2question

Answer the two questions make up a

question

Do you think privilege has anything to do
with religion?
People who have unearned advantages based on whatever category, whether that be
race, income, or gender, are more privileged than others. But can we apply privilege to
religion? For example, do men have more say within their religious communities than
women? Or do people who have a higher income and can support their religious site
given special treatment in their community than those who don’t? I have never really
thought about privilege within religion, and I am curious to see what your thoughts are
on this idea.

Does Collective Effervescence Spark
Generosity?
Many faith communities have a giving component in their service. At my church the
offering is as standard a part of the worship experience as saying hello to someone
seated near you, and attendees are offered the ability to give in a passed pouch, via
text donation, or through the website/app. It’s a community effort, and there seems to be
a fear of shame or an avoidance of shame associated with the giving experience.

Do churches capitalize on the collective effervescence flowing through the room when
they ask for the “offering”? Are we elevating the giving experience to a sort of sacred
ritual when we implement it in these meetings as a fundamental part of the process?
Are there ethical concerns associated with accepting, or asking for, contributions in
public like this?

Then there are additional concerns when it comes to records of giving, and ensuring
those records stay at a need-to-know level. Who should have access to giving-related
records, and should they be used to consider eligibility for service or participation

opportunities? If a member applies for a paid position within the church, should their
giving history be accessible or applicable to the hiring process?

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