Years ago while I was a missionary, my missionary companion and I started teaching a gentleman that was a successful businessman. As such, he was often busy, but interested in learning more about the LDS church and what it taught. Because of his busy schedule our lessons were strictly by appointment. We met every few weeks. He would give us a call when he was available, and established the tradition that if we were having a lesson he would buy us lunch or dinner so we could feast on the good word and good food. I’ll always remember something he said before one of our appointments. He said, “Don’t worry, I’ll pick up good food. I don’t believe in eating food that doesn’t taste good.”
If you spend much time online in LDS/Mormon social media or other online discussion venues you have an idea of the various types of interactions that can be had in these types of communities. You have devout members of the LDS church, that will defend the church and its leaders to their last online breath against the “apostates”. You have the Ex-Mormon crowd that are trying to overcome feelings of betrayal, and offer support to one another. You have members of the church that are attending church and playing the part of an active member to appease and keep peace in their family when they have doubts. You have others that are seeking truth despite complicated doctrinal and historical dynamics and doing their own thing. It becomes a whole Mormon spectrum of where one might be at with their beliefs. It goes without saying that when people on different parts of this spectrum run into each other via online communication, it gets entertaining to say the least.
What does this have to do with good tasting food? Not long ago in one of these online venues I came across what was intended to be a derogatory term from active LDS church members towards more nuanced Mormons that reject some of their church’s teachings: “Cafeteria Mormon”. When you call someone a Cafeteria Mormon you are belittling them for picking and choosing doctrines they believe in, and rejecting others. Much like as if you went to a cafeteria, you’re going to pick up food you like and likely reject the food you don’t like. It is essentially a condescending term to say to another “you don’t have enough faith to live all the commandments”. Or as others may put it, a “lazy learner and lax disciple”(Russell M. Nelson, April 2021 General Conference). I sympathize with Cafeteria Mormons and say, “Why would you eat food that isn’t good?”.
My objective in bringing this topic up is to offer clarification in hopes that greater understanding is there on the topic of this article. Much of my prior articles has been condemning what I call a “Plurality of Doctrines”. Devout members of the church might see this approach as being a Cafeteria Mormon and disregard anything I might have to say with the thought I’m just a lazy learner and lax disciple that doesn’t want to live certain doctrines. God blessed us with the ability to taste. Our perception of the sense of taste is a mechanism to preserve our life. Essentially serve as a potential warning that if consumed, and it doesn’t taste right, it could be toxic. When Lehi approached the Tree in his dream did he say “This tastes disgusting! I think we should eat more of it anyway”? No, he said, “I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted” and “it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit” (1 Nephi 8: 11-12). We should approach all doctrines this way. Does the doctrine nourish our spirit? Does it help us love God and our Neighbor? Does it enable us to live the Doctrine of Christ, or distract us from living that doctrine?
I’m going to approach the topic at hand with nuance. I am not going to dismiss it as a Plurality of Doctrines but rather emphasis the true and pure version of a doctrine that all churches tend to corrupt. Tithing.
Tithing is a means for revenue for all churches. It is mentioned many times in the Bible, and also in canonized Mormon scripture. Tithing is the means that the LDS church has been able to amass and store a surplus of hundreds of billions of dollars in stocks, businesses, real estate, and cash reserves. Tithing is also used as a means to build places of worship such as churches and temples.
In the LDS church, paying Tithing, or 10% of your income is encouraged of all members. It is required if you are to be seen as a member in good standing, hold leadership callings, receive the priesthood, saving ordinances, temple ordinances, and be allowed access to the temple. While Tithing isn’t the sole requirement for the aforementioned rites, if you meet all the other requirements, but fail to tithe, you are barred access to these rites. You must pay to play as they say. Your entrance fee to the rites deemed necessary by the church for salvation is 10% of your income.
Tithing isn’t inherently bad. It is a good doctrine in it’s purity. Most churches likely start off with tithing as good intent. Finances are needed here and there if you want to have a place to meet together as a community with shared beliefs. Tithing is tied to money. Something that can easily corrupt. Temptations come easily with money. History has shown that churches are not exempt from this temptation. Sooner or later you begin to see rhetoric taught from churches that Tithing is a commandment, and your salvation can depend on it.
