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Comment by jessant | Hacker News Reader

A major factor is government usurping the traditional functions of community. You don't need help from your local church or a fraternal society if you are getting aid from the government. And people are less likely to participate in the community if they feel that the government is handling and taxing them to do so.

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I haven't done the research at all but would it be fair to say people in at least a few European countries have a better sense of community and human interaction than US (maybe the Scandinavian countries) but a far higher tax rate? Haven't looked into it all though.

>> a few European countries have a better sense of community and human interaction than US

I would agree given a lot of the European communities are smaller in size (think "villages" instead of "cities") so there are in closer proximity and share more resources. They often share more bloodlines and have genealogical ties many generations deeper. My father came from Norway and his family is like 15 generations deep. Here in the US? His family ties are only three or four generations deep.

I have seen it commented the idea that churches are some great source of immense, direct charity. If one is in need, they should simply call upon "the church" for assistance. A bowl of soup, a blanket, and some petty cash right in hand.

Is that real? Even today instead of 150 years ago? What's the regional variation on that?

To some extent yeah. I've had members of my church get hit with sudden costs from an accident/medical bill and someone will start up a collection to help them out. Church's might also run a food bank or similar service to the wider community.

What kind of church do you belong to?

Catholic.

Absolutely, yes. Our church collects tithes and offerings. Tithes funnel to the head of the church and there is a council that sees to their disposition. Offerings are collected monthly and stay in the local congregation for the immediate relief of members of our Church and members of our community regardless of religious affiliation. If any offerings remain, they funnel up to regional administrators. The beauty of this system is that I can give charitably and not know who is getting the benefit. I don't have to judge whether or not my offerings is getting maximum benefit because that responsibility is on the local church leader. (who is using prayer and discernment to maximum effect)

Also, my church has food distribution channels and warehouses so nobody is going hungry.

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