Giving Thought

In episode 35, we look at the the relationship between religion, faith and philanthropy. Including:   1) Faith as a factor in individual giving -Evidence from behavioural science -The role of places of worship in bring diverse communities together and making people aware of issues -Religious identity, communities of purpose and giving circles -Religious obligations to give: tithing, Tzedakah and Zakat   2) Organised religion and the evolution of charity -1601 Statute of Charitable Uses: why wasn't religion included? -The 1891 Pemsel Case and the "four heads of charity" -US religious causes and closed congregations   3) Religion, philanthropy and civil society today -Is religion still the most popular cause? -Obligations to fund the monastic life in Myanmar and Thailand -The deep relationship between international aid and religion -Places of worship as community focal points and welfare providers -Is the world getting less religious or more? -Religious persecution