When the Richest Church Gives the Least: A Tale of Two Stewardships
When the Richest Church Gives the Least: A Tale of Two Stewardships
In a world where giving is supposed to reflect the heart of Christ, the disparity between the LDS Church's immense wealth and its charitable output raises serious questions. With an estimated net worth approaching $293 billion, the Church spends about $1.45 billion per year on humanitarian aid—roughly 0.5% of its holdings. In contrast, philanthropists like Bill Gates, whose personal net worth is under half the Church's, have pledged to give away nearly everything, already donating $7–8 billion annually—about 10% of their foundation's endowment each year. While the Church builds temples with gold-trimmed spires and gated access, Isaiah and Ezekiel's voices echo from the dust: "Your hands are full of blood... cease to do evil, learn to do well; seek justice, relieve the oppressed" (Isaiah 1). True Zion cannot be bought, branded, or corporately managed. It is built by the pure in heart, not the powerful in suits.
Scripture Comparison Table (Preview)
| Theme | Isaiah / Jeremiah / Ezekiel | Book of Mormon | Nemenhah Records | Modern Church |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| False Shepherds | Ezek. 34:2–4 "you feed yourselves" | Jacob 5:57 "pastors have destroyed" | Tsihohnayah 13:8 "priests waxed fat" | Paid GAs, corporate hierarchy |
| Temple Corruption | Isa. 1:12–15 "hands full of blood" | Mormon 8:38 "polluted the holy church" | Tsihohnayah 14:9 "Lord not be there" | Recommend system, restricted access |
| Trust in Man | Jer. 17:5 "cursed be the man" | Helaman 5:12 "build on the rock" | Tsihohnayah 14:10 "forget voice of God" | "Follow the prophet" over personal revelation |
| Apostasy | Jer. 2:13 "cisterns hold no water" | 2 Nephi 26:20 "churches for gain" | Tsihohnayah 14:14 "Lord calls His own" | Remnant leaving institutionalism |
| Priestcraft & Pride | Isa. 65:5 "holier than thou" | 2 Nephi 26:29 "preach for gain" | Shi-Tugohah 7:5 "lips love gain" | Reverence culture over mercy |
| Zion Rejected | Isa. 1:8 "Zion desolate" | 3 Nephi 16:10 "reject the fulness" | Tsihohnayah 13:12 "Zion taken away" | Zion is institutional, not spiritual |
🌍 Money Comparison
LDS Church Wealth vs. Charity
Estimated Net Worth: $265–293 billion
Annual Tithing Income: $5.5–6.5 billion
Annual Humanitarian Spending (2024): $1.45 billion
% of Net Worth Given Annually: ~0.5%
Bill Gates Foundation
Net Worth: $108–113 billion
Foundation Endowment: $77B+
Annual Giving: $7–8 billion (~10%)
Pledged Giving: Nearly 100% of net worth over lifetime
🍔 The Big Mac Gospel: Real Estate or Redemption
Years ago, the CEO of McDonald's told investors, "We're not in the hamburger business. We're in the real estate business."
Now look at the LDS Church. With nearly $300 billion in assets, it's building temples at a breakneck pace. These aren't just houses of worship—they're built on prime real estate with gated access and architectural grandeur.
Could it be... "We're not in the salvation business. We're in the temple real estate business"?
🍼 A True Story
"I asked the president of a state food bank if the LDS Church gives much to help feed the poor in the state."
His answer:
"Not much money. But they give a lot of service. Their people volunteer a lot."
So the members—the good-hearted ones—are doing the giving. But the leadership, with billions in surplus, isn't.
Christ didn’t say "build marble buildings." He said, "feed my sheep."
🖊️ Reflection
This isn’t mockery. It's testimony. The scriptures warned us:
"They rob the poor because of their fine sanctuaries." – 2 Nephi 28:13
"You tithe mint and cummin but neglect mercy and justice." – Matthew 23:23
"They build up churches for gain... and they shall be hewn down." – 2 Nephi 26:20
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