"But what if he had donated every dollar above what he needed for a modest existence? Would it have made a substantial difference?" [deep]
NS that is a very good question. i wonder if you really understand what you asked?
Ns, if you will engage yourself in the study of ideas other than a disposition for God you will not find yourself left behind so often.
I know it has been the argument of atheism that religion is responsible for world problems. You are looking at pieces of a problem when current science is that of a holistic view.
Religion is not the problem it is a self medication which results from a lack of a world view and necessary dialog . When the necessary dialog is not present between societies the result is to seek some thing that fulfills and gives a society some reason to go on in adverse conditions.
I’m not making a list of these conditions but poverty is high on the list and that is not produced by religion or a belief in God.
I’m not sure what part of a holistic view I’m prepared to participate in myself. I do know there is a necessity for it on a serious level.