In your mind, which is more altruistic?

If I am hungry and cold, I do not care where the blanket and rice come from. Both groups have the same potential to set aside their own goals and act in a selfless manner. I do believe St. Jude's Hospital is a prime example of an altruistic organization with religious ties. All to often though we do see religious organizations that use missions of good will to convert followers. For this reason I must chose wisely where to donate my resources. I must admit usually I chose a secular organization.

Both and neither.

A religious group may have their motivations for doing good works but don't think for a moment that secular groups don't have their own motivations as well.

Most all groups (secular or non) that do this type of work do it because they truly want to help the less fortunate and they believe in their cause AND they do it because they gain something from it. They may gain points with God, business connections, an ego boost, a sense of satisfaction, or a way to push their own agenda. These things are necessarily bad, but they aren't pure selfless motivations.

That's a no brainer. The secular organization doing good works for the less fortunate. I don't think we can even call religious organizations that do work in the name of God altruistic. If they are doing good works because God told them to or to gain greater favor with God or whatever - then there not doing good for the sake of doing good.

The secular. They are more likely doing it for more purer reasons than the religious. The religious see it as an obligation that will help them be rewarded in the afterlife and also see it as an avenue to spread their views to those they are helping. Their intentions while producing good results are resulting from self-interest.

To be really honest - a secular one. When it's a religious organization I wonder if they're doing it to get Brownie Points from God. When it's secular I KNOW they're not doing it for the points.

Good question!

I guess you could say that the secular organization isn't doing it to please any deity, they are just doing it because they want to help.

However, why would you want to say something like that? If someone is truly helping, don't say or do anything that will make them stop. Let them help.

good works for the less fortunate, but religious organizations usually do good works for the less fortunate

secular organization.

I changed my mind--I agree with Vampie.

Looking at motive of both groups will give you your answer.