I also wonder how much of this type of thing is rooted in the protestant evangelical cultural origins of much of our society, with its explicit missionary focus, and paradigm that the material problems of others can be solved with a message of intellectual&#x2F;spiritual salvation.<p>I grew up in a small rural evangelical church in rural Canada. A parade of missionaries were always coming through to talk about their good works in exotic places around the world, and seeking donations and support in various ways.