DiscussMormonism.com

I have close ties with a few individuals who work for BYU administration. Although it is public knowledge that tithing money from the LDS church funds approximately 70 percent of tuition fees for the University, it is not public knowledge exactly how much money goes to the institution. My ties have informed me that the figure is somewhere around $900 million per year.

In 1997, [i]Time Magazine[i] estimated that the church grossed $5.9 billion in revenue. At that time, there were about 10 million members. That equates to roughly $590 tithing dollars per member per year. (Granted, many members don't pay tithing. This figure is for quantification purposes and not representative of any one member.) With today's church membership pushing 14 million members, it can be roughly estimated that the church will pull in revenues around $8.26 billion (14 Million x $590 = $8.26 billion.) Given this figure, I estimate that for every $10 given in tithing, $1 goes to BYU. (.9/8.26 = 10.89 percent.)

All LDS church members are encouraged to pay 10 percent of their incomes, and many do this faithfully with the belief that they will be blessed.

Although I never applied nor had the desire to attend BYU, many members do apply, yet not all applicants are admitted. Combine this with the fact that poor families in developing nations are skipping meals and making other substantial sacrifices to faithfully pay their tithing when a rather large portion of their hollowed funds go to an institution they'll never see, directly benefit from, or study at.

My question here is what should I do about this ethical dilemma that I often think about? I would love to specify on my slip that I do not want any money going to fund BYU, but I know that's not an option. Is it possible to pay ten percent of my income to the humanitarian aid portion of the tithing slip and still be considered a "full tithing payer."

Bob,

There isn't much you can do. The church is run by the General Authorities and you either do it their way or hit the road; it's not a democracy. Your figures above are quite startling to say the least. Thanks for sharing.

Not to derail your thread, but let me tell you that I think someday a scandal will result when actual figures are exposed on how much it cost to fund the body of General Authorities, the unpaid working ministry of our church. I'll bet that figure is through the roof. I also have to say that being a top General Authority has been a ticket to acquiring wealth, fame, power, position, (women?), and a host of other worldly delights vied for by men up the upper white collar class.

Paul O

Dear Mr. Cratchit,

If you have faith that the Brethren are God's emissaries here on earth, why would you not blindly trust them with your tithes? If God wants your money to go to BYU, then so be it.

If you believe these men are doing their own bidding, why would you give them your tithes under any stipulation?

If you willingly donate money, for whatever reason, what does it matter how it is used? If you trust LDS leadership enough to donate then whatever they use it for is part of that trust and you live with it.

If you don't agree with how it is used, quit donating or donate with restrictions.

Maybe if more stop giving BYU will quit football and basketball completely?

I agree that if you don't want to put money towards BYU you will need to stop paying money to the church. I don't have much faith in the Humanitarian Fund, either, after looking at the numbers the UK puts out.

It comes down to what you believe God (whatever form that takes for you) wants you to do with your money.

You can pay your tithing directly to SL and your bishop will not know how much you paid or *I think* how it was allocated. However, according to the church a full tithe can only be declared if you donate 10% of your income/increase to the tithing section.

As I understood it, all the donated money goes into the general fund, be it tithing, missionary fund, humanitarian fund, whatever, and then it is allocated as the church sees fit. It would be great to be able to say where you wanted each dollar to go, but the church doesn't work that way. It's like when you give money to your brother in law. You may say that it is strictly for food but BIL is free to buy whatever he wants with it once the cash is in hand. You may be mad, but that money isn't coming back either way.

Thanks for all of your responses. They have been helpful.

Thanks for all of your responses. They have been helpful.

Ella Menno wrote:As I understood it, all the donated money goes into the general fund, be it tithing, missionary fund, humanitarian fund, whatever, and then it is allocated as the church sees fit. It would be great to be able to say where you wanted each dollar to go, but the church doesn't work that way. It's like when you give money to your brother in law. You may say that it is strictly for food but BIL is free to buy whatever he wants with it once the cash is in hand. You may be mad, but that money isn't coming back either way.

Where have you heard this? That would be very unethical of the church. If that is the case, what is the purpose of segmenting the tithing slip with various donation areas and options?

mormonstories.org, the interview with Daymon Smith. The quote is in the fourth part of the series. I may have misunderstood him, but I don't think so. I listened to it several times. And yes, it is disturbing and unethical, but if you give your money willingly why should it matter where it is used? The church sure isn't going to tell you. (hence my extreme discomfort in donating anything to the church anymore)