Church History Matters

052 Q&R! On Early Church Finance w/ Drs. Elizabeth Kuehn & Jeffrey Mahas

Feb 27, 2024

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.

01:16:44

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Episode guests

Jeffrey Mahas

Elizabeth Kuehn

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

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.

Introduction

3min

Navigating Financial Turmoil in Early Church History

11min

Tithing Challenges in Early Church

14min

Evolution of Tithing Practices in Early Church Finance

16min

Financial Struggles and Labor Disputes in the Early Church

4min

The Compensation of Church Leaders

6min

Ecclesiastical Compensation and Voluntary Service

4min

Exploring the Intentions and Implications of Teaching Church Materials

2min

The Complex Dispute Over Financial Assets

17min

10.

Wrapping Up and Encouraging Listener Engagement

2min

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/