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Church History
Healing the Lexical Divide in Mormon Christianity
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faces persistent criticism that it is not truly Christian—a debate rooted not in theology alone, but in language and interpretation.
The Theology of "Sealing" in Early Mormon Church History
Sealing was far more complex than simple marriage — early Mormon leaders participated in both intimate and non-intimate sealings that created spiritual bonds intended to last into eternity.
The Law of Consecration in Early Church History
The Law of Consecration, revealed to Joseph Smith, was designed to create a community without poverty through a structured system of shared property and stewardship.
LDS Church Finances In the Early Church: An Examination of Intent
The Kirtland Safety Society's collapse in 1837–38 became a crucible that tested the faith of early Latter-day Saints and illuminated the meaning of priestcraft.
Church Welfare and the Law of Consecration
The Church Welfare Program, born from the Great Depression, represents the modern application of the Law of Consecration in caring for the poor.
LDS Church Welfare Program Foundations
The Church's response to the Great Depression of the 1930s created the modern Church Welfare Program—a continuation of the Law of Consecration adapted for the 20th century.
LDS Church Finances: Post-Nauvoo Experiments in the United Order
After Joseph Smith's martyrdom, Brigham Young led the Church through a series of experiments with cooperative economics and the Law of Consecration in the American West.
LDS Church Finances: The Law of Tithing and Consecration in Nauvoo
As the saints struggled in Nauvoo, Joseph Smith redefined consecration as a holistic law about using all resources—talents, gifts, and money—to build God's kingdom.
President Gordon B. Hinckley On Mormon Church Finances
How President Gordon B. Hinckley addressed the Church's financial principles, commercial ventures, and fiscal stewardship during his tenure as president.
Mormon Church Finances: Winning Hearts and Minds
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faces ongoing scrutiny over its finances, but a closer look at its history reveals an organization that learned to manage resources wisely.
Joseph's Pharaoh Dream: LDS Financial Philosophy
Since 1830, the history of LDS Church finances has been a roller coaster of ups, downs, and dramatic shifts—shaped by a guiding philosophy drawn from Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream.
Why Some Weren't Ready to Establish Zion
Doctrine and Covenants 85:3 reveals why the early Mormon Church's attempt to establish Zion failed—some members refused to consecrate their properties.