Just what would you have the Church do?

[gkearney]

I read on these forums a great deal of harping about various issues in the church ranging from politics to vaccinations to what ever you can think of. So here is my question: Just what would you have the Church do about any of these matters?

Should the Church enquire as to the political beliefs of its members?
Should it expect that those beliefs align with some sort of publish church positions?
Should the church explicitly state positions on issues like vaccinations, taxes, union membership, environmental regulations, climate change and so on? If so what should these official church stands be on these matters be?

This list could go on and on but the question is a valid one just what do you want the Church to be doing?

[EmmaLee]

Well, speaking for just myself, I would like the Church to stay out of our business entirely. Stay out of politics, stay out of health issues, stay out of everything else you mentioned. I would like the Church to administer priesthood ordinances and that's about it. I do not want the Church to be a nanny or a babysitter - I do not want it to hold my hand or to make decisions for me and my family - I do not want it to dictate every facet of our lives. I mostly want it to butt out. We have been taught correct principles by Joseph Smith and the scriptures. Now let us govern ourselves.

[justme]

I agree with EmmaLee,

If we want to believe the earth is flat, that vaccines don't work or are dangerous, that the lost ten tribes live in the hollow of the earth waiting for a davidic servant to bring them forth to meet a few of us specially called out righteous remnant in our tent cities, that is our right. And we shouldn't be told otherwise. However to be fair we should make it clear to the rest of the world that such beliefs are our own and have nothing to do with the church so that other members without such views are not judged by the rest of the world.

[Alaris]

This thread is awesome. I, for one, think President Nelson is doing exactly what EmmaLee and justme are saying. He's taking the church a big step away from the check boxes and towards building local communities where those communities and individuals can grow their relationship with the Spirit as they solve local and personal issues.

I haven't thought about this for a little while, but if the gathering is ramping up and the time of the gentiles is winding down, then there's less and less reason to be worried about milk vs meat and public relations / perception.

[shadow]

He's taking the church a big step away from the check boxes and towards building local communities where those communities and individuals can grow their relationship with the Spirit as they solve local and personal issues.

I agree. I think Christ, via President Nelson, is trying to get the church culture to go away. Less time at church, more time studying with family at home, more Temples for individual growth and revelation. He's changing the culture with changes in the Temple, and yet the endowment is still the same with the covenants and signs and token etc. (but even those can change and still be valid!). However, look at the people who want the church less involved in our lives and those who complain most about the church culture and you'll see that they complain about the direction the church is headed. A damned if they do, damned if they don't scenario. I don't put this on President Nelson either, I believe the Lord is moving His work forward at a new pace.

It's a wonderful time to be on earth

[markharr]

He's taking the church a big step away from the check boxes and towards building local communities where those communities and individuals can grow their relationship with the Spirit as they solve local and personal issues.

I agree. I think Christ, via President Nelson, is trying to get the church culture to go away. Less time at church, more time studying with family at home, more Temples for individual growth and revelation. He's changing the culture with changes in the Temple, and yet the endowment is still the same with the covenants and signs and token etc. (but even those can change and still be valid!). However, look at the people who want the church less involved in our lives and those who complain most about the church culture and you'll see that they complain about the direction the church is headed. A damned if they do, damned if they don't scenario. I don't put this on President Nelson either, I believe the Lord is moving His work forward at a new pace.

It's a wonderful time to be on earth

And yet there are still people desperately clinging to the old ways. I can't help but laugh at how many people are trying to fill the vacuum that was created by the sunday block change with new meetings. That vacuum that was supposed to be filled with home scripture study with your family.

[Thinker]

It’d be nice if they obeyed Christ’s teachings.
You’d think those using Christ’s name would have more financial integrity.

“There must needs be opposition in all things” - including the church. I love the amazing sense of community and encouragement in being better people. There are 2 main harmful evils that have crept into the church. One is cult-mentality - like considering leaders infallible and looking more to them than to Christ. The other is how finances are handled.

