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Are Christians Doing Enough to Help the Poor?

Nov. 28, 2012 9:51am Billy Hallowell

America is an overwhelmingly Christian nation. Regardless of statistics showing that there has been a decrease among those individuals who call themselves committed, church-going believers, the vast majority of the nation still subscribes to Christian theology. In fact, according to The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, 78.4 percent of Americans still fall into this category. Considering this large proportion — and taking into account the high lever of poverty in the U.S. – it’s essential to ask: Are Christians doing enough to help those in need?

The Christian Post’s Paul Stanley recently investigated that theme, exploring some of the staggering statistics that have emerged of late. These numbers show the monumental need that exists in America. While the U.S. has a total population of nearly 315 million people, a shocking 46.2 million of these individuals live below the poverty line. Perhaps more startling is the fact that more than 100 million Americans receive some sort of federal welfare aid. Stanley described the situation in detail:

When broken down to numbers that are easier to grasp, roughly 1-in-7, or 15 percent of Americans, are poor, up slightly from the previous year’s total of 43.6 million.

But what constitutes as a poor family in America? The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty as a hypothetical family of two adults and two children living on an income of $23,021 or less in 2011. The median household income in the U.S. in 2011 was $50,054.

Yet the more poignant question is what is the primary cause of poverty and what role should the Church and the government play in reducing this number?

Are Christians Doing Enough to Help the Poor?

Photo Credit: AP

These latter questions posed by Stanley are essential. To begin, one cannot solve poverty or even address individual cases of those who are ensnared by it without first understanding what causes it. Secondly, once these elements are determined, there is a decision to be made surrounding which institutions are most able to address intense need — the government, the faith community or a combinations of the two.

Stereotypically, Democrats contend that government holds many of the solutions — or, at the least, that public institutions should be heavily involved in offering aid. On the flip side, Republicans generally believe that local communities and private institutions best serve the impoverished. Stepping outside of this political paradigm, though, are the responsibilities of the faith community (mandates that have their roots in the Bible).

Considering the massive need, how have churches done when it comes to reaching those in need? Clearly, regardless of how fervently Christians have engaged the poor, there’s still much to be done. Stanley spoke with at least one faith leader, Pastor Phillip Meek of Love and Truth Church in Savannah, Tennessee, who believes that Christians have not done their fair share to help those in need.

Meek believes that poverty is driven by the breakdown of the American family — and that, when the family falls apart, no other institutions, including churches, operate properly. The faith leader had tough words for the poor and for believers, alike.

As for those in need, he said that the mindset of today’s impoverished has changed dramatically. While a few decades ago, those in need might have been motivated to improve their situation, many, today, are simply seeking handouts, Meek claimed. That said, he also made it known that believers have a responsibility to serve the poor — one that comes directly from Jesus in the Bible.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com

“If Christians gave anywhere close to the 10 percent asked of them by God, not only would the church have ample resources, but in my opinion we would have enough to go around to help those who are really needy,” he told the Post. ”Because the church has not done what it is supposed to do, the government has taken over and as we all know, government has to have total control of anything they have their hands in.”

Some may certainly dispute these claims, but in late 2011, TheBlaze reported that tithing has, indeed, declined to record lows. At the time, a report entitled, “The State of Church Giving Through 2009,” was released by Empty Tomb, Inc., a Christian research and service group. One of the study’s findings is that churches are giving less to charities and seminary training than they were in 1968 (when the organization produced its first report).

The 2012 results, which included giving through 2010, weren’t much more favorable. The Charis Group provides some of the key highlights from Empty Tomb, Inc.’s most recent report:

The proportion of income contributed to the church, as represented in Total Contributions, decreased from 3.11% to 2.40% in 2010, a decline of 23% from the 1968 base.
Overall, giving to Congregational Finances as a present of income decreased from 2.45% in 1968 to 2.06%, a decline of 16%.
If the same proportion of income had been given in 2010 as in 1968, aggregate Total Contributions would have been $29.2 billion rather than the actual amount given of $22.9 billion.
That is a difference of $6.3 billion, or an increase of 28%.
Personal incomes increased 130% from 1968 to 2010 while the percentage given to the church declined.
Giving during The Great Depression stayed above 3%!
If members of historically Christian churches had chosen to give 10% of their incomes instead of 2.4% in 2010 their would have been an additional $165 billion available to the Church.

