These magnificent structures may be one of many recruitment techniques that helped the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gain $4 - more than any other religion - for a total of 6.14 million, according to the 2010 U.S. Religion Census.
Globally, Mormon temples and meetinghouses are $4, reported Reuters in 2012. They represent the most outward show of wealth for an organization whose finances are secret but thought to be extensive.
A major source of income for the Church is tithes, donations followers are supposed to give that comprise 10% of their income, with other income from other donations, businesses, and properties. Although the federal government doesn't require public financial disclosure from religions in the U.S., a clearer financial picture is provided thanks to disclosures in other countries.
Sociologist Ryan Cragun and Reuters used data from Canada to estimate the Church receives $4. Throughout the world, the Church is estimated to make $7 billion annually through tithes and other donations.
The Church's major for-profit enterprise is Deseret Management Corporation (DMC), whose subsidiaries bring in $1.2 billion of annual revenue through businesses in journalism, media, insurance, and hospitality, $4, though DMC CEO Keith McMullin claimed that estimate was "vastly overstated."
The Church's for-profit agricultural holding company, AgReserves, and Church-run affiliates own 1 million acres in the continental U.S., containing farms, hunting preserves, orchards, and ranches, along with significant properties overseas. Notably, the Church recently became $4.
The Church also runs for-profit real estate arms that have a hand in residential buildings, office parks, parking lots, shopping malls, and more, reports BloombergBusinessweek.
Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Church's high-ranking Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, explained in a speech $4: "If allowed to become an object of worship or priority, money can make us selfish and prideful ... In contrast, if used for fulfilling our legal obligations and for paying our tithes and offerings, money can demonstrate integrity and develop unselfishness. The spiritually enlightened use of property can help prepare us for the higher law of a celestial glory. "
The building and operation of temples is one of the Church's $4 supported by tithing.
We've pulled together pictures and information on some of the most magnificent Mormon temples. Yes, other religions have some extremely lavish places of worship, but the Mormon church is closing the gap.