052 Q&R! On Early Church Finance w/ Drs. Elizabeth Kuehn & Jeffrey Mahas
Feb 27, 2024
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Exploring the evolution of church finances from two-part tithings to the current 10% income system. Discussing the role of the Danites, financial stipends for Church leaders, and disagreements between Brigham Young and Emma Smith. Delving into early tithing challenges, labor disputes, and the compensation of church leaders. Shedding light on the dispute over financial assets after Joseph Smith's death and encouraging listener engagement.
Tithing practices transitioned from surplus property consecration to annual interest payments due to economic changes and temple construction needs.
Implementing tithing in Nauvoo faced challenges like limited surplus property, leading to labor tithing as a solution amidst economic struggles.
Full-time Church leaders receive a living allowance not from tithing, reflecting historical practices of few leaders benefiting financially from church contributions.
Deep dives
Evolution of Tithing Practice in the Church
Tithing practices evolved from the requirement to consecrate surplus property in Nauvoo to paying one-tenth of annual interest. This shift occurred due to changing economic conditions and the need to support the construction of the Nauvoo Temple without going into debt.
Tithing Implementation Challenges in Nauvoo
Challenges in implementing tithing practices in Nauvoo included limited surplus property due to poverty among the Saints, leading to the adoption of labor tithing requiring one day in ten of labor on the temple. Records suggest varied interpretations and applications of tithing, reflecting the economic struggles faced by members.
Financial Practices of Church Leaders
Contrary to assumptions, Joseph Smith did not solely rely on church income and lived in modest accommodations. The Nauvoo Mansion was primarily a hotel with Joseph leasing out rooms and not benefiting financially from guests. Brigham Young's financial status fluctuated, with early poverty contrasting later financial stability connected to developing the industry in Utah.
Allegations Against Church Leaders in Nauvoo General Conference
During the April 1843 general conference, allegations surfaced accusing Elias Higby and Reynolds Kahoon of profiting excessively from the Nauvoo Temple Committee's funds rather than Joseph Smith or Brigham Young. Accounts were thoroughly examined, leading to apologies from Higby and Kahoon to rectify the situation. Despite internal disputes, accusations of Joseph profiting off the church were not prominent, although they were raised by external critics.
Compensation of Church Leaders and Historical Financial Practices
While most lay church leaders like local bishops do not receive compensation, full-time general authorities, including mission leaders and some others, are provided with a uniform living allowance not sourced from tithing revenue but from church investments. Historically, only a few church leaders received significant funds, with most relying on the generosity and donations of members. Notably, Joseph Smith and Sidney petitioned for financial assistance from the High Council for their devoted services in the church.
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).