“Mormons and Charity”

Last updated on: April 20, 2017 at 12:54 pm by Dan Peterson

“Mormons and Charity” 2017-04-20T12:54:40-06:00 Dan Peterson

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A few of hundreds of Mormon volunteers clearing used sandbags away after 2009 flooding in Moorhead, Minnesota (Public domain photo from the Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA])

Here’s an article from way back in 2012, published in the Jesuit (Catholic) magazine America, that some might find of interest in view of the recurrent claim that Mormons don’t give enough to charity, are too selfish, spend too much on their silly churches and ridiculous temples, are ignoring the teachings of Christ about love and service, and etc. and etc. It was written by Dr. John J. Dilulio, Jr., who is currently Frederic Fox Leadership Professor of Politics, Religion, and Civil Society and Professor of Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, and who served as the first director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives under President George W. Bush:

http://www.americamagazine.org/issue/5136/columns/mormons-and-charity

I can’t remember what or who reminded me of this piece yesterday. If somebody specific called it to my notice, I apologize and say “Thank you.”

You might also enjoy these articles:

“10 States That Volunteer The Most”

“Top 10 states for charitable giving”

“The 10 Most And Least Charitable States”

And here are a couple of relevant short columns that I’ve published:

“Despite claims of secularists, religion makes for happier people”

“How religious faith benefits society”

Incidentally, if you’ve grown tired of accusations that Mormons aren’t living up to the teachings of Christ on this matter, and that the Church only cares, greedily and selfishly, about making money, consider setting aside a few extra dollars for LDS Charities or Humanitarian Services today or for your next fast offering today. Or send it directly in right now. Or send something to a private LDS charity like the Liahona Children’s Foundation. It needn’t be a huge amount. Even five or ten bucks will serve. I guarantee that it will cheer you up. It did me. And nothing could — certainly spending the day squabbling with them online won’t — more effectively and substantively prove our critics wrong.

Posted from Park City, Utah

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