The LDS church teaches that all must pay their tithing, and cite the scriptures, that we will get to later. Even the poor must tithe according to the church. If you’ve been in the LDS church long enough you’ve heard the cliche phrase many times “we can’t afford to not pay tithing”. This is when it becomes a damaging doctrine, and not the way Jesus Christ intended.
Lynn G. Robbins a general authority in the LDS church for 25 years, whom also served in the Presidency of the Seventy for 4 years, gave a talk in the April 2005 general conference focused on the necessity of the poor needing to pay tithing. He of course, uses the cliche phrase I already mentioned. He then says, the one way a Bishop can help the needy is by asking them to pay their tithing then states:
“if a destitute family is faced with the decision of paying their tithing or eating, they should pay their tithing.” (Tithing – a Commandment Even for the Destitute, Lynn G. Robbins, April 2005 General Conference)
In consideration of full disclosure, he did state afterward that the bishop can help the poor for a time so long as they pay their tithing. This statement is disingenuous at best though. Anyone that has spent time in the church knows that bishops have full discretion on whether they help an individual financially or not. Many times bishops have let personal feuds with members of their ward prevent them from helping them financially. Certainly I acknowledge there are good bishops out there that do their best to help those less fortunate in their wards as much as they can. Overly generous bishops however can get flagged by the church and cut off how much support they can provide for members of their ward. This message is cleverly disguised as: Tithing is a commandment. God blesses for commandments. Give the church money, and you’ll be blessed. But blessings are predicated on living God’s commandments and doctrine correctly. A poor person paying tithing to a massively wealthy church is not God’s doctrine or one of his commandments.
Perhaps the most frequently cited scripture on the topic of tithing is Malachi 3:8-10. It states:
“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
The rhetoric taught to church members is often: Because God created and gave us everything, if you don’t pay tithing you are robbing him! He is only asking 10% back! Have some faith!
I pose the question, what does it mean to rob someone? I’m not going to turn to the dictionary to define this. It is common sense. Robbing is taking something that isn’t yours from someone else without their consent. If someone offered to buy you dinner one evening, and did so, and later claimed you robbed them because you didn’t offer them dessert as a token of your appreciation, wouldn’t you be confused at such a claim? It cannot be robbery if something is genuinely and freely given to you. So what does Malachi mean?
The context of the book of Malachi is that it is written to the priests. This is clearly evident in the beginning of Chapter 2 where it states: “And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you“. The context of the book of Malachi being written to the priest is even evident in the tithing passage. The command to bring all the tithes, meaning the money already collected, into the storehouse. The priests of the time were responsible for bringing the tithes into the storehouse. They were withholding tithing contributions for themselves and were not bringing all of the tithes into the storehouses. This would constitute robbery. A faithful individual paying a tithe by giving it to the priest, whose responsibility was to bring it into the storehouse to be used as intended by God, and then keeping some of it for themself. Ultimately, if the Amazon delivery driver dropped off a package on your doorstep and a porch pirate came by before you could receive it, would you consider the amazon delivery driver as the robber, or the porch pirate?
Tithing has always been seen as a simple doctrine in which everyone pays 10% to the church. If this isn’t the pure doctrine of Tithing, then what is the pure version of the doctrine? A look into church history sheds some light. You may have heard of the Law of Consecration before. This is a higher doctrine intended by God for a Zion society where every member of a community has the intent to give or consecrate all their belongings for the greater good of the community and then necessities are redistributed based on the needs of individuals. It essentially brings equity to all participating within the community. The problem is it requires 100% participation and humility from 100% of everyone involved. When time proved the early members of the church could not live such a high law, the lower law of Tithing was given.
The law of tithing for the early church is found in Section 119 of the current LDS edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. For context this law was given in 1838 to the members of the church in anticipation of a temple being built in Far West, Missouri. This was how the law was given:
“Verily, thus saith the Lord, I require all their surplus property to be put into the hands of the bishop of my church in Zion,
For the building of mine house, and for the laying of the foundation of Zion and for the priesthood, and for the debts of the Presidency of my Church.
