Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 13
December 21, 1961
NUMBER 33, PAGE 6

Should I Give To The United Fund?

K. A. Sterling, Napa, California

Every year the various cities throughout this nation put on their "United Fund" or "United Crusade" drive. Many very fine organizations benefit from the proceeds of these drives. Should I give?

In answer to this question, I believe that as a Christian, under the present arrangement of the United Fund in most cities, I cannot give. In support of this, I submit the following:

1. In many (most) cities, you cannot specify what particular organization will receive your contribution, such as the Cancer Fund, Heart Fund, etc.; you must give and let the United Fund distribute your contribution according to their agreed-upon schedule.

2. Again, in many (most) cities, the Roman Catholic church comes in for a large proportion of the funds to support their sectarian institutions. There are also other religious organizations benefitting, it is true, but the lion's share usually goes to Catholic organizations. In any case, a Christian cannot contribute to any religious organization, directly or indirectly, which is teaching false doctrine. Why? Listen to John; 2 John 9-11: "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, bath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (KJV) I cannot, in light of this passage, and others, contribute in any way to any religious organization which is "teaching for commandments the doctrines of men;" (Matt. 15:9) which is not the body of Christ, and which is consequently teaching things that will cause souls to be lost. I cannot have any part whatever in teaching anything but the truth. What is the difference between making an indirect contribution to Catholic and other sectarian organizations through the United Fund, and in simply writing out a check to them directly? Would you visit the Baptist or Catholic or Methodist church and contribute into their treasuries? Would you bid them "God speed" in teaching error? Whether direct or indirect, the end result is the same.

I am aware of the fact that many employers practically compel their employees to "give" to the United Fund. Personally speaking, I am afraid I would have to lose my job before I would bid "God speed" through my contribution, to any religious organization teaching false doctrine.

What About Giving To Non-Sectarian Organizations?

As far as giving directly to such organizations as the Heart Fund, Cancer Fund, Mental Illness, etc., I believe that not only can a Christian give; he should give — and that liberally. We are not talking about giving separately or directly to such organizations as these (and other equally good philanthropic endeavors); we are talking about the "United Fund."

But while we are on the subject of a Christian and charities, let us consider the position of the child of God with respect to two very prominent organizations which conduct drives on a continuing basis:

The "Salvation Army"

As the very name indicates, the "Salvation Army" is a religious organization. They believe and teach that one can be "saved" through this organization (by belief in Christ and without membership in any other organization — church) and they have officers who serve as preachers or teachers, and hold religious services regularly. Can a Christian contribute (even "useable discards") to such an organization and thus bid them "God speed?"

But one may say: "Yes, but they are doing a tremendous amount of good." As far as material assistance is concerned, I heartily agree and respect what they have done and are doing along this line. However, the same may be said of other religious organizations (even though they may not devote as much time and effort to this type program): none of which changes the facts. A Christian can as logically contribute to the Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic (et al) churches (or their charitable institutions and programs), as he can to the Salvation Army.

The "Goodwill" Industries

The "Goodwill' Industries, while similar to the Salvation Army in many respects, is not a religious organization, It is a non-sectarian organization, which, as far as I have been able to learn, does not engage in religious teaching or programs. According to their literature: "Goodwill Industries provide employment, training and rehabilitation for handicapped persons." This, I believe, is an organization to which a Christian can contribute, and personally speaking, whatever useable material I have to give (which is not given to some needy person directly), I will give to this organization.

Conclusion

Christians must ever be conscious of doing benevolent work. Paul said: "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." (Gal. 6:10) While we must then, be conscious of and engaged in, doing "good unto all men....," we must also be certain that we do not "bid God speed" to the propagation of error. Let us do benevolence, yea verily; not strictly because we feel it an "obligation" or "duty" or "must," but because we love our fellowman and count it a privilege to be able to help him in need — but all that we do let us do in a way that is in harmony with the will of God.