2 Corinthians 9:7; “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
Historical records of the LDS Church reveal a contradictory message still implemented today. From the days of Joe Smith who initially complained about the ‘whores of Babylon’ offering salvation for money, to the latest General Conference the narrative is the same.
Joe Smith’s fiery brimstone sermons rang out across upper New England seaboard right in the middle of the 2nd Great Awakening. He complained Christianity had turned corrupt in its doctrines, thereby necessitating a ‘restoration of all things’.
Mormon 8:32; “Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be churches built up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins.”
We’ve received a few requests in the past couple of weeks for LDS tithing quotes, so we decided we’d compile a few of them for a handy reference page!
As you’ll see in the quotes below, the Church’s doctrines are ambiguity at its finest. Their doctrines were taken from the pages of those Smith condemned.
We’ll add to our list as time goes on, so check back often for updates!
Contradictory Tithing Definitions
Contradictory Mormon Tithing Definitions
One thing is certain. The Church has gone to great extremes in confusing its membership. Check out what they’ve said!
Tithing Required for Temple Attendance
Encyclopedia of Mormonism, p. 1482; “In 1881 obedience to the law of tithing became a requirement for temple attendance (JD 22:207-208) for those with an income.”
False Prophecies of Mormonism Condemning Others for Tithing
Why is it okay for the LDS Church to issue edicts tithing must be paid or else, and at the same time condemn others?
Furthermore, why do Mormon scriptures contradict themselves?
Your Choice: Tithing or Excommunication
Journal of Discourses 10:282-283; “I have always told the people to do just as they pleased about paying Tithing, and to do as they please about calling upon the name of the Lord in prayer, and to do just as they please about being baptized, or about believing in the Lord Jesus Christ; there is no compulsion whatever in these matters. The Lord does not compel any person to embrace the Gospel, and I do not think He will compel them to live it after they have embraced it; but all who do not keep their covenants and the commandments of the Lord our Father are then fit to be cut off from the Church.” – Brigham Young, Great Salt Lake City, November 6, 1863
Non-Tithe Payers ‘not Fit to be Mormon’
Journal of Discourses 10:309; “We have had trouble with men who refused to pay their Tithing, but the time has now come when a man that will not pay his Tithing is not fit to be in the Church. The time has come when those who profess to be Saints must live according to the laws of the Holy Priesthood, or they cannot enjoy its benefits. May the Lord bless you all, and help you to be faithful is my prayer. Amen.” – Brigham Young, Davis and Weber Counties, June 10-13, 1864
‘Poor to Pay Tithing Even When on Welfare’
Journal of Discourses 16:45; “Everybody should pay their tenth. A poor woman ought to pay her tenth chicken, if she has to draw out ten times its value for her support. It is all the Lord’s and we are only his stewards.” – Brigham Young, Ogden Tabernacle, May 18, 1873
Tithing ‘In Force Upon Rich and Poor’
Journal of Discourses 20:368; “But as regards the law of tithing, it is in force upon the poor as well as the rich, and it seems that it acts almost unequally in some respects.” – Lorenzo Snow, Ogden City, October 19, 1879
Tithing v. Food
Pay Tithing Before Feeding Your Family
Liahona, ‘Sacred Transformations,’ December 2012; “If paying tithing means that you can’t pay for water or electricity, pay tithing. If paying tithing means that you can’t pay your rent, pay tithing. Even if paying tithing means that you don’t have enough money to feed your family, pay tithing.” – Aaron L West, Church Publishing Services Department
Tithing Mandatory
Mandatory Tithing for Mormon Salvation
Doctrine and Covenants 64:23; “Behold, now it is called today until the coming of the Son of Man, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming.”
$$$ for Salvation
Money for Salvation – D&C 119:4
The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, and still other references, all state there’s no salvation without going to the temple. In order to gain access to the temple, you must show proof you’ve paid your tithing.
No Tithing = No Heaven
No Tithing Means No Salvation for Mormons
The Seer, p. 164; “… those whose names are not found on the tithing Books as having paid up the full amount of their tithing can in no wise be permitted to enter the holy temple and receive their endowments; those great and holy temple ordinances instituted from before the foundation of the world, as the only means by which the Saints can be exalted to the fullness of celestial glory, will be withheld from them, until the debt is cancelled: it is a debt which you owe the Lord; and it is for your good to pay it; as for the faithful servants of God it matters not to them whether you pay your tithing or not; the Church can get along without it; it is only for your own good that you are exhorted to obey the Lord in this thing, knowing that if you fail, you cannot receive the blessing.” – Orson Pratt, November 1853
He Who Doesn’t Follow His Own Rules…
Smith’s Tithing Complaints about Catholics and Christians are Smoke and Mirrors
“…he expounded upon his dismay by publishing the Book of Mormon, which told people only corrupt churches would demand money for forgiveness, and salvation.
