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The Hard Hit God Market
Americans have a peculiar way of blending capitalism and religion (or, some would argue, making capitalism their religion).
A look at popular fads during happier economic times illustrates this point. A few years back, everyone from Madonna to Ashton was sporting oh-so-trendy $26 red strings on their left wrists, believed by followers of Kabbalah, a Jewish mysticism tradition, to ward off the Evil Eye. Or you could pick up a Gucci yoga mat for a mere $870 (enlightenment not included). While it may be hard to picture an ascetic yogi meditating on such an expensive piece of plastic, a wait list quickly formed as designer spirituality sold like hot cakes. And why pick up a plastic rosary for free after Mass when you can get this sterling silver rosary from Tiffany & Co. for only $695?
While buying spirituality may have been an attractive way for Americans to spend excess cash in the past, it appears that cutting spending on God is now a good way to save some extra cash. Meanwhile, faith-based organizations are experiencing a surge in demand for their services—and they’re struggling to make ends meet.
Dallas Business Journal recently conducted a survey in which 46% of Christian adults reported having cut back on their donations to churches and faith-based charities. Across the nation as a whole, that figure represents 62.5 million Americans reducing their charitable donations. Dallas Business Journal notes that, while members over the age of 55 are generally the greatest contributors to churches and non-profits, they are also one of the groups hardest hit by the economic slowdown. Senior citizens living on a fixed income are struggling with inflation and skyrocketing food prices, which may leave little spare cash for charity.
The decrease in giving doesn’t mean that Americans have forgotten about God. Rather than spending money on lavish religious accessories and giving generously to charities, Americans are now turning to God in their time of need. For example, Rocky Twyman’s Pray at the Pump movement has gotten national media attention as citizens in towns across the country gather at local gas stations to pray for lower gas prices.
Increased need and a smaller budget doesn’t always create a problem for religious organizations. After all, many of these organizations’ primary service—prayer—is free. But the struggling economy also means increased need of a more material kind.
Americans are facing inflated prices, shrinking packages at the grocery store, and even possible unemployment; many people need the support systems offered by these faith-based groups now more than ever. One personal finance blogger has even suggested joining two churches when money gets tight. That way, he argues, someone down on his luck could receive as many as four free meals per week—Sunday breakfast and lunch, and two week night meals at meetings or Bible studies.
The drop in giving combined with more people in need of assistance can spell disaster for many faith communities and non-profit organizations. Some of these organizations are forced to merge or even close their doors, like these churches in New Orleans.
It’s understandable that Americans are looking for ways to cut spending. But we ought to remember that, when it hurts our pocketbooks to give, it’s generally the time when that donation is needed the most. And there are alternative ways to help these organizations when you don’t have extra cash on hand. Volunteer your time at a soup kitchen, or donate old clothing and furniture to the Salvation Army (which is already reporting a 20% drop in such donations from this time last year). Don’t worry if you can’t give a lot—in 2006, small donations from individuals accounted for 75% of the national total of charitable giving. Every little bit counts for keeping these non-profits operating. And, given the current state of the economy, you just may at some point find yourself grateful for the generosity of these groups.
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