Clearly, there’s a dearth of giving — at least when it comes to houses of worship. If Christians (which includes man conservatives that tout smaller government) are to keep with Biblical commands, then they must engage in the helping of the poor and downtrodden. While evangelical progressives like Jim Wallis of Sojourners would argue that the government should play a role in redistributing wealth and creating assistance mechanisms, conservative evangelicals would be more likely to reject this sentiment.

But if Christians are not giving, who is left to pick up the slack? While the economy has been in peril and need has increased, is it possible that believers have not met these elements with increased action? These are important questions worth asking.

What do you think? Is your church doing anything noteworthy when it comes to helping those in need? Let us know in the comments section and take the poll, below:

Church image courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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Comments (106)

4XGrace
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:20am
If the US is a “Christian” nation then I’m a Muslim. There is no way that any church in the US is preaching and practicing Christianity. All the “clergy”, ministers, deacons, whatever are in it for power, prestige and their bellies. The message in American churches is prosperity, popularity and amusement or else they are preaching guilt so that people will open their wallets to build up some one’s empire. The true message of salvation has been lost along with the morality that used to mold people’s lives. Greed and pride have taken over and what do you get? A nation divided into the Rich and the Entitled headed for Fascism.

For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Works after salvation. Faith is given by God not based on our faith for that would be a work. Good works are after salvation but not to prove or keep salvation. God has done it all for us.

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- Locked
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:35am
  “If the US is a “Christian” nation then I’m a Muslim.”
  
  Good news! You’re not a Muslim. The US is country made up primarily of citizens self-identifying as Christians, but it is not a country with a defined religious theology (ie, a “Christian nation”).
  
  Report this comment
- 4truth2all
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:07pm
  If we are 78% christian we are in deep doo doo, because God does not like lukewarm water. And we are close to finding out who the REAL christians are.
  
  Yo Locked:
  
  You again confuse me … 78% does not make for a christian nation? If that were 78% muslim would they be a muslim nation?
  Seems to me that sometime those that profess Christ are afraid to live in a nation that abides to His ways by law.
  The Kingdom is a Theoracy … …..
  
  Report this comment
- soybomb315_II
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:38pm
  44% of the people who took the poll said that Christians are doing ‘enough’ for the poor…..What haughtiness…..This is an example of the uphill battle we face within our own ranks
  
  Report this comment
- Change In View
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:51pm
  I would like to say that this is not a Christian Nation. While many claim it to be, I am a “Christian” and very much disagree with many of the churches out there that preach the prosperity or power gospel. Christ had nothing to do with that.
  
  I would also lean towards the side that Christians aren’t doing enough. Sure there are quite a few who do, but too many “Christians” don’t do anything even though they call themselves “Christian.” They aren’t attached to a body of believers and call themselves “Christian” because they believe in God. It is so much more than that.
  
  I lean towards the side that Mother Teresa took when she said our spiritual poverty here far out weights any poverty she has seen elsewhere. While I am not catholic, I think she makes a great point. Christians, like many have become isolationist and don’t want relationships. You can’t just give a little money and say you are doing enough to help people. It is so much more than that.
  
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- Locked
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 1:07pm
  @4truth2all
  
  “You again confuse me … 78% does not make for a christian nation?”
  
  Nope. Making a religion part of the government would make it so. For example, the UK is religious because they have a state church (Anglican).
  
  “If that were 78% muslim would they be a muslim nation?”
  
  Not unless the religion is specified by the ruling government. Otherwise it would just make it a nation of Muslims.
  
  Report this comment
- sdvausa
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 1:23pm
  You have apparently not been to very many churches in our country… to make such a statement I guess you’d have to attend attended everyone of them. There are plenty of churches that preach the gospel and correct living. If you want to get their churches around the world to our churches. You should look at the tax code for the differences. Nonprofit organizations are required to have a board. This provides a different power structure in our churches. Rather than theocratic rule of the church it’s done by a board Like a corporation. As you know parliamentary systems generally lead to corruption and power struggles.
  
