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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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