And this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people.
And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord.” (D&C 119:1-4)
Notice how the law of tithing as given in the church was based on surplus? Surplus indicates what you have after all your needs are met. Essentially the profit margin on your familial needs. Also pay attention to where it states “one-tenth of all their interest”. What does that mean? The church’s official declaration is that this verse is to be interpreted as “Interest” meaning “Income”. This means you should pay 10% on all your income. (Come Unto Christ, What is Tithing, churchofjesuschrist.org; Gospel Study Guide, Tithing, churchofjesuschrist.org). If it is not evident by the actual statement in the law of tithing as given in this section of the Doctrine and Covenants, I’ll add some additional context on what “Interest” meant in 1838 in this context. The accepted dictionary of the time was the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary. It defines interest as “Any surplus advantage”. Contextually, everything fits to easily define Tithing as relating to ones surplus. If a household is considered “poor” and barely able to put food on the table and meet their needs, and has no surplus, by the law of tithing they are to not pay a tithe to the church. They would be void of any surplus to pay. In addition to that, 10% of 0, is 0. This certainly offers greater context when Jesus said that the Widow had given more than the rich men had considering the law requires the poor to give nothing (Luke 21:1-4).
If the Book of Mormon contains the fullness of Jesus Christ’s gospel, what does it have to say about Tithing? There are only two references to tithing by name in the book. Once where it mentions that Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek in a chapter focusing on priesthood, not tithes(Alma 13). The other is Jesus quoting Malachi chapter 3 during his visit to the Nephites as found in 3 Nephi 24. It would be clear that the Nephites lived the pure law of Tithing given by Jesus as it was later stated:
“And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift” (4 Nephi 1:3).
Is there rich and poor in your church? When it comes to financial matters in a church-like setting in the Book of Mormon among the richest, there is more emphasis on helping and uplifting the poor rather than a focus on donations to an organization:
“And when the priests left their labor to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God they all returned again diligently unto their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his strength.
And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely.
And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions.
And now, because of the steadiness of the church they began to be exceedingly rich, having abundance of all things whatsoever they stood in need—an abundance of flocks and herds, and fatlings of every kind, and also abundance of grain, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things, and abundance of silk and fine-twined linen, and all manner of good homely cloth.
And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need.” (Alma 1:26-30)
Can you see how living the pure law of Tithing helps you love God and Love your neighbor? At this time, the church didn’t turn away any of the poor and needy, whether they belonged to the church or not. They certainly didn’t expect the needy to contribute first as a test of their faith. They uplifted them and loved them so they in turn would learn to love God and their neighbor.
In order to live the pure doctrine of Tithing, it requires all parties to hold themselves personally accountable, in addition to humility and good intent. There are many organizations that accept donations that accomplish good, and don’t necessarily live this pure law. It is important an individual use good judgment if they want to ensure the organizations they donate to have good intent. What is crucial to this doctrine is that donations given are given freely and willingly by the donator. Where it becomes an issue is when an organization will manipulate people to pay a tithe to them or their salvation is at stake.
Does God require us to tithe in order to receive salvation? Or in otherwise is there a fee for salvation? Lets take a look at what he has given as scripture on this matter.
“And thou hast beheld in thy youth his glory; wherefore, thou art blessed even as they unto whom he shall minister in the flesh; for the Spirit is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. And the way is prepared from the fall of man, and salvation is free.” (2 Nephi 2:4)
Isaiah validates these words by saying:
“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1, KJV).
These two passages of scripture make it apparent God places no literal, monetary fee in exchange for your salvation. No exchange of money is required. He is invested in you. Jesus Christ suffered and died for you, to bring you back into his presence. He didn’t suffer and die for your money.
In my last article entitled “You want someone to preach to you?” I referenced a “movie”. In that same movie, it is Satan that states, “Have you any money” to the “true messengers” who replied, “We have sufficient for our needs”. Satan, the one concerned with money stated, “You can buy anything in this world with money”. Satan deceives and lies. Institutions that would ask you for money in exchange for salvation are following the principle of Satan when he states you can buy anything with money. Anything is an all encompassing word. Can you buy salvation with money?
