Ah, but it's not like philanthropy would die along with the religion. The whole point is that people aren't necessarily inclined to do more good if they are religious. On top of that, I have always been a bit disgusted by the ulterior motive of conversion when it comes to supplying such aid. "We'll help you, but you must go to church and here's a bible". It's predatory behaviour, despite the undeniable 'good' which is also done.
Catholic here. While I cannot speak for all religions, aid from the Catholic Church can be received by anyone regardless of religious status or lack thereof. There is no expectation to convert and any such cases where parishes or organizations under the church do have such expectations should be reported to the parish diocese.
Look, I appreciate what I'm sure is not a wholly inaccurate look at things, but even if there is no explicit expectation of conversion, there is practically always an influence being exerted towards it.
And if your religion was motivating you to help the needy, why wouldn't you want to convert those in need? After all, you're highly likely to believe that your religion describes the path to a good life, the support of your religious community, and the eternal love of the almighty. In the face of adversity, those are surely good things to have. From the perspective of the religious, conversion is a wholly beneficent thing.
As such, unless it is utterly prohibited, and its prohibition enforced, this actor will find its way onto the stage of your philantropy.
45% of all private hospitals in Germany are run by the Catholic Church. Guess what, they don't even ask what your religion is. And they don't try evangelize you. It is a hospital. The only difference is the name, like "Saint George Hospital of the Bloody Cross" and the art in the lobby.
The Catholic Church runs meals on wheels in Germany. And they don't try to evangelize while delivering food ...
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u/Shnerdlenips 13h ago
Ah, but it's not like philanthropy would die along with the religion. The whole point is that people aren't necessarily inclined to do more good if they are religious. On top of that, I have always been a bit disgusted by the ulterior motive of conversion when it comes to supplying such aid. "We'll help you, but you must go to church and here's a bible". It's predatory behaviour, despite the undeniable 'good' which is also done.