Religion and philanthropy - a South African Hindu perspective

AS GLOBAL restructuring and the failure of neoliberal market-driven development strategies put pressure on the ability of states to meet the social and welfare needs of their citizens, faith sector philanthropy (or giving) and voluntarism are more frequently depicted in political and academic discussions as a "solution" to social and political challenges.

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Faith-based communities and their institutions are the single most powerful agency outside the state for mobilising financial and in-kind resources from citizens. Faith-based traditions have the potential to release rich intellectual, spiritual and practical resources to tackle poverty and shape development goals. A great deal of giving is inspired by religious belief. It is seen as an obligatory giving associated with a deep sense of responsibility, duty and commitment to realise spiritual salvation.

Unsurprisingly, those who give financial and other resources for religious purposes are also likely to support other social and civic causes. All the major faiths in the world stress ethical values (justice, generosity, tolerance) and the obligation to serve others and give to those in need. Religious organisations are firmly-rooted and connected in social networks, and faith leaders have the highest levels of trust in South Africa.

Religion can be viewed as an influential agent for development because it emphasises universal principles of “compassion, service, unity, justice and reconciliation”. A great deal of giving, volunteering and philanthropy (time, labour and money) is inspired by religious belief.

Faith-based obligatory giving is associated with a deep sense of responsibility, duty and commitment to realise spiritual salvation. A survey conducted by the World Bank revealed that “no other organisations are more rooted or have better networks in poor communities than the religious ones and that religious leaders are trusted more than any other”.