Generosity

Published on 30th May, 2020, in the Economic Times. The idea of religious institutions doing ‘seva’ and serving the people is an old one. The idea of social work, as we know it today, emerged with the Christian Church and the concept of tithe. Priests would pass around fishnets to those congregated at the church, every Sunday. The faithful were asked to donate a part of their wealth. This was to be used to help the poor and the needy. But as time passed, the practice allowed for corruption to seep in. The Church promised a place in Heaven and forgiveness for the crimes of ..