Religious People, Religious Congregations, and Volunteerism in Human Services: Is there a Link?

Abstract

The literature on volunteerism is voluminous, yet there is very little that examines the relationship between religious belief or observance and volunteerism. Religious belief may relate to an individual's decision to engage in volunteer activity. Religious observance may lead to organized volunteer activities that have a systemic impact on the community. Yet both are inadequately studied. The purpose of this article is to explore the link between religious beliefs and volunteerism and to shed light on the impact of religious observance on volunteering.

Explaining Differences in Philanthropic Behavior between Christians, Muslims, and Hindus in the Netherlands

“…In other words, Christian religious communities create opportunities for its members to give and volunteer (see e.g. Cnaan, Katernaiks & Wineburg 1993 …”

A Study of Factors Influencing the Growth of Nonprofits in Social Services

“…Religious values are traditionally associated with the establishment of charitable institutions in America (Chambers, 1985). Links have also been found between religious belief and altruism (Wuthnow, 1990) and among religious participation, giving, and volunteerism (Cnaan, Kasternakis, & Wineburg, 1993;Hodgkinson, Weitzman, & Kirsch, 1990). Churches were early practitioners in fields that manifest American cultural values such as morality in education and health care for the underprivileged (O'Neill, 1989).…”

Daily Spiritual Experiences and Prosocial Behavior

“…The reasons for the link between religiosity and helping are disputed. Sociologists who study this issue tend to explain the connection between religion and helping by reference to the social networks that come with religious participation (Becker and Dhingra 2001;Cnaan et al 1993;Musick and Wilson 2008;Musick et al 2000;Park and Smith 2000;Wilson 2000). Psychologists tend to focus on subjective aspects of religiosity, such as values, motivations, attitudes, and beliefs (Clary and Snyder 1991;Clary et al 1998;Cnaan and Goldberg-Glen 1991;Omoto et al 2000;Saroglou 2006).…”