diane. Thanks for dropping in.
Theologians will argue both for and against tithing as a New Testament principle which is why I mentioned that some would not agree that it is. I agree with you that we should be giving beyond 10%, compelled by the Spirit out of love.
As far as ‘hearing’ that many Christian organisations use over 50% for costs, that is usually just hearsay and an excuse that many people use not to give. I have worked with Christian aid agencies and they are under stringent guidelines which prevent them from using such a large percentage for their own costs. Of course we need to be wise stewards in deciding where to direct our money, that is not in doubt. The point of my post is to simply point out that we have the capacity to make a difference; what we lack is the will.
Should we just give the money out or ‘teach people how to fish’? I don’t know of any aid agency that is not using this principle. The aid agencies that I know of will always give immediate food aid when it is required in an emergency but their long term goals are always to help the people they are helping to become self sufficient.
Even if there are points that we don’t all agree on, we must agree that if we had the will to make a difference, we have the capacity to do so.
Rodney,
I am blogging on exactly this point but I didn;t want to just guess at “we could solve poverty”. In other words, thanks for the facts…You are giving me courage and amunition to make this same point at my blog…KEEP IT UP. I will try and make a link in my post tomorrow.
God Bless,
brad
Giving beyond the Tithe.
Firstly, I personally think the Tithe is a Old Testament practice that is keeping people under the Law.
I reckon giving what the spirit tells us to give.
After all, it is all His.