In the U.S. in the widely defined "middle class," ones employment is considered a very significant part of the answer to, "Who are you? - Who am I?" The distortion caused by the value placed on earnings and earning power is toxic. I have read pleas to contribute money to political candidates written as, "Send them some love."

From what I have observed locally, one of the things that increases the membership and power of churches is the acceptance and inclusion of many who are "different." Not all by any means. I cannot imagine gays being accepted as there is a lot of "hate the sin, love the sinner" talk. However, often efforts are made to include those with disabilities with an expectation that they will contribute to the church community. So there is an active interest in discovering talents and abilities that they may be put toward the benefit of the community.