Condescending Piousness

Every so often FaceBook brings to my attention social issues that, if it weren't for this expansive forum, would likely go unnoticed.

This morning I stumbled across a post that almost brought a tear to my eye. It re-affirms my belief that humanity is on the right track and that the spirit of fraternity and benevolence amplifies with each new generation.

I know that for many years religious institutions, in particular Christian organisations, have helped feed and clothe the poor - but I have always detected a certain air of arrogance and condescending piousness from those dispensing aid that I dislike immensely. An "I am holier and wealthier than thou, and don't forget it" kind of attitude.

There is no condescending attitude with the Italian idea of "Suspended Coffee", for the simple reason it has no ulterior motive such as ingratiation.

The "Suspended Coffee" idea is based on an Italian goodwill tradition of those who can spare the cost of extra coffees when ordering theirs. Pre-paying.  An idea that is now spreading around Europe with more and more Cafes joining the scheme.

It was brought to my attention by a chap who was visiting his pal in Belgium. He noticed some people going to the counter to order their coffee and asking for two or more "suspended" ones. When he enquired of his friend what that was all about his pal said "wait and see".

Some time later a dishevelled and likely homeless old boy walked in and politely asked if he could have a "suspended" coffee. The waitress promptly served him the hot and comforting beverage that no doubt makes a huge difference to this destitute man's quality of life.

The dispensers of charity in this case remain anonymous and the recipients don't feel compelled or obligated to thank the donors. Genuine charity. I like that.

 I like that a heck of a lot.

:)

Do You Know Know Who Gives Most to Charity?

According to statistics widely available, the three biggest individual donors to charity are:

Bill Gates (co-founder of Microsoft)

Warren Buffett (Investor and CEO - Berkshire Hathaway)

Ingvar Kamprad (founder of Ikea)

Nonetheless, misinformation from religious groups would have you believe the rich and powerful never give to charity -a fact as unjust as it is false. The old bible saying  "Easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for the rich to get to heaven" is about as factual as the rest of the book itself.

Philanthropy, like moral values, have long since been hijacked by religion in the false pretence that only godliness motivates people to care for others.

Utter nonsense.

In fact the opposite appears to be true. I have never heard of the Vatican wealth being used to feed the poor, heal the sick or offer assistance to refugees. I'm referring to the Vatican in this instance, not to the  maverick priests who are generous and follow their own agenda. 

Feel free to comment and correct me if I'm wrong. I won't hold my breath in anticipation.

Atheists and agnostics, such as the three men mentioned above, give not for divine compensation or for fear of divine retribution, but because they want to. 

And that, in my view, is the only honourable way to give.

The worlds biggest charities are also secular -UNICEF, WHO and UNHCR.  If you check any of the lists available, for example  Wiki's , you will find religious institutions play only a minor role, despite their tremendous  wealth. 

No surprise, I hear you say

And the following picture describes what I believe in - the way I am - the way I chose to be.  And it is just as easy without god as a false motivational factor.

...and one who is proud to have escaped society's indoctrination attempts.

:)