Financial irresponsibility (which contribute to debt, bankruptcy, poverty and related suffering) is undeniable. Changing scripture from what it states (increase) to mean “income” to get more money, is not of Christ. The reason God commanded tithe be based on increase is shown in the following example:

• 2 men earn the exact same income amount.
  1 man is the sole provider of a family of 7 and after paying bills has no increase left.
  2nd man lives with his parents who pay all his bills, so all of his income is increase.
  Yet, the church demand$ the $ame amount from each man - thereby causing the 1st family to be poor. Christ was about alleviating poverty and suffering - not causing more.

Deuteronomy 14:28-29 (conveniently ignored in lds curriculums) states that tithing collectors are to give at least 1/3 of TITHES to those in need. Christ asked those who can, to give much more.

While we are often pressured and shamed into giving “honest tithes,” church leaders keep money dark and secret, though Oaks did admit no tithes go to the poor. Funds intended for the poor go to the corporate empire of mormon leaders and we have no clue or say in how it’s spent. We do know the church had some elaborate malls built, and a list of greedy wordly companies using the name of Jesus Christ in vain. Meanwhile, about 1,000,000,000 of our brothers and sisters are starving.

Grand ribon-cutting opening by for another mall (3 now) built using the name of Jesus Christ...






Even if you designated fast offerings - the church leaders now say it’s their money and they can use it as they want...

[Mindfields]

How about when the Prophet receives an actual revelation he shares it with the church, lets the general membership vote on it and if accepted added as scripture. Personal opinions and inspirations should be labeled as such and are not binding upon the church.

[Vision]

Well, speaking for just myself, I would like the Church to stay out of our business entirely. Stay out of politics, stay out of health issues, stay out of everything else you mentioned. I would like the Church to administer priesthood ordinances and that's about it. I do not want the Church to be a nanny or a babysitter - I do not want it to hold my hand or to make decisions for me and my family - I do not want it to dictate every facet of our lives. I mostly want it to butt out. We have been taught correct principles by Joseph Smith and the scriptures. Now let us govern ourselves.

Let me give you the male version of what EmmaLee wrote. Stop all the prescribed busy work

[Robin Hood]

It’d be nice if they obeyed Christ’s teachings.
You’d think those using Christ’s name would have more financial integrity.

“There must needs be opposition in all things” - including the church. I love the amazing sense of community and encouragement in being better people. There are 2 main harmful evils that have crept into the church. One is cult-mentality - like considering leaders infallible and looking more to them than to Christ. The other is how finances are handled.

Financial irresponsibility (which contribute to debt, bankruptcy, poverty and related suffering) is undeniable. Changing scripture from what it states (increase) to mean “income” to get more money, is not of Christ. The reason God commanded tithe be based on increase is shown in the following example:

• 2 men earn the exact same income amount.
  1 man is the sole provider of a family of 7 and after paying bills has no increase left.
  2nd man lives with his parents who pay all his bills, so all of his income is increase.
  Yet, the church demand$ the $ame amount from each man - thereby causing the 1st family to be poor. Christ was about alleviating poverty and suffering - not causing more.

Deuteronomy 14:28-29 (conveniently ignored in lds curriculums) states that tithing collectors are to give at least 1/3 of TITHES to those in need. Christ asked those who can, to give much more.

While we are often pressured and shamed into giving “honest tithes,” church leaders keep money dark and secret, though Oaks did admit no tithes go to the poor. Funds intended for the poor go to the corporate empire of mormon leaders and we have no clue or say in how it’s spent. We do know the church had some elaborate malls built, and a list of greedy wordly companies using the name of Jesus Christ in vain. Meanwhile, about 1,000,000,000 of our brothers and sisters are starving.

Grand ribon-cutting opening by for another mall (3 now) built using the name of Jesus Christ...

