Where Do You Rank on the Generosity Index?

There has been a survey done that ranks states by a "Generosity Index". The index is calculated as the differential between the state's ranking (1-50) of AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) and the state's ranking (1-50) by the percentage of itemized charitable deductions compared to AGI. Interesting:

California is ranked 6th in AGI, but 17th in giving

New York 4th in AGI, but 25th in giving

Mississippi, ranked dead last (50th) in AGI, but 6th highest in giving

The index is also interesting because it measures relative generousity in terms of the ability of the contributer. Thus, those who have more are expected to give more in absolute terms (as implied by the generosity index). This is a proposition that I tend to agree with, for to whom much is given, much is expected. God gives to each man resources that are to be used to provide for oneself and for others. We are not to bury the talents in the ground.

Politically it is interesting as well, take a look at this version that color codes the states by the way they voted for Bush in 2000. Hat tip to Andrew Sullivan for pointing this one out. Sullivan uses this as some fodder to try to show the reality about what he says the left calls "callous, selfish rich Republicans".

The color coded table really is a thought provoker; I'm sure that Dems will pull out some sort of rationale about absolute giving being the standard, economic factors in differing regions, yada yada. I'm unconvinced by the suppositions that Sullivan and (presumably) Glenn Beck make at this time, only because the Generosity Index is such a simplistic formula; I'm still trying to unpack what it means. I know this sure gives us some pause, doesn't it?

What is haunting is that in Scripture, Jesus considered the widow's mite more than the Pharisee's treasure.