"This study examines the significance of volunteering in the Three Kings Collection (TKC), one of the largest charity events in the Czech Republic. TKC involves volunteers dressed as the three kings who sing carols and raise money door-to-door. We quantify the value of volunteering from 2015 to 2022 ... and explore perspectives from Caritas and the Roman Catholic Church. While TKC generates substantial financial revenue, its value extends beyond monetary aspects. Church and Caritas representatives highlight volunteer caroling’s role in reducing loneliness, its spiritual significance, and its impact on educating future generations. Our findings indicate that economic methods provide valuable data but fail to capture the full scope of volunteering’s benefits. Misinterpretations of economic estimates can bias the views of donors, policymakers, and the public, potentially discouraging future volunteers. This study enhances understanding of volunteer value and provides insights into interpreting economic assessments from an organizational perspective." (Abstract) more

"This open access book explores how children draw God. It looks at children's drawings collected in a large variety of cultural and religious traditions. Coverage demonstrates the richness of drawing as a method for studying representations of the divine. In the process, it also contributes to our u ... nderstanding of this concept, its origins, and its development. This intercultural work brings together scholars from different disciplines and countries, including Switzerland, Japan, Russia, Iran, Brazil, and the Netherlands. It does more than share the results of their research and analysis. The volume also critically examines the contributions and limitations of this methodology. In addition, it also reflects on the new empirical and theoretical perspectives within the broader framework of the study of this concept. The concept of god is one of the most difficult to grasp. This volume offers new insights by focusing on the many different ways children depict god throughout the world. Readers will discover the importance of spatial imagery and color choices in drawings of god. They will also learn about how the divine's emotional expression correlates to age, gender, and religiosity as well as strategies used by children who are prohibited from representing their god." (Publisher description) more