  Report this comment
- Brooke Lorren
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 2:35pm
  I guess you haven’t been to my church. Our Spanish pastor, for example, is working for free at the moment, because the church doesn’t have money to pay him at the moment. I wouldn’t really say that the salaries that our church leaders get is anything special either. In fact, I know that my pastor used to make way more money in one of his previous jobs in sales. He also preaches to live a good life.
  
  I do tithe, but since the amount of money that I earn is laughable, it’s not really worth writing home about.
  
  In addition, while helping people in poverty is a noble thing, it is more important to care for someone’s soul. I’d rather eat out of trash cans on this earth and go to Heaven, than be a billionaire and go to hell. We do have the example of Lazarus and the rich man that did nothing to help him, but you can’t help everyone. There are some people that even if you try to help them (we have a men’s and women’s home that helps people who are drug addicted or have other problems), don’t want to be helped.
  
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- girlnurse
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 2:43pm
  Good point BROOKE: Jesus didn’t say go out and make sure everyone has nice clothes and a job. He said go out into all the world and preach the gospel. I work at a womens clothes closet and thinking about quitting when it gets to be more about the clothes and not about the gospel. I am seeing the same women time after time and taking waaaay more then they “need” and most of them dress better than I do. I too will live out of my car here on earth to some day meet the Savior. This world isn’t going to matter.
  
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- 4truth2all
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 7:34pm
  Yo Locked:
  
  So it’s a muslim nation if the only person that is a muslim is the president and the population of 1,000,000,000 people are buddists … dude, you sound like your splitting atoms and my dog ate my atom splitter.
  
  Report this comment
timmburr
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:16am
I cannot say that I believe my church is doing enough. There are many good programs in place that help the needy in our community, the country as a whole, and the needy abroad. However, when the collections are taken up to support these programs they are consistently supported by only about 20% of the congregation. The bible story of the poor women who gave two small coins from her “need” should serve as a lesson for all of us that, no matter how much or how little we have, we are obligated by our faith to help the poor in any way we are able.

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- sdvausa
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 1:34pm
  I am amazed at how people look at giving today. Seem to think that it is required. That if a poor person did not receive a gift to their satisfaction that it is insufficient. That concept is downright selfish. We graciously accept whatever someone wants to give you. Not stand there and say it’s not enough.
  
  The New Testament looks at giving differently. It should be done not out of necessity or need or grudgingly. Let everyone determine if his heart what God wants them to give and they should give it. It should be a secret. not something that you tell everyone about.
  
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TERM_LIMITS
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:08am
As a former leader in womens missions in my church I met resistance nearly everytime I tried to do something to raise funds for someone WITHIN the church. Now they were all on board with sending money to Haiti or Africa, but someone in their own back yard? Nope. I think the “Poor” and “Needy” people have taken advantage of others so much, even the most compassionate among us are afraid of being “had”. It was my experience that most of them simply wanted a handout and when the money dried up you never saw them again. Nearly all of the women that would come to me were either single moms who had never been married to begin with or women who were living with their boyfriend and had multiple children to care for…I think the poverty problem does originate with the breakdown of the family unit and I don’t see it getting better anytime soon…And on a completely different note, how in the name of all that is reasonable could Obama be re-elected if 78% of the US population still considers themselves Christian??? Mind bending…

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- The_Jerk
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:21am
  They are not Christians. They are admirers of labels. And, the church is just as culpable, preaching communism from the pulpit for decades.
  
  It’s the misrepresentation of the line, “I am my brother’s keeper.” People only look at the one brother, and his responsibilities. They never look at the other.
  
  Report this comment
- StandingOnMyHead
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:01pm
  TERM: You nailed it, that was my experience as well.
  
  Report this comment
- girlnurse
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 2:35pm
  I have to agree with you TERM. I also observed big mega churches with thousands of members and many who own big businesses and NEVER do I hear of them offering to hire someone within the church in need of a job! In the book of Acts they all put in their stuff together and shared with each other for those in need. The preachers preach about it but nobody is really living it. Frances Chan and a few others are now bringing this to the forefront and I love it!
  
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hrankta
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:01am
I used to give, then the poor re-elected Obama. So screw it! He can take care of them!

