When deconstructing religious beliefs, examining whether the God we’ve been taught to worship and admire is indeed as loving as we think is on the table for many. Christianity teaches that “God is Love,” but examining scriptural narratives reveals inconsistencies in this portrayal, especially concerning God’s actions as a parental figure. Here are several examples …
Tag Archives: tithing
Luis Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Luis’s journey is a powerful testament to the cost—and the reward—of pursuing truth and integrity, even when it upends everything familiar. A convert to Mormonism, Luis threw himself into church life with sincerity, eventually marrying in the temple and serving in church leadership. But new information surfaced—thanks to the internet and resources like the CES …
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Biddy Mason – From Enslaved Mormon Pioneer to Free Philanthropist
Biddy Mason’s life is a powerful testimony of perseverance, resilience, and quiet resistance. Born into slavery in Georgia in 1818, she was never given a choice about the course of her life—but she made powerful choices when finally given the chance. Her story intersects with the early Mormon Church in a way that many today …
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Green Flake, The Man and Slave Labor The Church Accepted as Tithing
Today, the LDS Church no longer condones slavery, and leaders assert that the church has always been against slavery and racism, but there is a hidden history of racism and even slavery in the church. There are even instances where slaves were given as tithing to the church—the church used slave labor in temple construction. Green Flake …
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Church Leadership Claims No Financial Compensation For Service
During the 2025 April General Conference, Steven D. Shumway continued to push the narrative that church leaders are not paid for their service in the church. He claims that “we do not receive financial compensation for serving.” This is misleading and exemplifies a glaring transparency issue regarding church leadership and finances. While it is technically true …
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Church Reveals What To Do With Disturbing Anti-Mormon Literature?
This Q&A from the 2007 New Era is a revealing example of how the LDS Church attempts to control the flow of information to its members—particularly the kind that might prompt questions or critical thought. The recommendation is clear: if you find literature critical of the Church “disturbing,” it’s a sign you shouldn’t read it. …
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Tithing is About Money, Not Faith, Obedience, Loyalty, or Sacrifice
Tithing is a fundamental doctrine in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), requiring members to contribute 10% of their income to the Church. It is framed as a commandment from God, essential for spiritual growth, obedience, and blessings. Paying a full tithe is also a requirement for temple access, making it …
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Every Member ‘Who Has Means’ Shall Pay Tithing
For those then who are struggling in these difficult times, please consider Lorenzo Snow’s comments in 1899. The church uses this and the teachings of President Lorenzo Snow to preach tithing to members. Every Man, Woman and Child Who Has Means Shall Pay Tithing I plead with you in the name of the Lord, and …
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Bednar’s Evasive $300 Billion Answer Only Raises More Questions
![“[To] the people who want to tell us how to spend the money, I would just emphasize one undergirding principle. The assets of the church are primarily income consuming; they are not income producing.” - David A. Bednar, LDS Apostle & Ryan Smith, Qualtrics/Utah Jazz Owner Silicon Slopes Summit, September 28, 2023 'What Does the Church Do With Tithing Money?' Church Video | wasmormon.org](https://i0.wp.com/wasmormon.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/David-A-Bednar-church-assets-are-income-consuming-not-income-producing.jpg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1)
In February 2025, the LDS Church released a new video featuring an interview with David A. Bednar at the Silicon Slopes Summit on September 28, 2023. The interview was conducted by Ryan Smith, Mormon billionaire, co-founder of Qualtrics, and owner of multiple professional sports teams, including the Utah Jazz (NBA), Utah Hockey Club (NHL), and …
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Analyzing Henry B. Eyring’s Paystub
This paystub provides a detailed breakdown of Henry B. Eyring’s compensation and deductions, contradicting the LDS Church’s claim that it has “no paid clergy.” Let’s analyze each section: Earnings Breakdown: Total earnings for the period: $8,461.22. The majority of which are reimbursements of some form. Deductions: The total deductions for this pay period are $597.10, …
Oaks’ Temporary Commandments and The Shifting Sands of “Permanent” Laws
Dallin H. Oaks introduced a new concept during the October 2024 General Conference. He states that while some commandments are permanent, others are temporary. He then provides a few examples of each before moving on in his talk and not returning to the subject to conclude that we must forgo contention, be peacemakers, and avoid …
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Curtis Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Once a devout member of the church, Curtis cherished the faith of his youth—until he discovered that the church he had loved was not what it claimed to be. Confronted with shifting doctrines, hidden history, and unethical behavior from church leadership, his testimony crumbled. Like many who experience a crisis of faith, Curtis cycled through …
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Doug Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Doug’s story is one of questioning, integrity, and the courage to seek truth despite the cost. Born into a devout Mormon family, Doug grappled with doubts from a young age, his sharp mind clashing with doctrines and practices that defied logic or evidence. His search for answers, including a memorable exchange with the Smithsonian Institution …
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Andy Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Andy’s life mirrored the ideal Mormon path: raised in the church, served a mission, attended BYU, married in the temple, and served faithfully in the church for decades. He remained a committed member, navigating questions and doubts while striving to stay true to his faith. But his journey took a profound turn after the unexpected …
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Tithing vs Feeding Children
The history of tithing shows that it has grown over time to require more of church members. It has grown to be required for a temple recommend, and reinterpreted to mean ten percent of your income. It has been expanded to include everyone, not just those who have means. It has been tied to the …
Ensign Peak Advisors Withdrawls, Religious Tax-Exemption, And Lack of Charitable Work
The Ensign Peak Advisors controversy centers on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or rather the Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, doing business as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, using a tax-exempt investment fund to manage hundreds of billions of dollars derived …
Tom Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight
Tom’s journey out of the LDS Church is shaped by a lifetime of devotion and careful reflection. Raised as a descendent of early Mormon pioneers, he grew up deeply rooted in the faith, participating in every aspect from Seminary and a mission to a temple marriage, and later serving in leadership roles within the church. …
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Does Tithing Break the Poverty Cycle?
The cycle of poverty is a vicious trap where a parent’s poverty affects the lives of their children. Families in poverty often have limited resources, which makes it difficult to escape. Some examples of self-reinforcing disadvantages that can trap families in poverty include: Lack of financial capital, Lack of education, Lack of connections, Poor health, and Low working …
Facts vs Beliefs – No Limit At All On What Church Is Required To Teach Or Not Teach
The LDS Church Corporation is currently involved in many many lawsuits. One such is a RICO case, where the church is being accused of behavior more similar to an organized crime network, like the mafia, than a religious institution. What is RICO? A RICO case refers to charges brought under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt …
Tithing—a Commandment Even for the Destitute
Lynn G. Robbins, LDS Seventy and Elder, spoke at General Conference in April 2005. He emphasizes that even the poorest members of the Mormon Church should pay tithing, regardless of their financial hardship. While Robbins likely intended to encourage strong faith and commitment, his approach creates a predatory framework that pressures the financially vulnerable into …
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Email to Sydney Australia Mortdale Stake: Pilot Program – Informed Consent
The members of the Sydney Australia Mortdale Stake received an email informing them the area had been selected for a Pilot Program named Informed Consent. The program announced two objectives: 1) to ensure that converts are fully informed before they commit to baptism, and 2) for all members to have a “short” lesson to make …
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