Darvish Intelligence: Reforming LDS Temple Requirements: Rethinking Tithing and the Word of Wisdom

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Reforming LDS Temple Requirements: Rethinking Tithing and the Word of Wisdom

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has seen significant financial growth in recent years, with investments reportedly worth over 100 billion dollars. This immense wealth has sparked debates about the necessity of certain temple entry requirements, particularly compulsory tithing and adherence to the Word of Wisdom. Many members argue that these practices should be re-evaluated, especially in light of the Church’s financial stability and the original intentions of its founder, Joseph Smith.

The Case Against Compulsory Tithing

Tithing, traditionally viewed as a voluntary act of faith, has become a mandatory requirement for attending the temple in the LDS Church. While tithing is meant to be a way for members to show their devotion and support the Church's activities, it is crucial to recognize that this money is ultimately managed by fallible human beings, not directly handed to God. The essence of tithing should be about faith and willingness to give, not a prerequisite for spiritual privileges.

The New Testament emphasizes that God values our faith and devotion over material wealth. In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus praises a poor widow for giving two small coins, highlighting her faith rather than the amount she contributed. This story underscores that God does not require our money, but our sincere faith and devotion. Making tithing compulsory for temple entry can create undue financial pressure on members, potentially prioritizing monetary contributions over genuine spiritual growth.

The Word of Wisdom: Guidelines, Not Laws

The Word of Wisdom, a health code outlined in the Doctrine and Covenants section 89, was initially introduced as a set of guidelines rather than strict laws. Joseph Smith himself did not enforce these guidelines as requirements for temple entry or other Church activities. Over time, however, adherence to the Word of Wisdom has become a stringent criterion for temple attendance.

Reverting the Word of Wisdom to its original status as guidelines would align with Joseph Smith’s vision and respect individual agency. The current approach can be seen as legalistic, potentially alienating members who struggle with certain aspects of the Word of Wisdom. Emphasizing these guidelines as principles rather than rigid laws would foster a more inclusive and understanding Church environment.

Financial Stability and Spiritual Focus

With the Church’s substantial financial resources, there is a strong argument for re-evaluating the necessity of compulsory tithing and strict adherence to the Word of Wisdom for temple entry. The Church’s wealth suggests that it can sustain its operations without imposing financial burdens on its members. Instead, the focus should shift to fostering faith, devotion, and spiritual growth among the congregation.

There is speculation that the current President of the Church might consider making these changes in the near future. Such reforms would not only honor the foundational principles of the LDS Church but also reflect a more compassionate and inclusive approach to faith. By removing the compulsory nature of tithing and the Word of Wisdom, the Church can emphasize the importance of personal faith and spiritual development over financial contributions and strict adherence to health codes.

Conclusion

The LDS Church's significant financial growth presents an opportunity to re-examine the requirements for temple entry. Making tithing and adherence to the Word of Wisdom voluntary rather than compulsory would honor the original intentions of Joseph Smith and align with the broader Christian principle that God values faith over material wealth. As the Church continues to evolve, these changes could foster a more inclusive and spiritually focused community, better reflecting the core values of the faith.