While I am not entirely unsympathetic with some of your points, I would take issue with a couple.

1. Our law of tithing is not based on Deuteronomy but on D&C 119. Frankly, the law of tithing amongst the Hebrews of the OT is irrelevant to us. Our law was given to us in this dispensation through our Prophet. D&C 119 is clear as to what tithing is to be used for, and providing for the poor is not on the list.

2. D&C 119 does not say "increase". It says "interest". Although similar, they are not the same thing.

3. I am only aware of one shopping mall - City Creek. You claim there are three. Where are the other two?

[Chip]

I think they ought to admit that polygamy was not commanded by God, but set up by men, and that the Book of Mormon has been misrepresented to support it. Also, admit that the church has been under condemnation for abusing the Book of Mormon in this manner. This is a root issue in how the church got off-track. Today's leader-worship stems from this malfunction. That many church leaders have come from polygamy is no more a vindication of polygamy than Christ being born through David's and Bathsheba's line is a vindication of adultery. They don't want to think this, of course, but God is moving forward all the time, with or without any particular church. Meanwhile, members have been induced to think like cult members, to maintain the ongoing charade of the leaders' inerrancy. There are plenty of people out in the world who have great relationships with Christ and receive tremendous inspiration, and do great things, who are not members of the church that claims to be Christ's only true church. We should drop the phony pretenses, admit the error, and ask God what he would have us do, as a church. That's my opinion.

[gkearney]

I think they ought to admit that polygamy was not commanded by God, but set up by men, and that the Book of Mormon has been misrepresented to support it. Also, admit that the church has been under condemnation for abusing the Book of Mormon in this manner. This is a root issue in how the church got off-track. Today's leader-worship stems from this malfunction. That many church leaders have come from polygamy is no more a vindication of polygamy than Christ being born through David's and Bathsheba's line is a vindication of adultery. They don't want to think this, of course, but God is moving forward all the time, with or without any particular church. Meanwhile, members have been induced to think like cult members, to maintain the ongoing charade of the leaders' inerrancy. There are plenty of people out in the world who have great relationships with Christ and receive tremendous inspiration, and do great things, who are not members of the church that claims to be Christ's only true church. We should drop the phony pretenses, admit the error, and ask God what he would have us do, as a church. That's my opinion.

Chip need to look into the Community of Christ/RLDS

[shadow]

I think they ought to admit that polygamy was not commanded by God, but set up by men, and that the Book of Mormon has been misrepresented to support it. Also, admit that the church has been under condemnation for abusing the Book of Mormon in this manner. This is a root issue in how the church got off-track. Today's leader-worship stems from this malfunction. That many church leaders have come from polygamy is no more a vindication of polygamy than Christ being born through David's and Bathsheba's line is a vindication of adultery. They don't want to think this, of course, but God is moving forward all the time, with or without any particular church. Meanwhile, members have been induced to think like cult members, to maintain the ongoing charade of the leaders' inerrancy. There are plenty of people out in the world who have great relationships with Christ and receive tremendous inspiration, and do great things, who are not members of the church that claims to be Christ's only true church. We should drop the phony pretenses, admit the error, and ask God what he would have us do, as a church. That's my opinion.

You want the church to lie in order to appease your own misconceptions. Ain't gonna happen.

[Chip]

I think they ought to admit that polygamy was not commanded by God, but set up by men, and that the Book of Mormon has been misrepresented to support it. Also, admit that the church has been under condemnation for abusing the Book of Mormon in this manner. This is a root issue in how the church got off-track. Today's leader-worship stems from this malfunction. That many church leaders have come from polygamy is no more a vindication of polygamy than Christ being born through David's and Bathsheba's line is a vindication of adultery. They don't want to think this, of course, but God is moving forward all the time, with or without any particular church. Meanwhile, members have been induced to think like cult members, to maintain the ongoing charade of the leaders' inerrancy. There are plenty of people out in the world who have great relationships with Christ and receive tremendous inspiration, and do great things, who are not members of the church that claims to be Christ's only true church. We should drop the phony pretenses, admit the error, and ask God what he would have us do, as a church. That's my opinion.

