Living Out Our Faith: An Introduction to Effective Altruism

Written October 21 2024

Est. 4 minute read

As Christians, we are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). In today’s world, how can we ensure that our love and resources benefit the most people? Effective Altruism (EA) offers a compelling approach for Christians who want to blend Christ-like compassion with careful thinking to make a significant positive impact.

[Person standing on a hill at sunrise, arms gently raised]

What is Effective Altruism?

Effective altruism is a straightforward idea: use reason and evidence to identify the best ways to do good. It’s also a movement of people—including many Christians—who are putting this idea into action. EA combines the heart’s desire to do good with the mind’s determination to ensure that our altruistic efforts are truly effective. The movement emphasizes identifying the most pressing problems, evaluating effective solutions, and committing our time, money, and resources to make a difference.

What Problems Should We Prioritize?

One of EA’s key insights is the ITN framework, which stands for Importance, Tractability (solvability), and Neglectedness. When we focus on issues that rank highly in these areas, our resources—whether time, money, or talents—tend to have the greatest impact.

Consider, for example, the fight against malaria, which claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year despite being preventable and treatable at low cost. Efforts to combat malaria are typically very impactful, making this a priority for many in the EA community. The movement also addresses issues in global health and development, animal welfare, the long-term future, and movement-building, often guided by the ITN framework.

Does EA Align with Christian Priorities?

Although the EA movement is not explicitly religious, it includes many Christians and addresses causes that resonate with Christian values. Some of its causes are quite novel—such as promoting the safe development and governance of artificial intelligence— and some of these align with the biblical call to care for the vulnerable and marginalized, even as they may not be traditional Christian concerns.

Perhaps the most Christian aspect of the movement is its focus on radical generosity. For example, around 10,000 people have taken the Giving What We Can pledge, committing to give 10% or more of their lifetime income to the most effective charities they identify. This commitment aligns well with our call as Christians to support “the least of these.” Many of us on the CFI team have made this pledge, and we encourage you to prayerfully consider it as well.

Is Effective Altruism Too Numbers-Obsessed?

[Open Bible on a desk, with a a notebook filled with charts, graphs, and note next to it]

Some may worry that EA’s focus on numbers and evidence detracts from trusting in God’s wisdom, which transcends human calculation. However, using evidence and careful thinking can help us love others more effectively. As the apostle Paul reminds us, we are to “discern what is best,” and Jesus praises the shrewd use of resources, as seen in the Parable of the Minas (Luke 19:11-27).

Was Jesus an Effective Altruist?

There are aspects of EA that align closely with Jesus’ teachings. Jesus exemplified selfless love and altruism, healing the sick, welcoming outcasts, and caring for the poor. His ultimate act of love—dying on the cross to save us (John 15:13)—demonstrates that love is about action and sacrifice.

Moreover, Jesus praised impartiality, as illustrated in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). The Samaritan crosses social and cultural boundaries to help a stranger, teaching us to care for those in need, no matter their background. Jesus also endorsed wise stewardship, encouraging us to use our resources thoughtfully and effectively (Luke 19:11-27).

While it’s uncertain whether Jesus would identify as an effective altruist, much of the movement’s philosophy reflects biblical principles of radical generosity, impartial love, and stewardship of time and talents.

For more about Christianity and effective altruism, we recommend the EA for Christians website’s introduction here.

Summing Up

  • Effective Altruism encourages thoughtful and impactful service to others.

  • The movement draws inspiration from Christ’s example of selflessness.

  • Christians are called to a global perspective in helping those in need.

  • Evaluating causes based on effectiveness and need aligns with our biblical call to stewardship.

  • Engaging with EA enables believers to live out the command to love their neighbors.

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