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- timmburr
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:23am
  If we let Obama grow the government to take care of them, he will. Now is the time to firm our resolve to win these people ( or their children) back to the side of self-reliance and self-accountablility. At some point their children will begin to resent their parent’s lack of initiative & dependency and they will need an example to turn to. People of faith need to provide the example.
  
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- hrankta
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:29am
  It doesn’t matter. We have passed the event horizon. America is coming down. Stock up.
  
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- naughtycal
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:29am
  I’m with you on that one…..on another note I’ll never look at blacks the same again…..All I see is Obama supporters who are helping destroy freedom for government servitude. Actually had a young black lady send me a drink via the bar tender at my local pub. I sent it back told the bar tender to tell her to give it to Obama….I never been racist always tried to judge people from interacting with them but I now view all blacks the same giving that 98% of them have a hand in the Obama re-election….I can only say I’ll be friends with the blacks I know and don’t care to know anymore of them.
  
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- MrSunshine
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:12pm
  NAUGHTYCAL, you have revealed a sad truth. We have been absolutely divided by the boy king and it’s a damn shame. In the half century I have walked this Earth, I always went out of my way FOR blacks. I made it a point to go over and above because I really thought that it would make a difference and somehow aid in easing the racial tension in this country. BOY was I wrong! I’ve seen way too many intelligent and respected black people in this country vote for BO just because he is black (almost). That’s the most racist statement that anyone could make and it was made by the majority of the blacks in this country. I’ve heard enough. I’ve seen enough. We need a new equal rights amendment for those of us that provide vs. those who take. For you libs that will now throw the race card back in my face….just SHUT THE **** UP! I don’t want to hear it ever again!
  
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- Brooke Lorren
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 2:40pm
  I don’t want any of your charity, but my family is “poor” (according to the American poverty standards), and my husband is black. Neither of us voted for Obama. In fact, we convinced other people who were going to vote Obama to vote Romney. So don’t lump everybody who is poor, or even poor and black, into the voted Obama camp. I’m sure that Herman Cain, Mia Love, and Allen West didn’t vote Obama either (although I doubt that they’re poor).
  
  That being said, once my husband graduated from law school this spring, we probably won’t fit into the “poor” category any longer.
  
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- MrSunshine
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 3:09pm
  Good for you both Brooke! I also do not consider myself “poor” but I do live paycheck to paycheck and I am a small business owner….which means there are times when I can’t even take a paycheck so that we can assure that our employees do.
  
  I understand that you can’t possibly lump everyone into the same catagory, as you and your husband prove. However, when I see the likes of someone such as Colin Powell throw their support behind Obama and declare that they think he is doing a fine job, it makes my head want to explode.
  
  I certainly understand that there were blacks that did not vote for Obama but I am still flabbergasted that there are so very many that voted for him solely because of his skin color. I will no longer tiptoe around this issue and I will not accept that blacks in America are to be afforded some sort of pass on this issue because of some inherent mandate of their heritage. I never owned a slave. My family never owned slaves. I never met a slave and I owe NOTHING to any race or creed of people.
  
  The left is adament about who or what they deem to be acceptable or tolerable but what I will never again tolerate or find acceptable is the racist hypocrisy of liberal Democrats.
  
  All the best to you and your husband Brooke….even though he is a….(soon to be) LAWYER! LOL!
  
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- sexyvixen21
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 4:53pm
  I’m with you-hrankta. I don’t really care what happens to “the poor.” Poor my @ss. They have more stuff than people that work 40 hours a week. Lets see….they get foodstamps, housing, cash, heap and my favorite…….free braces.
  
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- CanadaRocks
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 5:55pm
  How very christian of you all. Blacks are takers that are destroying america, because obama was democratically voted potus he can now take care of the poor according to you. Christian nation my ass.
  
  At least i am smart enough to believe in what i do wholeheartedly and dont pretend to be something and act in the complete opposite way. Being an atheist is great. I realize that there is no heaven. When you die it goes black. The same as a dog or cow or sparrow. If you disagree with me please show proof without quoting scripture or the bible. Show me proof. Introduce me to someone that has been to heaven or hell.
  
