In the other thread about the Business Week article which lets the financial cat out of the Mormon Church's bag, it has been defended by some on the basis that had the money been used elsewhere it would not have had any impact due to corrupt or wasteful charities and Governments.
Okay, that is an argument for what the Church CAN'T do.
This thread is about seeing what the Church CAN do.
So here's the challenge: Can you find a humanitarian project(s) where $5 billion would have a bigger impact on temporal needs than Christ's (He heads the Church right?) decision to spend it on providing jobs for 2,000 Salt Lake City residents and a more upmarket fashion and trinket Mall for those in Salt Lake City with the disposable income to spend there?
For reference, here is a description of how Jesus (according to theresiding Bishopric) decided to look after the poor and the needy.
In the heart of Salt Lake City, City Creek Center is the retail centerpiece of one of the nation's largest mixed-use downtown redevelopment projects. This unique shopping environment features a retractable glass roof, a creek that runs through the property, a pedestrian skybridge and more. This world-class fashion and dining destination offers over 90 stores and restaurants including Nordstrom, Macy's, Tiffany & Co., Michael Kors, Coach, and Texas de Brazil Churrascaria, in a casual, pedestrian-friendly environment.