In all of our Lake Institute on Faith & Giving courses, we refer to The Paradox of Generosity and in particular this quote from Christian Smith: “Generosity is the virtue of giving good things to others freely and abundantly. It is a learned character trait that involves attitude and action entailing both the inclination and… Read more »
Faith and Philanthropy
What to expect at this year’s Symposium on Muslim Philanthropy and Civil Society
On October 2-3, 2018 in Indianapolis, the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative (MPI) at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, in partnership with Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, International Institute of Islamic Thought, and the Center on Muslim Philanthropy, will host its second symposium on Muslim Philanthropy and Civil Society. Started by Dr. Shariq Siddiqui, who… Read more »
‘Persistence pays off’: Research on congregations’ economic practices
“I’m impressed by your persistence!” Thus began a voicemail message I received from a congregation leader last week. I’m learning that persistence is an important piece of the NSCEP research project. The National Study of Congregations’ Economic Practices (NSCEP), conducted by Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, has been in the field since February,… Read more »
From concept to reality: An institute is born
After earning a Ph.D. in Ecclesiastical History in Scotland and serving as a pastor in Chicago, Dr. William Enright came to Indianapolis to become the senior pastor at Second Presbyterian Church. He served there for over 23 years when, in the midst of his retirement transition plan in 2004, an offer came to his… Read more »
Giving part of yourself is the best charity
By Dr. William Enright Originally published in the Indy Star Why are people of faith among the most generous charitable givers in the world? Historian James Hudnut-Beumler posed a similar question: Why do religious people pay through the institutions they support to be in relation to God? To illustrate the joy of charitable giving and… Read more »