  If the messiah came back and said he was jesus and did a water into wine trick for you. Would you follow him across the earth and do what he commands? No. You would lock him up or worse. Check the link. Apparently jesus has come back quite a few times. How come no one followed these resurrections of christ in droves?
  
  http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DH_gxaNOmH4
  
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- Brooke Lorren
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 6:48pm
  @MrSunshine… he’s not just going to be a lawyer :-)… we’re not sure where he’s actually going to end up working, but he’s already started a project, that if we’re lucky, will eventually be able to support him full time: The Black Education.
  
  He was really sick after the election, seeing all of those black people voting for Obama, and he wondered why, considering that the Democrats hate them, started the KKK, and pass policies that hurt them. That’s when we figured out that it is education that is ruining a lot of people in the black community.
  
  So currently The Black Education is a side project for him, but he already has the attention of some people in the Alliance Defending Freedom (which he’s a Blackstone Fellow for). We hope that eventually he’ll be able to take his project full time and actually make a change in the black culture for the better. Why should most black people be ignorant Obamacrats who are devoid of ambition?
  
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- hrankta
  Posted on November 29, 2012 at 10:50am
  Canada, we shall see on the other side of that last breath. I personally don’t have enough faith to be an atheist.
  
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Tigress1
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:53am
Just an observation:

Collierville, TN is one of the most wealthy suburbs of Memphis, but the Goodwill store is one of the busiest places there. When you look at the cars in the parking lot, you see mostly cars that the “rich” would buy. Whereas when you look at the parking lot at Macy’s you see average cars with a fancy car or rattle-trap or two mixed in. Why is that?

1. Maybe the rich are rich because they know how to save money and aren’t above using “hand-me-downs”?
2. The rich don’t mind shopping at Goodwill because they like knowing that their money is going to poor people who are trying to work?
3. The poor are wasting their money on fancy cars?
4. The rich are not as rich as people think they are?
5. The poor are wasting their money on expensive goods at Macy’s?
6. Obama’s “redistribution of wealth” is working and the poor have more liquid money to spend on luxuries than the rich?
7. All of the above?
8. None of the above?

I don’t know the answer, but it’s obvious that SOMETHING is going on.

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- naughtycal
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:15am
  Tigress I believe when people see someone living a big house,driving an expensive car tey automaticly assume they’re rich……When in fact most are in debt and second hand stores are sometimes a good way to cut the cost of living and furnishing a 4,000 sq ft house
  
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- Locked
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:43am
  I think you both have a point. Growing up my family never projected itself as “rich.” We never bought popular clothing brands; our vehicles were efficient, not luxurious; we had a house but didn’t have many frills.
  
  Our neighbors, on the other hand, had a new sports car every other year, put in a pool, and wore all the best clothing.
  
  Nowadays my parents are retired and living off the interest of their savings… not even touching the money itself. My neighbors are still working because they cannot afford to retire. Well, they’re no longer neighbors technically; when the economy went sour their home lost value and they couldn’t pay the mortgage. They live in an apartment now.
  
  I think the problem is that many Americans mistake the trappings of wealth with being wealthy. I was raised thinking that the truly wealthy are those who can plan ahead and cover any unexpected bumps along the way… not those who have the biggest and shiniest toys. This is nothing new; we’re a capitalist society after all; but what I take to be “common sense” seems to be completely overlooked by a lot of people that I know.
  
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- Brooke Lorren
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 2:46pm
  My grandma is a millionaire…
  
  How did she get there? My grandpa owned a business. They always drove sensible used cars, and kept them for years. They’ve never had cable television. Up until the 1990s, they always had a 13″ black and white television, and that was it. They heat their home with a wood stove, and chop their own wood off their own property.
  
  I’ve never been shopping with grandma, so I don’t know if she buys new clothes or not, but I do know that she makes many of her own clothes. Grandpa always bought off-brand soda. When grandma needed to fix her sink, she searched for the part that was missing instead of replacing it (even though the sink was originally installed in the 1950s).
  
  That’s how you get to be a millionaire.
  
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jscottkemp
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:48am
One major problem is the definition of poverty. The poor of the United States are the envy of poor people the world over.

The truly poor in my church’s community receive the help that they need – first from themselves, second from their families, and finally from the church.