Mormon 8:32; “Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be churches built up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins.” – c. 400-421 AD”
Leaders Don’t Have To Pay Tithing
General Authorities Exempt from Paying Tithes – HC 7:358
LDS Church History Blogspot; “In August 1844 the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles issued an epistle which required all Mormons to immediately pay ‘a tenth of all their property and money . . . However, two weeks later the Twelve voted to exempt themselves, the two general bishops Newel K. Whitney and George Miller, and the Nauvoo Temple Committee from any obligation to pay tithing. This was due to their services to the church.
Apostle John E. Page’s enforcement of the full-tithing requirement for the rank-and-file led to his disaffection from his own quorum. Exempted from tithing himself, Page felt guilty about collecting tithing from others such as one Mormon who gave $4 which was ‘the tenth of all’ the man and his impoverished family possessed. Upon abandoning the Quorum of the Twelve in 1846, Page complained that he ‘believes that many paid tithing & in consequence of [this, were in] want of money enough to procure misc. necessaries of life.’
History of the Church, 7:358.
Church Employers Automatically Deduct Your Tithe
Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, Vol. XIV: Jan. 28th, 1891 to July 14th 1891, pp. 14‑15; “Jan. 30th, 1891‑‑ZCMI deducted tithing before paying wages to employees.”
Destitute Can’t Afford NOT To Tithe???
General Conference, ‘Tithing – A Commandment, Even for the Destitute,’ April 2005; “No bishop, no missionary should ever hesitate or lack the faith to teach the law of tithing to the poor. The sentiment of “They can’t afford to” needs to be replaced with “They can’t afford not to.”
One of the first things a bishop must do to help the needy is ask them to pay their tithing. Like the widow, if a destitute family is faced with the decision of paying their tithing or eating, they should pay their tithing. The bishop can help them with their food and other basic needs until they become self-reliant.” – Lynn G. Robbins
No Accountability – Church Doesn’t Have To Answer ?? On Where They Spend Your Money
The Church raised more than a few eyebrows in 2012 by changing their tithing slips which now carries the following disclaimer –
“Though reasonable efforts will be made globally to use donations as designated all donations become the church’s property and will be used at the church’s sole discretion to further the church’s overall mission.”
RULES: 1.Tithe 2.Feed Family
Pay Tithing Before Feeding Your Family
Liahona, ‘Sacred Transformations,’ December 2012; “If paying tithing means that you can’t pay for water or electricity, pay tithing. If paying tithing means that you can’t pay your rent, pay tithing. Even if paying tithing means that you don’t have enough money to feed your family, pay tithing.” – Aaron L. West, Church Publishing Services Department
‘Average cost for building a Mormon temple is roughly 60 million US dollars. A report on Reddit gave info that one rug in this temple cost a whopping 7 grand which is extravagant even by Western standards.’
10% Mandatory for Salvtion
New Era, ‘The Blessings of an Honest Tithe,’ January 1982; “As an acknowledgment and in return for his bounty, the Lord requires us to return to him as tithing 10 percent of our interest annually. In the law of the gospel, tithing is, then, as has already been said, a legal obligation. It is not a mere freewill offering. And although the Lord does not enforce it as we enforce debts in our society by foreclosing the mortgage or turning off the water or the lights, a penalty for nonpayment is always exacted. …men themselves decide whether to pay or not to pay tithing—this is their option. But there is an option they do not have and that is to receive the promised blessings for tithing and also to refuse to pay tithing. If they do not pay tithing, they are not entitled to these blessings and they will never receive them.” – Marion Romney
Salvation Through Your Pocketbook
Mormon Salvation Comes Through the Pocketbook
Mormons receive blessings when they obey the law of tithing – David Bednar
Temple Recommend Interview Question #9 – Full Tithe Payer?
Temple Recommend Interview Questions and Instructions
Question #9 asks the Mormon if they’re a full tithe payer.
Excommunicated Not Allowed to Tithe
LDS Bans Tithes of Excommunicated
Why is this a ‘rule’ in Mormonism?
Prosperity Gospel in Early 20th Century
Snow’s False Prophecy: Tithing Brings Prosperity
Mormons promised prosperity & success for paying tithe, but what about those in 3rd world countries?
