Religion, Poverty, and Philanthropy in the United States

This chapter details ways in which Christianity, Islam, and Judaism address issues of poverty in the United States. It begins by providing a broader overview of the relationship between religious organizations and government in the United States with regard to social service provision. Legislative and executive changes in recent years have encouraged partnerships between faith-based organizations and government in social service provision. The chapter then details Christian, Jewish, and Muslim responses to poverty in the United States, including a historical overview and discussion of different types of responses such as charitable service provision, philanthropy, and community organizing aimed at social change. It also includes discussion of lived religion with regard to people experiencing poverty.