Evolution of Tithing Practices in Early Church Finance

Doctrine & Covenants 119 directs Church members to pay essentially two tithings—the first tithing being a one-time donation of all of their surplus property (meaning whatever they don’t have immediate need of), and the second tithing being an ongoing payment of one-tenth of what they would make in interest annually if they invested their total net worth at 6%. So, when did we shift in the Church away from the payment of tithing in that two-part way to the more general approach today of really only one type of tithe as 10% of our income? Also, who are the Danites and what role did they play in early tithing collection in Far West?

Furthermore, how is it okay for some full-time Church leaders today to receive a financial stipend or allowance? Is that historically justified in the revelations and early practice of the Church? Also—related question—is it considered priestcraft for people to receive money for their efforts to build Zion?  

Finally, after Joseph Smith’s martyrdom, was there significant disagreement between Brigham Young and Emma Smith regarding Church financial assets? If so, what role did that play in their turbulent relationship over the next decades? 

All of these questions and more coming your way on this episode of Church History Matters with Dr. Elizabeth Kuehn and a surprise guest we brought on last minute (we think you'll like him).

For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/