Book Review: Pillars of Faith: American Congregations and Their Partners, by Nancy Tatom Ammerman. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2005. 343 pp., $21.95 (paper)

Abstract

of philanthropy, then, is, as Hammack's essay emphasizes, very context specific. What one ought to do dramatically depends on the context in which one does it. It also, as Elliott Dorff's essay on Jewish law and philanthropy reminds us, depends on the goods we desire to serve. Just as in the Catholic tradition Thomas reminds us that "for a needy man money is better than philosophy, although the latter is better absolutely," Jewish law reminds us that often there are more things wrong with tainted money than the fact that there "t'aint enough" while simultaneously recognizing that philanthropy itself can be a way for one to demonstrate or prove a change of heart. There can be, as the Hindu tradition warns us, "poison in the gift." Giving, however, again drawing on the Hindu tradition, is the best of the virtues because, as the Mahabharata reminds us, "Nothing on earth is more difficult than giving, for the thirst for wealth is great, and wealth is acquired with hardship."As David Smith acknowledges in his postscript, in many ways this book produces more questions than it answers and leaves much ground uncovered. Books, however, ought not be judged on what they do not accomplish but on what they do accomplish. This book invites the reader to struggle with the question of what is good philanthropy and should encourage greater attention to the topic and the production of more focused volumes with contributors from shared backgrounds, whether they be philosophers, theologians, foundation officers, or practitioners, struggling together over the question. Although some readers may find certain essays more valuable to them at different times than do others, this book should be read and reflected on by all who take the subject of philanthropy seriously.Edward Queen directs leadership education programs at the Emory University Center for Ethics, where he also teaches applied and professional ethics and human rights. Queen previously served as a program officer at Lilly Endowment and as senior scholar at the I.U. Center on Philanthropy.