You want the church to lie in order to appease your own misconceptions. Ain't gonna happen.

Huh, no. I think it's the right thing to do.

[setyourselffree]

I think the Church should ask permission from Brian to look at the IP addresses of everyone on this site and then excommunicate over half the people on this site. But thats non of my business.

[Chip]

I think the Church should ask permission from Brian to look at the IP addresses of everyone on this site and then excommunicated over half the people on this site. But thats non of my business.

Interesting.

[Thinker]

It’d be nice if they obeyed Christ’s teachings.
You’d think those using Christ’s name would have more financial integrity.

“There must needs be opposition in all things” - including the church. I love the amazing sense of community and encouragement in being better people. There are 2 main harmful evils that have crept into the church. One is cult-mentality - like considering leaders infallible and looking more to them than to Christ. The other is how finances are handled.

Financial irresponsibility (which contribute to debt, bankruptcy, poverty and related suffering) is undeniable. Changing scripture from what it states (increase) to mean “income” to get more money, is not of Christ. The reason God commanded tithe be based on increase is shown in the following example:

• 2 men earn the exact same income amount.
  1 man is the sole provider of a family of 7 and after paying bills has no increase left.
  2nd man lives with his parents who pay all his bills, so all of his income is increase.
  Yet, the church demand$ the $ame amount from each man - thereby causing the 1st family to be poor. Christ was about alleviating poverty and suffering - not causing more.

Deuteronomy 14:28-29 (conveniently ignored in lds curriculums) states that tithing collectors are to give at least 1/3 of TITHES to those in need. Christ asked those who can, to give much more.

While we are often pressured and shamed into giving “honest tithes,” church leaders keep money dark and secret, though Oaks did admit no tithes go to the poor. Funds intended for the poor go to the corporate empire of mormon leaders and we have no clue or say in how it’s spent. We do know the church had some elaborate malls built, and a list of greedy wordly companies using the name of Jesus Christ in vain. Meanwhile, about 1,000,000,000 of our brothers and sisters are starving.

Grand ribon-cutting opening by for another mall (3 now) built using the name of Jesus Christ...

While I am not entirely unsympathetic with some of your points, I would take issue with a couple.

1. Our law of tithing is not based on Deuteronomy but on D&C 119. Frankly, the law of tithing amongst the Hebrews of the OT is irrelevant to us. Our law was given to us in this dispensation through our Prophet. D&C 119 is clear as to what tithing is to be used for, and providing for the poor is not on the list.

2. D&C 119 does not say "increase". It says "interest". Although similar, they are not the same thing.

3. I am only aware of one shopping mall - City Creek. You claim there are three. Where are the other two?

Your points are understandable.

1) If this is the church of Mormon prophets, then, yes, let’s go by their words. But if this is the church of Jesus Christ - we need to go by his. The 2 greatest commandments “which hang (prioritize above) all the law and the prophets” are to love God and love others as ourselves. How do we love God? By loving “the least of these” - those in need...

Spoiler

2) The law of tithing came from OT times. Deuteronomy 14:22 & Deuteronomy 26:13 state tithing is based on increase.

3) Besides many other businesses, the church owns the following shopping malls:
*La'ie Shopping Center (Hawaii)
*City Creek (Utah)
*AZ? I read that another was being built but now all I find online are separate church-owned businesses/stores in Arizona, so I’m not sure on this one.

[The Airbender]

• 2 men earn the exact same income amount.
  1 man is the sole provider of a family of 7 and after paying bills has no increase left.
  2nd man lives with his parents who pay all his bills, so all of his income is increase.