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drphil69
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:47am
Actually most Christians are liberals, so they are very generous… with other peoples’ money.

Amazing how “greedy” conservatives are, yet they give significantly more to charity… I wonder why that is?

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- Rational Man
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:54pm
  That’s funny!
  
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Kathleen3
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:45am
When 49% of Americans are on some form of government subsidies and 47% of Americans pay no taxes and illegal aliens have $5 billion bestowed on them in the form of EITC I would say there is little those of us who serve as hosts to the parasites have left to contribute to the “poor.” It is those of us who work, pay taxes, make charitable contributions, and volunteer who are now poor.

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HKS
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:33am
The question is more like, “are the atheist doing anything at all to help the poor”? What a stupid question.

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TEIN
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:31am
First there is a difference between poor and needy…..The Gov has a definition of what constitute poor, but that does not always mean those people are needy…also some people who are living on an income of $23,021 or more might be needy…..Small rural farmers might have a income that qualifies them as poor, but they will always have food on the table, while a urban dweller could be working and making $25k and eating 2 meals a day…..As far as donation, since the Progressive/Libby Demo’s like control of other peoples money, income is being leveraged to go to government therefore people have less money to give to Church or charity…So, as the Government greed grows, people have less to do good with their own earned income….I don’t see people willing to do less, people are having resources and access to resources removed so that they are unable to do as much…

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smwk
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:31am
My church has done a whole lot to help the poor. One Sunday each month, all members who are able to (health-wise), fast from food and water for 2 consecutive meals. We then give a generous donation of the money we would have used for those two meals. The church uses that money to help the poor (whatever religion they may be). I think it’s a great idea, and it makes me feel good to serve others the way Christ wants me to.
from their website: http://mormon.org/humanitarian-aid

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Jenny Lind
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:29am
When we give, we have to trust who we give it to, to distribute it to truely needy. I am a Salvation Army fan, they have an excellent rep (once in awhile there is a bad apple-but it is rare with them), and help people get their lives back. After listening to the stories of my daughters, the teachers of poor children, I have learned that private charity is also good. Some of the best giving is helping someone in your own life-like a family having a bad time that you hear about through the grapevine.

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- jscottkemp
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:52am
  Ditto on the quality of the work that the Salvation Army does.
  
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VanceUppercut
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:28am
What, Christians aren’t living up to the demands that their faith makes on them? It must be Obama’s fault, sir..

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bobby12
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:25am
As a Christian, I have always given more than my 10%. I also volunteered at a agency that helped with food, rent, etc. While taking the clients application, I noticed a few things that bothered me.

99% of the clients had expensive cell phone, expensive clothings and the women had long expensive nails…..and were rude!! Usually the women had several children with different daddys. Their rent was paid for by the tax payers, their medical bills were paid for by the tax payers, and they were receiving food stamps.

I began to realize most of the people who were receive “assistance” were better off than me, who worked two jobs to pay my bills.

After working all my life and paying into social security, , I receive a social security. Because I have managed to save a few dollars, I do not receive any goverment
hand out”. I am truly blessed!!!!!

There are people who truly need assistance but the “you owe me” people are taking advantage of what started out as kind hearted people “helping the needy” There is a world of difference from “helping” and “enabling”…I have stoped enabling sorry people who think the world “owes” them.

I still help but I make sure my money goes to people who truly need help. …………Look around………..you can find people who are truly strugling……help them……not the “you owe me” group!!!

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denvernfl
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:20am
I have personal knowledge of thousands of Bible Believing Christians volenteering their time and giving their money to organizations like Convoy of Hope to help these that are suffering. We recognize the pain of others and our call by Christ to help the poor and needy. We are organized. We are faithfull. We are the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. We step us in crisis to show the Love of our God, through his only BEGOTTEN son Jesus, to lead a people hurting, lost, and in despair to hope and encouragement. By meeting thier needs today, we will show them that God loved them so much that he refused to let them utterly perish by meeting mans GREATEST need (Salvation from Sin against the Holy Righteous God of Heaven) In Jesus Christ Alone. http://www.convoyofhope.org/go/headlines/entry/convoy_of_hope_distributes_1.5_million_lbs._of_aid_in_new_york_and_new_jers/
http://www.convoyofhope.org/go/headlines/entry/new_york_governor_andrew_cuomo_distributes_disaster_relief_aid_with_convoy_/
http://www.convoyofhope.org/go/headlines/entry/convoy_of_hope_distributes_relief_in_new_york_and_new_jersey/
http://www.convoyofhope.org/go/headlines/entry/convoy_of_hope_responds_to_hurricane_sandy/
http://www.convoyofhope.org/go/headlines/entry/convoy_of_hope_deploys_supplies_rapid_response_team_to_northeast_ahead_of_h/

