“I Donate because I am Christian” by NickLaing

And Effective Altruism has put my faith community to shame

The Beginning

When I became a Christian age 15 my life began to transform, but sadly my first external play was proclaiming no sex before marriage and saying F#$% a bit less (I’ve since resumed).

Two years later at premed, Tuesday was my only night with no tutorial so I joined a church group, which was weirdly labelled “Social Justice”. I had zero clue what this was aboutt, maybe preventing bullying at school?. Our leader Jo opened with a question I’ll never forget.

“I’m fundraising for World Vision and I told my chain-smoking friend I’ll buy him a pack of cigs if he joins the fundraising effort. Do you guys think that's OK?”

As we discussed the conundrum for the next hour my heart jumped a little. Perhaps my time, skills and money could be useful for something more than just a comfortable life in the ‘burbs…

Why do I Give?

“When you give….” Jesus

Christian motivations for giving vary wildly. Some mostly give to keep their church club solvent, others to save face, but most have deeper motivations. Here are mine.

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Outline:

(01:06) Why do I Give?

(01:24) Gratitude and Joy

(02:24) Utilitarian

(03:14) More to come?

(03:49) Christians aren't great at Giving

(04:04) Father of Earning to Give?

(05:07) We're not much better

(06:08) Effective Altruist Giving Impresses me

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First published:
December 10th, 2025

Source:
https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/QrQ9jwFSNoEdd373f/i-donate-because-i-am-christian

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.