Right off the bat, We know active members of the church do not actively believe they have to pay their way into heaven; as in, they will not go out and preach “Yes we believe you have to pay to enter heaven.”
And we can’t speak for everyone, but;
We mean after all, we certainly didn’t believe it!
Tithing was always explained to us in such a way that we never considered the fact that we were having to pay mortal money to enter a godly heaven.
Growing up, we were taught that money was a mortal thing; a human thing. And that God knew our human system of money was going to be a real thing for us, that He knew we needed money to do things on this mortal earth.
So, in order to show our devotion to God, we were to give 10% of our mortal money to Him, as evidence of our faith to put off mortal things for godly ones and contribute to “building up the kingdom of God.”
Put off the natural man, and contribute to His kingdom!
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/tithing?lang=eng
People have told us that tithing is a personal thing between you and God; like all commandments.
So our question is why, then, is there “tithing settlement?”
The phrasing is fascinating – “Settlement.”
Like settling financial debts to a debt collector.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2009/12/why-tithing-settlement?lang=eng
Not to mention the leadership of each ward can literally see and track your financial contributions;
But it’s just supposed to be something between the members of the church and God; right??
So why are finances with members treated like they are?
Why do they use the language of “audits,” “Declaration,” “SETTLEMENT?”
For a godly commandment, it’s seems to be surely riddled with mortal tendencies.
Is this a Godly church? Or an organization similar to that of a tax collector?
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/34-finances-and-audits?lang=eng
Tithing is all done under the guise of “demonstrating your obedience to God.” A “Chance to prove yourself to God.”
To show how obedient you are.
How faithful you are.
To put all financial trust in God…in his church.
“Pay the church and show God you trust Him with your and your family’s financial well-being. As a result, if you need help, THE CHURCH will save you; will give you food from their food pantry, the bishops storehouse. Just pay us, and TRUST THE CHURCH.”
Tithing encourages members to rely on the church wholly.
To trust the church; give them control over your and your family’s well-being.
Give them your money.
And then trust them to feed your family.
It comes across as a very toxic relationship; does it not?
A “You love me? Prove it, and maybe I’ll help you when you’re hungry” type of engagement between mortals and a Godly being.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2009/12/why-tithing-settlement?lang=eng
But paying tithes is not an abnormal thing.
Many other religious organizations utilize tithing.
And some active members may say that paying tithing is like paying for anything else on this planet; rent, bills, etc. it’s merely another minuscule cost required of mortality.
So yes, although tithing is not something we necessarily like or agree with, it is common as with many other financial things.
However, our biggest gripe about tithing specifically within the LDS church?
The fact that they make tithing a COMMANDMENT, and a requirement…
To make it into heaven.
Let me explain.
In the way that LDS theology is set up, there are “three heavens or degrees.”
But of course, everyone wants to obtain the highest degree of heaven, no?
And to obtain that highest degree of heaven, you need the ordinances done in the temple.
To get into the temple, you need a temple recommend.
And to get a temple recommend, you need to obey all the commandments and pass a temple recommend interview.
Being a full-tithe payer is one of such commandments in order to obtain your temple recommend.
You have to pay your tithing to get a temple recommend and enter the temple.
Why do you need to enter the temple?!
To obtain the ordinances and rituals needed to enter the highest degree of heaven.
Do you want to be exalted in heaven?
Then you need to keep all of the commandments – including paying your tithes.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/26-temple-recommends?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/kingdoms-of-glory?lang=eng
So yes. In the LDS Church, you have to pay mortal money, to get into the highest heaven; the celestial kingdom.
Keep all the commandments.
Clean the church for free while the Prophet and his counselors receive pay.
Meet with the bishop for tithing settlement to show you have been paying your tithes.
Pass the bishops interview and proclaim that you have paid all your tithes.
“Qualify” for your temple recommend.
Use your temple recommend to obtain your ordinances in the temple.
THEN you can enter heaven.
The Church is a financially abusive husband to its members; and the members are a loving spouse who just wants to show them how much they love them.
Its loyal members are victims of financial abuse and manipulation.
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/october-2019-general-conference-temple-recommend
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If you’re sitting here thinking,
“Many churches pay tithing! It’s no different than other religions!”
“Tithing really is a mortal concept! It’s an act of sacrifice to God to show we trust and have faith in Him! It’s a way to show God our love for Him!”
“It’s just money! It’s only 10%. 10% is not a lot for God to ask of us! God will provide!”
“We don’t pay to enter heaven; it’s a commandment just like all the other ones for a temple recommend! Just like the law of chastity or the word of wisdom!”
Then tell me.
• Today, can you obtain a temple recommend to receive your “saving ordinances” to enter the celestial kingdom without paying your tithing? Without lying about always paying your tithing?
• Today, how much money does the church earn from its members, if every single member of the church is required to “only pay” 10% of their income every month?”
• Today, do the scriptures still condemn money-hungry tax collectors, while the church also preaches to its members to pay its tithing as a commandment?
• Today, are “blessings” promised to the church’s members, if they pay their tithes?”
To tell members of one’s church that paying money to them is a commandment…
Something members need to do to “show their obedience” to God…
A requirement to obtain temple entrance and therefore celestial kingdom entrance…
Does that not sound suspicious?
Does that not sound financially manipulative?
Financially abusive?
So that the church can be worth billions?
While its members financially struggle to make ends meet but still pay their petty cash for entrance into its temple?
Entrance into the highest degree of heaven?
While the higher ups of the church receive financial compensation?
And regular clergy remains completely unpaid?
Disguising the financial abuse of its member’s as a “godly commandment?”…
Just something to think about.
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Imagine shaming someone for leaving the church –
because they don’t believe that you should have to pay money to a religion in order to be considered “worthy” enough to enter into God’s temple to obtain the things you need to enter the highest glory of heaven.