Remember in the LDS church you are forbidden access to what they deem as saving ordinances if you do not pay a full tithe on your income. In order to be baptized, you have to commit to paying Tithing. Even without it being the sole requirement, being a requirement that if not met, you will not have access to the temple. This is especially important to consider as there has been an emphasis in the church on temple ordinances, attendance, and temple building in recent years. From the current President of the Church, Russell M. Nelson:
“Consider how your life would be different if priesthood keys had not been restored to the earth. Without priesthood keys, you could not be endowed with the power of God. Without priesthood keys, the Church could serve only as a significant teaching and humanitarian organization but not much more. Without priesthood keys, none of us would have access to essential ordinances and covenants that bind us to our loved ones eternally and allow us eventually to live with God.
Priesthood keys distinguish The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from any other organization on earth. Many other organizations can and do make your life better here in mortality. But no other organization can and will influence your life after death.
Priesthood keys give us the authority to extend all of the blessings promised to Abraham to every covenant-keeping man and woman. Temple work makes these exquisite blessings available to all of God’s children, regardless of where or when they lived or now live. Let us rejoice that priesthood keys are once again on the earth!” (Russell M. Nelson, Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys, April 2024 General Conference)
If we wanted to exhaust the emphasis of the necessity of the temple from church leadership, there are countless sources out there, but I believe this is sufficient to illustrate. Nelson makes it clear as far as the church is concerned, that unless you participate in temple ritual, you won’t reach your full potential of salvation, and you won’t have your family. Only through the churches perceived “Priesthood Keys” and “Ordinances” is this possible. Christs sole reference to “keys” was when Peter gave the Testimony of Christ. Christ is the key to salvation. (Matthew 16:15-19).
What does the Lord say about access to the temple? Through Isaiah he said:
“Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;
Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
The Lord God which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.” (Isaiah 56:6-8)
According to this, all that is required to go into his “house” is wanting to join the Lord, to serve him and love him. His temple is to be a house of prayer for all people. If you continue for further context of what Isaiah is saying, he speaks of our “watchman” or in other words our “prophets”:
“His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.
Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.
Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.” (Isaiah 56:10-12)
Isn’t it interesting that after the Lord says he wants all his people to go to the temple, he then condemns the watchmen or prophets? Isaiah also prophesies that the watchmen do not have the ability to be true shepherds or prophesy because they are in it for their own gain, and fill themselves with strong drink. Certainly this is a reference to the “drunkards of Ephraim” as I noted in my last blog post(You want someone to preach to you?; Isaiah 28:1-14).
In the aforementioned referenced “movie” after Satan tells the true messengers that they can buy anything in this world with money, the true messengers turn to Adam and Eve and ask, “Do you sell your tokens and signs for money?”. In the temple, “tokens and signs” are given to individuals as part of the ritual and ordinance that will help lead them to the presence of God. If the church requires 10% of your income to have access to these rituals and ordinances leading to the presence of God, aren’t they by extension selling “tokens and signs” for money?
Jesus in his mortal life by example led a life of kindness. He was the perfect example of reaching out to the poor and needy. The instance that kindled his anger was when he found “moneychangers” in the temple:
“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.”(Matthew 21:12-13)
It was the individuals profiting off the temple he was angered at. The record goes on to show that he paid attention to the blind and lame within the temple and healed them, much to the ire of the church leaders at the time (Matthew 21:14-16).
Always remember that it is Jesus Christ, his doctrine and commandments that will lead you to salvation. There are doctrines like Tithing, when in the pure form, aids you in your quest for salvation. It helps lead you to love God and your Neighbor. It becomes a plurality of doctrines when it becomes corrupted.
So if this makes me a Cafeteria Mormon, I’d much rather choose the fresh fruit from the Tree rather than the one that was picked longed ago, hasn’t been kept well and is starting to mold and rot.
Plurality of Doctrines 