Even if the church asked for less I would still give the same amount, maybe to some other cause. The belief and action of giving away a larger amount of my income has had a profound effect on my well-being and income. Knowing I don't need all my money has lead me to peace of mind and greater increase.

[setyourselffree]

It’d be nice if they obeyed Christ’s teachings.
You’d think those using Christ’s name would have more financial integrity.

“There must needs be opposition in all things” - including the church. I love the amazing sense of community and encouragement in being better people. There are 2 main harmful evils that have crept into the church. One is cult-mentality - like considering leaders infallible and looking more to them than to Christ. The other is how finances are handled.

Financial irresponsibility (which contribute to debt, bankruptcy, poverty and related suffering) is undeniable. Changing scripture from what it states (increase) to mean “income” to get more money, is not of Christ. The reason God commanded tithe be based on increase is shown in the following example:

• 2 men earn the exact same income amount.
  1 man is the sole provider of a family of 7 and after paying bills has no increase left.
  2nd man lives with his parents who pay all his bills, so all of his income is increase.
  Yet, the church demand$ the $ame amount from each man - thereby causing the 1st family to be poor. Christ was about alleviating poverty and suffering - not causing more.

Deuteronomy 14:28-29 (conveniently ignored in lds curriculums) states that tithing collectors are to give at least 1/3 of TITHES to those in need. Christ asked those who can, to give much more.

While we are often pressured and shamed into giving “honest tithes,” church leaders keep money dark and secret, though Oaks did admit no tithes go to the poor. Funds intended for the poor go to the corporate empire of mormon leaders and we have no clue or say in how it’s spent. We do know the church had some elaborate malls built, and a list of greedy wordly companies using the name of Jesus Christ in vain. Meanwhile, about 1,000,000,000 of our brothers and sisters are starving.

Grand ribon-cutting opening by for another mall (3 now) built using the name of Jesus Christ...

While I am not entirely unsympathetic with some of your points, I would take issue with a couple.

1. Our law of tithing is not based on Deuteronomy but on D&C 119. Frankly, the law of tithing amongst the Hebrews of the OT is irrelevant to us. Our law was given to us in this dispensation through our Prophet. D&C 119 is clear as to what tithing is to be used for, and providing for the poor is not on the list.

2. D&C 119 does not say "increase". It says "interest". Although similar, they are not the same thing.

3. I am only aware of one shopping mall - City Creek. You claim there are three. Where are the other two?

Your points are understandable.

1) If this is the church of Mormon prophets, then, yes, let’s go by their words. But if this is the church of Jesus Christ - we need to go by his. The 2 greatest commandments “which hang (prioritize above) all the law and the prophets” are to love God and love others as ourselves. How do we love God? By loving “the least of these” - those in need...

Spoiler

2) The law of tithing came from OT times. Deuteronomy 14:22 & Deuteronomy 26:13 state tithing is based on increase.

3) Besides many other businesses, the church owns the following shopping malls:
*La'ie Shopping Center (Hawaii)
*City Creek (Utah)
*AZ? I read that another was being built but now all I find online are separate church-owned businesses/stores in Arizona, so I’m not sure on this one.

Logically speaking why do you think the Church would build shopping centers? Where in these communities are these shopping centers located?

[sushi_chef]

total openness, but probably too late, passing no return...

800K Children in the U.S. Missing Each Year – International Tribunal Exposes Pedophilia Problem ... 12% of America is generational satanic

"When my mother in 63 told me that 12% of America is generational satanic, I really found it hard to believe.

We went to regular church, and then of course in the afternoon we went to Church of the Marquee of Hell.

But when you have a society where 800,000 children are disappearing a year, like here in America, and its not even in the media, its not discussed at all except among people who are researching the child trafficking and the horrific abuse that’s going on from these dark occult….. Can I say that we are in an insane position here?

I mean, this is insanity. 17 and a half million people dying of cancer because the cure is banned by the corruption of the pharmaceutical companies controlling the governments.

This is genocide, and yet we’re putting up with it.

