Charity

What is charity?

 What does charity mean to religions?

 As mentioned, charitable giving is often associated with religion. Indeed, religious teaching often encourages it. In Christianity, charity was encouraged by Jesus, which the church developed into practices like giving alms to the poor within their communities. In Judaism, tzedakah is the word for charitable giving, something which is also translated as righteousness. As such, giving is often viewed by Jews as a righteous thing to do. One of the five pillars of Islam is charitable giving, so it is central to this religion, as well. It is known as either Zakat, which is a little like alms offerings, or Sadaqa, something that is more individual and translates more like benevolence. Daana is a similar concept of religious charity which is used in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. This is a virtue that is associated with giving.

Are there criticisms of charity?

Although few people criticise individual acts of charity, there are some well-known critiques of organised charities, especially of the larger charitable institutions. Firstly, there have been some high-profile scandals involving international charities operating in the developing world. Some nineteenth-century thinkers, such as Friedrich Engels, criticised charities for just about sustaining conditions in slum areas that made them more long-lived than they otherwise would have been. Oscar Wilde famously wrote about charities as being sentimental over the private lives of poor people. Finally, some people view the charity lobby as a negative force in society, often asking for government grants that are in support of certain social policies only, usually those that are in favour with the government of the day.

How does charity help society?

Although most western countries have a welfare system, it usually does not cover every eventuality of hardship, medical research programme or social need. When money is given to a charity that fulfils a niche, it is able to meet such needs without the need for the state to intervene.

Is charity selfless?

Altruistic giving is selfless, but charitable acts don’t always fall into this category. People who make a great deal of their charity work, for example, may gain a social edge or kudos for their activities which means their giving, however well-intentioned, may not always be regarded as truly selfless.