Based on 2008 data from the Internal Revenue Service, the study on the generosity of Americans shows states with the least religious residents are less inclined to give money to charity. The Chronicle of Philanthropy released the report showing that where religious participation is higher, giving to charities is higher -- such as states in the South.
Why do liberals tend to be stingy?
Mark Tooley is president of The Institute on Religion & Democracy. "The results, of course, would not be surprising in that religious people have more of an incentive and a basis for charitable giving than do the more secular," he tells OneNewsNow. "And other studies have certainly confirmed this finding." Tooley points to a book a few years ago by Arthur Brooks, head of the American Enterprise Institute, pointing out that conservatives give more than liberals. "The explanation could include that those who are more secular or more liberal look towards the government to provide essential services for those in need," he offers. "Whereas those who are more conservative and/or more religious understand the importance of the church and of private charity in meeting human needs." Associated Press notes that of the ten least generous states, nine voted for Barack Obama in the last presidential election. Of the ten most generous, eight voted for Republican candidate John McCain.