His expertise today is in healing modalities, and overcoming what he describes as the Satanic brainwashing that happens during the first six ...
"
http://healthimpactnews.com/2018/800k-c ... ual-abuse/

generational satanic
search.php?keywords=generational+satani ... mit=Search

possibly some common matters between them???
"
Re: Rome Temple dedication "Hinge Point"
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=51144#p922406

[sushi_chef]

here, here, here, hear too...

"1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.
" (luke 12)

"17 There is nothing which is secret save it shall be revealed; there is no work of darkness save it shall be made manifest in the light; and there is nothing which is sealed upon the earth save it shall be loosed.
" (2nephi 30)

thus by all means must avoid becoming latter day pharisees...., urrrr... ideally speaking.

[innocentoldguy]

Hi, Thinker,

While I applaud your concern for the poor, I feel I should add some information to clarify your statement.

"There are 2 main harmful evils that have crept into the church. One is cult-mentality - like considering leaders infallible and looking more to them than to Christ."

Literally, nobody does that. In my lifetime alone, I've seen James J. Hamula of the Quorum of the Seventy excommunicated; George Lee of the Quorum of the Seventy excommunicated; and seen the church censure Paul H. Dunn, who served in the First Council of the Seventy and as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy. I've also seen local ward and stake leaders excommunicated. I've also been involved in plenty of discussions where active members criticize their leaders. The notion that the church in general views leaders as infallible is simply incorrect.

"The other is how finances are handled."

According to who and based on what metrics?

I don't believe your portrayal of Christ's call to help the poor is correct. He never said, "Go find a rich guy or organization and shame them into helping the poor." That's greed and theft! Instead, he told YOU as an individual disciple to go give to the poor.

Your quote regarding Deuteronomy is irrelevant. That was the commandment to the people in that dispensation. In our dispensation, we have been commanded to give 10% (D&C 119, off the top of my head). We are also asked to give generous fast offerings to help the poor on top of that. What is generous to one person may be a pittance to another, but what is given is between Christ and that individual and really none of your business.

"While we are often pressured and shamed into giving 'honest tithes,' church leaders keep money dark and secret, though Oaks did admit no tithes go to the poor."

I was baptized in 1977 and I have never, not once, been pressured or shamed into paying tithing and offerings. Every two years I'm asked, "Do you pay an honest tithing," I answer, and that is that, regardless of how I answer (and yes, I have answered both ways in my life).

No tithes go to the poor because that isn't what tithing is for. Fast offerings go to help the poor.

"Funds intended for the poor go to the corporate empire of mormon [sic] leaders and we have no clue or say in how it’s spent."

That's simply not true. The church spends millions on aid programs and that information is freely available. We also volunteer to help the church in those efforts by working in their cannery plants, farms, and storehouses.

"We do know the church had some elaborate malls built, and a list of greedy wordly [sic] companies using the name of Jesus Christ in vain."

Are you sure? The D&C contains several examples of the Lord telling the church to use tithing funds to buy land, properties, and to invest in businesses and their communities. It costs money to build ward and stake buildings, temples, seminaries, etc. The church has to have money to build the Kingdom of God on Earth. Some of that comes from tithing and some of it comes from investments.

"Meanwhile, about 1,000,000,000 of our brothers and sisters are starving."

This is a non-sequitur argument.

"Even if you designated fast offerings - the church leaders now say it’s their money and they can use it as they want..."

Why wouldn't they say that? If you donate it to them, it is theirs, isn't it? Whose money would it be if not theirs?

[I AM]

I think the Church should ask permission from Brian to look at the IP addresses of everyone on this site and then excommunicate over half the people on this site. But thats non of my business.

--------------
Oh no ! I'm scared ! what should I do ! ! !
What - a - Joke !
ya - you need to setyourselffree alright,
and wake up and start caring more about what God thinks
and fearing Him instead of men; and being more concerned about what the person that died for you thinks
and being right with Him.

