The Price of Admission: Tithing and the Mormon Church’s Wealth-Building Empire

The Price of Admission: Tithing and the Mormon Church’s Wealth-Building Empire

Tithing in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has long been presented as a sacred obligation, a covenant between the individual and God, deeply rooted in both scripture and tradition. But beneath this spiritual veneer lies a more worldly motivation: a sophisticated financial mechanism designed to funnel money from the faithful into the coffers of an ever-growing real estate empire. This empire enriches a select few at the top while keeping the rank-and-file members in a state of financial and spiritual obligation.

The Mandate of Tithing: A Non-Negotiable Obligation

For members of the LDS Church, tithing isn't just a recommendation; it's a strict requirement. Without the regular payment of 10% of their income, members are denied access to the church's most sacred spaces—the temples. Temples are not just ordinary buildings; they are viewed as the literal "houses of the Lord," where the most sacred ordinances, such as eternal marriages, are performed. By tying temple access directly to tithing, the church has effectively created a pay-to-play system where spiritual advancement and participation in key religious rites are contingent on financial contribution.

This isn't about voluntary charity; it's about mandatory payment. The church has made it clear: no tithing, no temple, no blessings. The pressure to comply is immense, with members being questioned annually during "tithing settlement" meetings about their adherence to this financial obligation. The expectation is unwavering, and the consequences of non-compliance are spiritually severe, instilling a sense of fear and duty among the faithful. This fear is compounded by the belief that tithing is directly linked to one’s eternal salvation, leading many to prioritize this payment even above basic living expenses.

The Real Estate Empire: Where Does the Money Go?

While tithing is framed as a divine commandment, the use of these funds tells a different story. The LDS Church has amassed a staggering portfolio of real estate holdings, not just in Utah, but across the United States and internationally. These properties are not merely places of worship; they include shopping malls, ranches, commercial buildings, and even vast tracts of agricultural land. The church's financial arm, Ensign Peak Advisors, manages an estimated $100 billion in assets, much of which has been invested in these ventures.

Here are 20 examples of the church’s extensive real estate holdings:

1. City Creek Center, Salt Lake City, Utah: A high-end shopping mall located across from the LDS Temple in downtown Salt Lake City, City Creek Center is one of the church's most well-known properties. Developed at a cost of approximately $1.5 billion, this mall is a testament to the church's investment in commercial real estate, offering luxury brands like Tiffany & Co. and Nordstrom.

2. Deseret Ranches, Florida: One of the largest cattle ranches in the United States, Deseret Ranches spans over 300,000 acres. This massive agricultural enterprise generates significant revenue through cattle production, citrus groves, and other agricultural activities.

3. Hawaii Reserves, Inc., Oahu, Hawaii: This subsidiary of the church manages a variety of commercial properties in Laie, Hawaii, including the Polynesian Cultural Center, which is one of Hawaii’s top tourist attractions. The income generated from these properties supports the church's interests in the area.

4. Zions Bank Building, Salt Lake City, Utah: Located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, the Zions Bank Building is another prime commercial property owned by the church. It houses numerous businesses and generates rental income.

5. Laie Shopping Center, Laie, Hawaii: This shopping center, located near the Polynesian Cultural Center, serves the local community and tourists alike, providing additional revenue streams for the church.

6. Beneficial Life Tower, Salt Lake City, Utah: This office building is part of the church's extensive real estate portfolio in Salt Lake City and houses various businesses, contributing to the church's rental income.

7. Bishop’s Central Storehouse, Salt Lake City, Utah: This massive warehouse facility supports the church's welfare and humanitarian efforts. It is also part of the church's extensive property holdings.

8. Bonneville International Corporation, Various Locations: This media conglomerate owns and operates radio and television stations across the United States, including major markets like San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and Salt Lake City.

9. Temple Square Hospitality Corporation, Salt Lake City, Utah: This entity manages several hotel and restaurant properties around Temple Square, catering to visitors and tourists, and generating significant income.

10. Hawaii Laie Temple Apartments, Oahu, Hawaii: These apartments provide housing for temple workers and visitors, adding to the church's extensive real estate holdings in Hawaii.

11. Deseret Mill and Pasta Plant, Kaysville, Utah: This industrial facility is part of the church's self-reliance and welfare program, producing food items that are distributed to church members in need, while also generating income.

12. Zions Securities Corporation, Salt Lake City, Utah: This subsidiary manages a portfolio of commercial properties in downtown Salt Lake City, contributing to the church’s extensive real estate wealth.