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nostromo
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:09am
Frankly, I help the poor in the Dominican Republic and I would urge others to sponsor kids or send donations to anyone of a number of charities. In the US I think many “poor” are actually impaired by mental problems or substance abuse. Back in the 70s someone made the decision to close the institutions that cared for many of these folks and they were medicated and let out on the streets where they stopped taking their meds. I think a distinction has to be made between these people and someone not impaired who is down on their luck. No amount of charity will help the first group improve their lives, but only maintain a marginal existence. The second group can be started back to productive lives. This is why I choose to help in the DR since the poor there are normal folks who just need help getting started on the road to a productive life.

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samnjoeysgrama
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:08am
I went to India a couple of years ago. The Catholic Church was the ONLY group helping the poor. The only group with orphanages. The only group feeding the hungry. The Hindus gave the food that had been offered in front of the statues of their gods to the poor, but it had been sitting out in the heat and covered with flies all day. The Muslims did nothing for anyone. The government did less than nothing, since it lives on bribes. I saw rats, cows, and children digging through mounds of garbage There are no garbage cans. Everything is just thrown on the street, then swept up by the untouchables every evening. It is scattered by animals before morning. It was a real eye opener.

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raisingkidsforthetruth
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:08am
Can’t vote because the answer isn’t there. They would do more but government regulations get in the way The USA is a very giving country and we do care about our communities

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The Jewish Avenger
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:07am
One more point.

A welfare mother is still considered poor.
Ironically, the one who pays their car, heat, utlities, food and healthcare and then has nothing left of their paycheck is considered not poor. So even though they BOTH paid the same exact things, the welfare mother can get extra benefits and extra food whenever they want. The one with money that lives paycheck by paycheck say something happens to their house or their car breaks down, they have to spend most likely their food budget. Do they get to go to the food bank? No. They get to go home and starve it out. Imagine if they told that to a welfare mother….
It’s extremely impossible to convince a professional welfare leech. They know whats out there and they know how good they have it.

Granted, they have no pride or personal value… But Obama hasnt tried to put a price on this yet.

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- Pantloadian
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:37am
  Shouldn’t you be out earning mitzvahs instead of kvetching about people you don’t know?
  
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- kaydeebeau
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 6:46pm
  One of my salesmen here had a woman in his office yesterday wanting to lease a brand new Focus. As he was reviewing her credit application with her he noticed she was on social security disability.
  He said to her you don’t look like you’re disabled and unable to work.
  
  She said well I’m really not. I could work if I wanted to, but I make more now than I did when I was working and got hurt (non-disabling injury).
  
  She said the gov’t sends her $1500.00 a month in 1 check. And she gets $700.00 a month on an EBT card (food stamps), and $800.00 a month for rent.
  Oh yeah, and 250 minutes free on her phone.
  That is just south of $3500.00 a month.
  
  When she was working, she was taking home about $330.00 per week.
  Do the math and then ask yourself why the hell should she go back to work.
  If you multiply that by millions of people, you start to realize the scope of the problem we face as a country.
  
  Once the socialists have 51% of the population in that same scenario, we are finished.
  
  The question is when do we cross that threshold if we haven’t already, and there are not enough people working to pay enough taxes to support the non-working people? Riots?? Be prepared to protect your homes.
  
  She didn’t lease the Focus here because the dealer down the road beat our deal by $10.00/month. Glad to know she is so frugal with “her” hard earned money.”
  
