Quote:
Originally Posted by Clever_Iggy
How does the LDS tithe work? I know, by definition, a tithe is voluntary, but is there an almost mandatory pressure for LDS members to tithe to the church?*
*this question is only trying to understand the mentality of LDS members regarding money and the church. My understanding is that LDS members were expected to give x-percent of their income to the church and in doing so, they would be considered "good mormons."
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In every religious institution or group, there is always a cultural/dogmatic pressure to conform to the practices of that religion or the group and that includes giving/tithing/donating...out of religious decree, personal generosity, charity, hope for blessing, desire for acceptance, need to contribute, or even the dreaded keeping up with appearances. That is not specific to the LDS but it definetely exists and I would dare say somewhat more predominant and stronger in the LDS than other Christian sects but again, it's not something exclusive to them. You find it in almost any religious organization.
None of the mainstream religious sects actually present you with a couple thousand dollar bill/invoice for the ability to move to the next step of that religion ("the bridge") as Scientology does. Paying for a priest to perform specific religious services is like paying a priest to get you married. It's a job. It's completely different from having to write a cheque before you are allowed to recieve enlightenment (which also comes in installments) and to
level up in that "religion".
I would usually be more outspoken but I have recently made some LDS friends and man...just like that South Park episode (dum dum dum dum), they are REALLY NICE PEOPLE.