13. Deseret Industries, Various Locations: The church operates thrift stores under the Deseret Industries brand, which generate income and provide employment opportunities for those in need.

14. City Creek Condominiums, Salt Lake City, Utah: Adjacent to the City Creek Center, these luxury condos are part of the church’s downtown development project, offering high-end living spaces with views of Temple Square.

15. Farmland Reserve, Inc., Various Locations: This entity manages agricultural lands across the United States, contributing to the church’s income through farming and ranching operations.

16. Deseret News Building, Salt Lake City, Utah: The headquarters for the church-owned Deseret News newspaper, this building is part of the church's media and communications empire.

17. Joseph Smith Memorial Building, Salt Lake City, Utah: Originally the Hotel Utah, this building now serves as a multipurpose event and office space, generating income through weddings, conferences, and other events.

18. Triad Center, Salt Lake City, Utah: This office and broadcast complex houses several church-owned media outlets, including KSL-TV and FM, contributing to the church’s media influence and real estate wealth.

19. Washington D.C. Temple Visitors’ Center, Kensington, Maryland: While primarily a religious property, the visitors’ center is part of a broader real estate holding that includes prime land in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

20. Agricultural Land Holdings, Various Locations: The church owns vast tracts of agricultural land in states like Nebraska, Wyoming, and Texas, used for farming and ranching, contributing significantly to the church's revenue streams.

These properties represent just a fraction of the church's extensive real estate portfolio, which is spread across the United States and internationally. The income generated from these holdings is substantial, raising questions about the true purpose of tithing and the ethical implications of using religious contributions to fund business enterprises.

Enriching the Few: A Hierarchical Wealth Distribution

At the top of the LDS Church's hierarchy sit the church’s leaders, a select group of men who control the vast financial resources of the organization. While the church insists that its leaders live modestly, reports and investigations have suggested otherwise. Stipends, allowances, and other forms of compensation are provided to these leaders, with some receiving benefits that far exceed what is typical for religious figures.

This wealth concentration raises questions about the church's true priorities. Is the focus on spiritual guidance and community support, or on maintaining and expanding a financial empire that serves the interests of a privileged few? For many members, this disconnect between the church's teachings on humility and the apparent wealth of its leaders is disheartening.

Volunteers: The Hidden Labor Force Saving Millions

A key aspect of the church's operations that often goes unnoticed is its reliance on volunteer labor. The vast network of churches, temples, and businesses operated by the Mormon Church are primarily manned by volunteers. These volunteers are often expected to donate not only their time but also their skills and expertise, covering everything from administrative tasks to maintenance work, and even professional services like accounting and legal advice.

This reliance on volunteer labor allows the church to save tens of millions of dollars annually in labor costs. While other organizations would have to pay for these services, the church benefits from a dedicated, unpaid workforce that views their contributions as a form of spiritual service. This system of volunteerism further increases the church's profitability, as it reduces operational expenses and maximizes the income generated from its properties and businesses.

The use of volunteers is framed as an opportunity for church members to give back and serve their community, but it also highlights the church's ability to maintain its vast empire at minimal cost. While members are encouraged to give both their time and money, the financial benefits of this arrangement flow upward, reinforcing the church's wealth and power.

The Burden on Members: Financial Strain and Spiritual Manipulation

For everyday members, tithing represents a significant financial burden. Families are expected to contribute 10% of their income, regardless of their financial situation. This expectation can lead to considerable strain, especially for those already struggling to make ends meet. The church's emphasis on the blessings associated with tithing—both temporal and eternal—creates an environment where members feel compelled to give, even when it means sacrificing their own financial security.

The pressure is not just financial but spiritual. Members are taught that their eternal salvation and the well-being of their families are directly linked to their willingness to tithe. This creates a system of spiritual manipulation, where fear of divine retribution or loss of eternal blessings forces compliance. The church has effectively monetized spirituality, turning tithing into a transactional relationship where members pay for the promise of divine favor.

Conclusion: The True Cost of Tithing

Tithing in the Mormon Church is far more than a religious obligation; it is a powerful tool of control, a means of building wealth, and a mechanism for enriching those at the top. By making tithing a requirement for temple access, the church has created a system where financial contribution is synonymous with spiritual worthiness. The vast real estate holdings and financial investments further reveal a church more interested in accumulating wealth than in fostering the spiritual growth of its members.

For many, this realization is deeply troubling. The church’s emphasis on tithing as a divine commandment masks its true purpose: to sustain and expand a financial empire that benefits a select few while placing an undue burden on the faithful. As the church continues to grow its wealth, the question remains: at what cost to the spiritual and financial well-being of its members?