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The Palgrave Handbook of Global Philanthropy pp 558–569Cite as

Palgrave Macmillan

The Influence of Religion on Philanthropy across Nations

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Abstract

Religion has been a part of human existence and communities since their earliest forms, evolving and transforming in different contexts and during different times. Its role has been central in the history of human compassion, benevolence and charity. These traits permeate all world religions and their texts, although the emphases in different religions vary. For instance, Judaism, Islam and various Oriental religions share a strong obligation to give and to help (Neusner & Chilton, 2005). The tradition of charity in the Middle East, the emphasis on hospitality in ancient Greek culture and the Jewish and Christian doctrines of loving one’s neighbor (Mäkinen, 2002, p. 10) all echo the universal principle of compassion — to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves.

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Authors
  1. Henrietta Grönlund
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  2. Anne Birgitta Pessi
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands

    Pamala Wiepking (Assistant Professor) (Assistant Professor)

  2. School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, USA

    Femida Handy (Professor) (Professor)

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© 2015 Henrietta Grönlund and Anne Birgitta Pessi

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Grönlund, H., Pessi, A.B. (2015). The Influence of Religion on Philanthropy across Nations. In: Wiepking, P., Handy, F. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Global Philanthropy. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137341532_32

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