Religious Giving: For Love of God

Publication Date: Spring 2010
Editor: David H. Smith
Contributors (in alphabetical order): Byron Bangert, Paula Dempsey, Judy Failer, Rob Katz, Patrick Rooney, Paul Schervish, Shariq Siddiqui, Sondra Wheeler, Ed Vacek
Publisher: Indiana University Press

Religious Giving considers the connection between religion and giving within the Abrahamic traditions. Each contributor begins with the assumption that there is something inherently right or natural about the connection. But what exactly is it? To whom should we give, how much should we give, what is the relationship between our giving and our relationship to God? Writing for the introspective donor, congregational leader, or student interested in the ways of meeting human needs, the authors focus on the philosophical or theological dimensions of giving. The contributors' goal is not to report on institutional practices, but to provide thoughtful, constructive guidance to the reader—informed by a critical understanding of the religious traditions under review.

Chapter List

1. Dispelling Common Beliefs about Giving to Religious Institutions in the United States – Rooney
2. Giving in the Way of God: Muslim Philanthropy in the United States – Siddiqui
3. Jewish Giving by Doing: Tikkun Ha-Olam – Failer
4. What Does God Require of Us? – Bangert
5. “Freely Give”: The Paradox of Obligatory Generosity in Christian Thought – Wheeler
6. A Catholic Theology of Philanthropy – Vacek
7. Religious Discernment of Philanthropic Decisions in the Age of Affluence – Schervish
8. Consumer Debt and Christian Money Management: Messages from the Large U.S. Denominations – Dempsey
9. Paging Dr. Shylock!: Jewish Hospitals and the Prudent Reinvestment of Jewish Philanthropy – Katz
10. One Man’s Extrapolations: Conclusions after Two Years of Listening – Smith

The Wisdom of Generosity: An American Reader in Philanthropy

Publication Date: Summer/Fall 2008
Author: William J. Jackson, Lake Scholar
Publisher: Baylor University Press

This rich collection presents the depth of American generosity, roaming over 400 years of our history. Drawing upon an abundant variety of genres--myths, proverbs, poems, letters, short stories, news stories, first-hand stories, folktales, sermons, essays, and brief biographies--this collection documents the religious dimensions and various manifestations of philanthropy that have evolved to play a critical role in the everyday life of Americans. The Wisdom of Generosity reveals philanthropy’s integral connection with American history and illustrates how Americans are still striving to fulfill their original promises. This reader offers classic yet fresh resources for reflecting on the heritage of American giving, and most of its selections have never been anthologized. The book is aimed at all Americans interested in social conscience, kindness and community. It will also serve as a resource to strengthen the teaching of philanthropy at both the high school and college levels – as well as to provide inspirational and entertaining examples for the average American in many walks of life.

Review of The Wisdom of Generosity

“In Jackson's work, Bob Dylan and Dorothy Day, cowboy culture and mirror neurons meet readers in a relaxed style. Wisdom from Plato and Aristotle stand with wisdom from the Oneida and the Ojibway, demonstrating generosity as the uniting power of American society's success.”
--Clair Gaudiani, Professor, New York University, George Heyman Center on Philanthropy