The other day I handed $2 to a young man who was hungry and looked like a legitimate need. Many times, I will refuse to give if it seems like the person is just looking for a hand-out, but several times in my life, I have indeed given money to people on the street (usually I point in the direction of local charities to include the Roman Catholic Church).
Philanthropy is the practice of basic human love. Love of neighbor is what Jesus would call it.
Philosophy is the practice of basic human wisdom. Love of wisdom is what the Ancient Greeks meant by it.
In today's America, we need both philanthrophy and philosophy desperately. Philanthropy is needed because we are all creatures created by God. Just as the birds and the bears are creatures and need to eat, so also does every human being.
Philosophy is needed also because many times we can support the wrong sorts of programs while the truly needy go without. Out of a philanthropic spirit, the United States adopted various forms of 'child support' laws in order to insure that children ravaged by divorce would be provided for. Sadly, what started out as a philanthropic impulse soon (through feminism) became a weapon to use by disgruntled wives who want to leave their husbands. Scream 'my husband's abusing me,' file for a divorce and then sit back on the couch and collect your weekly child support payment. This is not philanthropy.
No, philanthropy (love of mankind) is the practice by which all of God's creatures named 'the humans,' are shown love.
Philantropy, of course, also needs philosophy. Love of wisdom teaches us to seek out good social programs (public library services, equal rights in divorce cases, pro-life ethics) and then does not spend money on projects that destroy the family, the baby in the womb, and all of society.
Abortion should not be supported either as a supposed legal 'right' to kill your baby OR by tax payer funding. Divorce, similarly, should not receive state funding for this destroys the family which is the building block of society.
So, support your local charity, tithe 10% to your church or ministry, but use wisdom in how you support such philanthropy.
Love in Jesus,
Rob J. King, Pro-Life, Pro-Family, Pro-Military
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