In this conversation with Aaron Miller, a teaching professor at BYU focusing on ethics, church finances come under scrutiny. They discuss why the Church used shell companies, the implications of a recent lawsuit over tithing, and the need for transparency about massive reserves. Is the Church's humanitarian work effective? Listeners ponder whether giving to the Church or other charities is better. The dialogue wraps up with a thought-provoking exploration of capitalism's role in consecration and Zion building.

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.

Explore the church's controversial decision to invest over $1 billion in a downtown mall and allegations of tithing fund misuse. Delve into the staggering $100 billion reserve and the ethical questions surrounding financial transparency. Unpack the $5 million SEC fine against the church’s investment arm for undisclosed transactions. Discover how these financial practices impact members, especially the economically disadvantaged, while examining the blend of religious duty and financial strategy.

Exploring the Church's journey towards creating a Zion society with no poverty, starting from the Great Depression. Learn about the evolution of financial consecration, the development of the Church welfare program, and the unseen acts of welfare that quietly bless many lives. Discover how the Church empowers individuals through self-reliance and community support, while showcasing community unity in action during times of need.

Explore the transition from communal property deeding to individual tithing, with a focus on united orders and cooperatives in Nauvoo and Utah. Learn about the challenges faced by these communities, including government intervention and conflicts with the federal government. Discover how the Church eventually settled on the tithing system after various experiments with financial consecration.

Discover the dramatic 1837 banking failure in Kirtland, Ohio, and the immediate aftermath that prompted Joseph Smith's flight to Missouri. Learn how the struggles of the early church led to the revelation of the law of tithing amidst financial chaos. Delve into the tensions surrounding the Kirtland Temple’s construction and the challenges faced by church leaders. Explore the complex relationship between tithing and consecration, along with how these financial principles evolved to support the church during tough times.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today owns and operates several successful for-profit businesses, from livestock and agriculture to publishing and digital media to real estate and many others. This has caused some to wonder, does a Church focused on bringing people to Christ have any business getting involved in business? Are business ventures like these compatible with the mission of the Church generally and the founding principles of consecration specifically?  In this episode of Church History Matters, we go back to the beginning of the Church to discuss its very first consecration-based business ventures—the Literary Firm and the United Firm, or United Order. Specifically, we’re interested in the founding revelations that justify these ventures and how the principles found in these have paved the way for the Church’s very successful business ventures today. For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

Dive into the intriguing history of church finances and the crucial concept of consecration. Discover how this guiding principle has shaped the financial practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from its early days. Learn about Joseph Smith's role in establishing community guidelines and the evolution of communal living. The podcast also contrasts scarcity versus abundance while emphasizing unity and voluntary participation. Personal stories enrich the discussion on how these principles continue to support marginalized members.

Dr. Anthony Sweat, author of Seekers Wanted, discusses the importance of thinking skills for a strong faith. They explore topics such as seeking knowledge, guidance from God, sustaining the prophet, embracing ambiguity, gratitude, belief in restoration, and the value of church history.

Dr. Keith Erekson, a Church Historian and author of 'Real vs. Rumor: How to Dispel Latter-day Myths,' joins the hosts to discuss the importance of good thinking in church history and the dangers of binary thinking. They explore the use of analogies in church policy and the usefulness of historical analogies. They also express gratitude to Dr. Erekson and announce upcoming interviews.