Faith-based
Encyclopedia
The term 'faith-based' is a neologism (coined in the 1970s), mostly current in US English, to describe any organization or government idea or plan based on religious beliefs, specifically Christian
beliefs.
The term commonly refers to associated organizations such as Catholic Charities
.
Such "faith-based organizations" typically deliver a variety of services to the public, such as caring for the infirm and elderly, advocating justice for the oppressed and playing a major role as NGO's in humanitarian aid
and international development
efforts.
in the late 18th century.
In the 2000s, the term came into public use in the United States of America as an abbreviation of "faith-based initiative", e.g. U.S. President George W. Bush
's proposal to grant religious charitable social-service groups federal money via the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
.
In providing these grants to faith-based groups, the Federal Government has also set up a comprehensive set of supports for groups who are interested in applying for these resources.
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
beliefs.
The term commonly refers to associated organizations such as Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities is a network of charities whose aim is "to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same." It is one of the largest charities in the United States...
.
Such "faith-based organizations" typically deliver a variety of services to the public, such as caring for the infirm and elderly, advocating justice for the oppressed and playing a major role as NGO's in humanitarian aid
Humanitarian aid
Humanitarian aid is material or logistical assistance provided for humanitarian purposes, typically in response to humanitarian crises including natural disaster and man-made disaster. The primary objective of humanitarian aid is to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity...
and international development
International development
International development or global development is a concept that lacks a universally accepted definition, but it is most used in a holistic and multi-disciplinary context of human development — the development of greater quality of life for humans...
efforts.
Definition
Science and Theology News equates the term "faith-based group" with "civic associations loosely connected with faith groups", pointing out that such groups have existed in the United States since the Second Great AwakeningSecond Great Awakening
The Second Great Awakening was a Christian revival movement during the early 19th century in the United States. The movement began around 1800, had begun to gain momentum by 1820, and was in decline by 1870. The Second Great Awakening expressed Arminian theology, by which every person could be...
in the late 18th century.
In the 2000s, the term came into public use in the United States of America as an abbreviation of "faith-based initiative", e.g. U.S. President George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
's proposal to grant religious charitable social-service groups federal money via the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, formerly the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives is an office within the White House Office that is part of the Executive Office of the President of the United States.-Under George W. Bush:OFBCI was...
.
Examples of US "faith-based organizations"
Funding for faith-based organizations in the U.S. centers around several signature initiatives including:- the Compassion Capital fund, an initiative designed to strengthen the role faith-based organizations play in human services;
- Mentoring Children of Prisoners, an initiative focused on supporting the children of incarcerated adults;
- Access to Recovery, which focuses in increasing the availability of drug and alcohol treatment programs;
- the Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative which focuses on helping individuals returning from prison to successfully re-integrate themselves back into society.
In providing these grants to faith-based groups, the Federal Government has also set up a comprehensive set of supports for groups who are interested in applying for these resources.
See also
- Separation of church and state in the United StatesSeparation of church and state in the United StatesThe phrase "separation of church and state" , attributed to Thomas Jefferson and others, and since quoted by the Supreme Court of the United States, expresses an understanding of the intent and function of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States...
- Intentional communityIntentional communityAn intentional community is a planned residential community designed to have a much higher degree of teamwork than other communities. The members of an intentional community typically hold a common social, political, religious, or spiritual vision and often follow an alternative lifestyle. They...
- Reality-based communityReality-based communityReality-based community is an informal term in the United States. In the fall of 2004, the phrase "proud member of the reality-based community" was first used to suggest the commentator's opinions are based more on observation than on faith, assumption, or ideology...
- Salvation ArmySalvation ArmyThe Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian church known for its thrift stores and charity work. It is an international movement that currently works in over a hundred countries....
- Samaritan InstituteSamaritan InstituteThe Samaritan Institute is a non-profit organization based in Denver, Colorado which manages an international network of faith-based counseling centers...
External links
- UK Home Office
- White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
- Texas town's faith-based prison plan questioned
- Charles ColsonCharles ColsonCharles Wendell "Chuck" Colson is a Christian leader, cultural commentator, and former Special Counsel for President Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1973....
's Christian-based prison project on trial in Iowa - "The Faith Based Charade" by former Catholic Charities President Clint Reilly