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RepublicRules.com
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:07am
It would be very interesting to see similar stats for other nations/cultures. My impression is Muslim countries support charity to a lesser degree than America… but I’d like to know the facts before drawing any conclusions. Same with France and China, for that matter.

http://www.republicrules.com/liberty/287/when-one-president-does-not-reflect-the-many-citizens

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- The_Jerk
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:13am
  If Christians are the makers, and not the moochers and looters, then they are doing far more than they should… the government makes them. And, the poor in this country are not really poor. It’s the big lie.
  
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Tigress1
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:06am
Christians ARE giving to the poor. Christians pay taxes and our tax dollars supposedly are going to the poor! That’s a heckuva lot more than 10%. I lose sympathy for the poor when they vote for Obama who raises our taxes. It’s hard to have sympathy when you see them walking around with I Phones and you are using the freebie from the phone service. It’s hard to have sympathy when they are walking around in $100 Nikes and your family is walking around in Costco brand Kirkland shoes. Maybe I’m being un-Christian, but it’s tiresome being a doormat.

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- StandingOnMyHead
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 11:37am
  I learned early on that “charity” is all a farce in this country. While in my early 20s I took on a “family in need” thru my church’s “giving tree”. I raised the money myself and purchased everything that was on their wish list that was truly an item of essential, (winter clothes for four [3 children and their mother], food for entire meals, etc.), plus some games for the kids. Much to my chagrins, when I arrived to give them their Christmas, I was astounded by the items I saw this family had. They had all of the latest and greatest in electronics, from TVs to video gaming counsels and who knows what else. But the worst part was their complete and total lack of gratitude. They were so ungrateful for what had just been GIVEN to them, I don’t think the kids even looked away from their gaming. It was as if it were expected to be given to them.
  
  What I realized is that this family that I had taken my time and resources to help actually were able to live better than I did at that age. They had all the “right” things that I was still struggling to afford. I had never felt more disillusioned in my life! My new motto became “I will help those that will help themselves”, unfortunately we don’t see much of that going around these days.
  
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amerbur
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:05am
My Church does a great deal in our community and in India – check it out – Calvary Chapel. Boise, Idaho.

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The Jewish Avenger
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:02am
Are Christians doing enough?

If you are a female with or without a child, its a free ride.

If you are a single male, you’re screwed.
So if Christians wanted to do enough? All they have to do is work and pay for their wares and they do more than 47% of America.

But if anyone feels Christians need to do more, the government has made it clear that they do not want Christians help so we should concentrate on helping the single male.

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Eastinfection
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:57am
Obviously not… that’s why the government has to shut down soup kitchens and tax the crap out of us to show us how efficiently “Social Justice” can be achieved when thousands of corrupt bureaucrats and miles of red tape are applied to “charity”.

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doomytram
Posted on November 28, 2012 at 9:55am
The question is has CAIR entrenched itself into the top of our White House Administration?

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- Tigress1
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:08am
  My local newspaper this past weekend had a big article about how the Muslims in Memphis were opening a food bank for the poor – a Halal food bank. The Muslims must be more caring than the Christians!
  
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- glassaudioguy
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:25am
  Probably just for their own or those willing to convert, Tigress1.
  
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- Tigress1
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 10:41am
  @Glassaudioguy, actually the article stated that the food bank was for anybody, but I bet if a Catholic food bank refused to give out meat (only gave fish) on Friday there would be an uproar.
  
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- MrSunshine
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 12:27pm
  Tigress, are you referring to Memphis Egypt and is your local paper ◦Akhbar El Yom?
  
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- Tigress1
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 1:31pm
  Mr.Sunshine, Ha! Ha! Yeah, we even have a pyramid sitting on the Memphis Sands waiting to be sucked underground by “The Big One”.
  
  Here’s the story:
  
  http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/nov/25/memphis-launches-first-of-its-kind-halal-food/
  
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- MrSunshine
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 2:40pm
  Just checkin’ Tigress, LOL. I forgot about the Grizzlies. I’m not a B ball fan but that looks like one cool arena!
  
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- Tigress1
  Posted on November 28, 2012 at 5:31pm
  Mr. Sunshine, I’m not into B ball either, but I like the Grizzlies (they support St. Jude), but they are going to turn the Pyramid from an arena into a Bass Pro Shop some decade or another. That’s another messed-up story, however. :)
  
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