Tithes, offerings and sugar beets: The economic logistics of the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints

Abstract

The recent emergence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the media stems from its growth outside traditional Utah and increasing status of members in politics, business, entertainment, and sports. While the increasing prominence of individual members attracts media attention, it is the underlying growth of the Church that is significant. I present information on the geographic representation of its underlying organizational structure that facilitates its growth and mission and also discuss its temporal affairs including financing of their operations through voluntary donations, investments, and directly owned businesses. The Church is the physical and temporal manifestation of a spiritually conceived and based set of religious doctrines, values, beliefs, and practices that it uses to sustain, maintain, share, and perpetuate its religious/spiritual beliefs. Without organization the ability to fulfill its divinely inspired message is difficult to achieve. For organized religion to be successful, it must have both a compelling message and an organizational structure to sustain and perpetuate its message. While the good news is free to all who wish to hear it, the capabilities associated with delivering the message, along with charitable and humanitarian acts that the Church engages are not free. All organized religions/churches require some form of financial support to carry out their mission. To have resonance it must be a dynamic and ongoing concern, add adherents, create an organization outside of state control, and be well financed. The Church addresses its financial needs in three ways: use of tithing funds for Church buildings and maintenance; fast-offering funds, Church welfare farms, and donations; and profits from Church-owned businesses to supply funds for humanitarian efforts, disaster relief, and stipends for general authorities. The Church is growing because of its spiritual message and because its organization facilitates continued expansion.