Oh, the good the church is capable of!

[_malkie]

Let's say, for the moment, that it didn't tie up so much of its wealth in real estate, but invested it, Grameen-style, in helping people now.

Then it would run out of resources eventually. In this way they can perpetually help those in need around the world.

Are you really saying that if the church didn't tie up so much of its wealth in real estate, but invested it, Grameen-style, in helping people now, it would run out of resources eventually? In other words it needs all of the money it has just to sustain itself?

[_LDSToronto]

Um, not to rain on the parade but could you provide some proof that the church is able to do MORE financial humanitarian good due to its real estate investments?

From what we do know, according to the financials put out by the church in the UK, the church doesn't even use all of the money it collects in the Humanitarian Fund for helping people. And, yeah, that is kinda disappointing.

Avon gives more to charity (percent) than the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Doesn't that give you pause? It sure shocked me to learn that.

Just Me (or anyone), where can I read about this - if the church publishes financials for the UK and other countries, are they publicly available?

H.

[_1 Iron]

1 Iron, you are too sweet. I am lucky to have parents who are able to help us. Very lucky. If not for them we'd be in much worse condition. My H and I have both found employment and are working to get back on our feet. I'm touched by your concern.

I'm so glad to hear that things are improving. While a college student, I don't know if my wife and I would have made it without our families. They are a blessing to have, and my heart goes out to those who don't have that support.

My offer will always stand as long as I am able to fulfill it.

[_zeezrom]

Simon,

The church would run out of funds if they spent more money on investing in people?

[_zeezrom]

1iron,

God does not see basic needs of his people as important as spreading the work of the Lord. Got it.

[_1 Iron]

Not at all, Zeezrom. The question isn't what God cares about. It's what the church's purpose is, and what it's funds are for.

God cares about His children. It's why He asks each of us to do all we can to help one another. The church has programs that are aimed at this as well. It also has programs, and funds, for other purposes.

So the question comes back - what are you doing with your 10% savings? It's a serious question. Is it hypocritical to raise an outcry about what you think the church should be doing with your tithes when, once you withhold those tithes you choose to spend them on keeping up with the Jones for example?

[_schreech]

Then it would run out of resources eventually. In this way they can perpetually help those in need around the world.

How many houses has the LDS church built for the less fortunate around the world? I have, personally, paid for the construction of 3 houses and 1 well in ghana since I decided to stop paying tithing to the LDS church and give my money to people that actually need it....

[_zeezrom]

1iron,

Putting more into retirement and buying higher quality food. That's it so far. I have plans for what to do with my extra time but will not disclose because I'm not comfortable doing so. It is a personal thing. Something I've wanted to do for a long time. Dear to my heart.

[_LDSToronto]

Not at all, Zeezrom. The question isn't what God cares about. It's what the church's purpose is, and what it's funds are for.

God cares about His children. It's why He asks each of us to do all we can to help one another. The church has programs that are aimed at this as well. It also has programs, and funds, for other purposes.

So the question comes back - what are you doing with your 10% savings? It's a serious question. Is it hypocritical to raise an outcry about what you think the church should be doing with your tithes when, once you withhold those tithes you choose to spend them on keeping up with the Jones for example?

Building a shopping mall worth $3 billion shows that the church is capable of sustaining itself. One could conclude the church is self-sustaining vis-a-vis the portfolio it has created and has no need to depend on the donations of the membership.

Of course god cares for his children. But let's face it - we have more than enough temples, buildings, tract materials, copies of the Book of Mormon. And we have far too many poor, hungry, destitute, homeless, sick, and afflicted. I imagine a revolution where all members divert all money earmarked for tithing into the fast offering fund. Can you imagine what would happen?

H.

[_moksha]

Did you know that in Salt Lake City the LDS Church gives money to the Salvation Army and the St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen, as well as the free lunchtime sandwiches to the poor, at the rectory of the Cathedral of the Madeleine?