| Religion has a variable impact on an individual's philanthropy. Religion is the area of giving that is central to the philanthropy of most people, but it does not dominate the giving of the rich, who favour medical and education cantered opportunities for giving. Religion weaves stories of generosity, of valuing people over things, of recognizing neighbours in strangers, and in conceptualizing ways in which individuals can move beyond solipsism into community. Religion plays an essential and yet enigmatic role in the philanthropic process |