[Robin Hood]

It’d be nice if they obeyed Christ’s teachings.
You’d think those using Christ’s name would have more financial integrity.

“There must needs be opposition in all things” - including the church. I love the amazing sense of community and encouragement in being better people. There are 2 main harmful evils that have crept into the church. One is cult-mentality - like considering leaders infallible and looking more to them than to Christ. The other is how finances are handled.

Financial irresponsibility (which contribute to debt, bankruptcy, poverty and related suffering) is undeniable. Changing scripture from what it states (increase) to mean “income” to get more money, is not of Christ. The reason God commanded tithe be based on increase is shown in the following example:

• 2 men earn the exact same income amount.
  1 man is the sole provider of a family of 7 and after paying bills has no increase left.
  2nd man lives with his parents who pay all his bills, so all of his income is increase.
  Yet, the church demand$ the $ame amount from each man - thereby causing the 1st family to be poor. Christ was about alleviating poverty and suffering - not causing more.

Deuteronomy 14:28-29 (conveniently ignored in lds curriculums) states that tithing collectors are to give at least 1/3 of TITHES to those in need. Christ asked those who can, to give much more.

While we are often pressured and shamed into giving “honest tithes,” church leaders keep money dark and secret, though Oaks did admit no tithes go to the poor. Funds intended for the poor go to the corporate empire of mormon leaders and we have no clue or say in how it’s spent. We do know the church had some elaborate malls built, and a list of greedy wordly companies using the name of Jesus Christ in vain. Meanwhile, about 1,000,000,000 of our brothers and sisters are starving.

Grand ribon-cutting opening by for another mall (3 now) built using the name of Jesus Christ...

While I am not entirely unsympathetic with some of your points, I would take issue with a couple.

1. Our law of tithing is not based on Deuteronomy but on D&C 119. Frankly, the law of tithing amongst the Hebrews of the OT is irrelevant to us. Our law was given to us in this dispensation through our Prophet. D&C 119 is clear as to what tithing is to be used for, and providing for the poor is not on the list.

2. D&C 119 does not say "increase". It says "interest". Although similar, they are not the same thing.

3. I am only aware of one shopping mall - City Creek. You claim there are three. Where are the other two?

Your points are understandable.

1) If this is the church of Mormon prophets, then, yes, let’s go by their words. But if this is the church of Jesus Christ - we need to go by his. The 2 greatest commandments “which hang (prioritize above) all the law and the prophets” are to love God and love others as ourselves. How do we love God? By loving “the least of these” - those in need...

Spoiler

2) The law of tithing came from OT times. Deuteronomy 14:22 & Deuteronomy 26:13 state tithing is based on increase.

3) Besides many other businesses, the church owns the following shopping malls:
*La'ie Shopping Center (Hawaii)
*City Creek (Utah)
*AZ? I read that another was being built but now all I find online are separate church-owned businesses/stores in Arizona, so I’m not sure on this one.

Now you're confusing me.
Are you saying D&C 119 isn't from Jesus Christ? If it is, your Deuteronomy argument is void. So, are you claiming Joseph Smith had a false revelation?

Also, your original comment clearly made it appear that the church has built 3 shopping malls... "Grand ribbon-cutting opening for another mall (now 3) built using the name of Jesus Christ..." when in fact it is one. Another is owned by the church, but not built by them as you state, and the claim of a third is based on a flimsy rumour.

[oneClimbs]

I care more about what I do than what the church does. It matters very very little in my day to day life and with these recent changes it matters even less.

It isn’t that I don’t care it is that I care LESS. I have complete control over what I do and how I live my life. I used to be a lot more pessimistic about things related to the church, but over the past 2 decades I’ve grown steadily more optimistic overall.

Oh there is a ton I could criticize, don’t get me started, but the good that is there is strong and growing so I’ve been dwelling there and it has been good.