Compassion and Power: Religion, Spirituality, and Public Administration

Abstract

The involvement of faith-based organizations in public matters may be motivated by compassion, by a desire for political power, or perhaps by some other purpose. This article argues that it is appropriate for organizations with pronounced religious perspectives to play roles in the delivery of public services and in informing public-decision making. We also argue that such involvement has considerable potential for controversy and, under certain circumstances, can have an adverse impact on a pluralistic democracy.

Keywords:

• faith-based
• religion
• spirituality
• public theology

Notes

1. Pat Howell, S.J. notes that the practice of the “establishment of religion” by certain states, such as Connecticut and Massachusetts, continued for several years after the Constitution was ratified. The establishment provision of the lst Amendment did not apply to the states until the Supreme Court, by a further interpretation of the 14th Amendment, extended it to the states. He notes that Massachusetts paid for Congregational clergy salaries up until 1837.

2. In an analysis prepared for this article by Stan Marshburn, Chief Financial Officer of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, the following definition is noted: “DSHS contractors included in these data were either self-identified as a “Faith-based Non-profit” on an intake form that is completed by contractors; or had some combination of the following words in their name: “Catholic, Jewish, Lutheran, salvation, holy, brotherhood, Christ.”

3. According to the Government Accountability Office the funds flowing into these programs have exceeded $100 million per year. “Since 2001, federal agencies have awarded over $500 million through new grant programs to provide training and technical assistance to faith-based and community organizations and to increase the participation of these organizations in providing federally funded social services.” (GAO, 2006, p. 1)