Religion and Charities

Religion and Charities

Religion and Charities
Reading Level

	edHelper's suggested reading level:	grades 9 to 12
	Flesch-Kincaid grade level:	9.62

Vocabulary

	challenging words:		caritas, centuries-old, faileth, non-denominational, following, nonprofit, buddhists, fundraising, scripture, unmarried, taoism, circulation, paradise, element, charitable, muslims
	content words:		For Christians, In Zoroastrian, United States, Catholic Charities, Minneapolis-St Paul, This Home, Civil War, Twin Cities, International Bible Ministry, One Buddhist

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Religion and Charities
By Colleen Messina

¹     The word charity comes from the Latin word caritas, which means love. All of the major world religions believe in service to those in need. For Christians, "charity never faileth" (I Corinthians 13). Buddhists believed that compassion is a basic part of right living. Muslims practice charitable giving as one of their five pillars of correct behavior. Charities and volunteering are the best examples of "love in action." Many people find that they receive a lot by giving, too.

²     The major religions promote charitable service to others because of their scriptures. In Zoroastrian scripture, it states that there are 33 ways to paradise, and that, "he who is blessed on account of charity is able to go on all those ways." The Koran, the holy book of Islam, also says, "Your smiling in your brother's face is charity." Hindus have extended charity to others for thousands of years as they feed the holy men who wander in India. For a Hindu family, there is no need to go somewhere to volunteer; those whom you help come right to your door! And many traditional Jews give at least ten percent of their income to charity.

³     People give in many different ways. Many religious groups collect food and clothing to help refugees who have been affected by natural disasters. They also help senior citizens and children. The following examples from different religions are only some of the many charities that have been founded. Charitable giving is a centuries-old tradition.

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