Changes to Tithing Settlement Planned?

[Andrew Callahan]

Have you ever considered posting "The Twelve Days of Smithmas" here?

I don't believe the Twelve Days of Smithmas is my work. If it is what I think it is, it is a poem written by an Ex-Mormon friend of mine. I may have posted it on a website I run and/or may have linked to it on my Facebook account or something, but it isn't mine to distribute. I did create a special card to celebrate December 23 last year, but I try not to offend people unduly, and since I don't think it would go over well here, I wouldn't share it here. I always try to be on my best behavior when I come here. I try not to say or do anything offensive and when I say I am seeking information and input, that is what I am doing.

I was (and am) curious about this rumor. Since no one, anywhere, on any board has given anything other than very, very slight credence to it, I'm more dubious of it now than I was to begin with. The folks at MDD have been helpful.

[kolipoki09]

I always try to be on my best behavior when I come here. I try not to say or do anything offensive and when I say I am seeking information and input, that is what I am doing.

Thanks Andrew. It's dually noted. When in Rome....

[Andrew Callahan]

The posters ar rfm would love to have it happen so as to validate their caracture of the church as only interested in money and validate their own claims.

As a ward clerk I have heard nothing that would indicae any truth in it. What purpose would it serve?

There is no doubt truth in that some portion, likely a large portion, of the posters at RfM have ill feelings toward the church regarding its financial dealings. But, as with all boards where disaffected Mormons congregate (including this one) some have interests in Truth, some attend church, some have friends or family in the church, some know people employed by the church, some are seeking to harm the church, some have all kinds of other agendas.

Discussion boards have varying reliability and the posters within those boards have greatly varying reliability. I am less likely to accept something posted by someone using an alias or screen name who is not easily identifiable. (Although I use the screen name Flat Lander on some of the other boards, as indicated in my signature line here, I make no effort to conceal my identity, and have in hundreds of places all over the Internet made it clear that Andrew Callahan and Flat Lander wear the same beard.) I appreciate John Dehlin, Jeff Ricks, Steve Benson, Daniel Peterson, and Bob McCue for the reason that one of them says something, I know who is saying it and can then give it the weight it deserves.

So, when someone known only as "Luke" or "Happy Toes" or "Dutiful Mormon" posts something, that is a first piece of evidence I consider in evaluating what they post. Where something is posted is another piece of the evidence. How something is posted (i.e. in a confrontational tone, inquisitive tone, etc.) is another piece of the evidence. Confirmation or disconfirmation by others can also be pretty good evidence, and again, each confirmation or disconfirmation has to be looked at to determine whether it deserves any weight.

And, some general analysis of the information itself is useful, one method of analysis can be to ask questions, such as your question "What purpose would it serve?" I've thought about that question. Others have too. Some think four times a year with everyone would be for the purpose of nudging people to stay on track with their tithing. Some people think the "quarterly" idea might mean something like families A-G 1st Qtr, H-M 2nd Qtr, N-T 3rd Qtr, U-Z 4th Qtr. and that this would spread out the work for bishops and clerks and make their burden lighter, while others think this spreading it out would actually INCREASE their burden.

So, I appreciate your question, it is one I have considered and others have too, and others have put forth opinions.

I am increasingly dubious about this quarterly tithing settlement idea. Someone on another board suggested that maybe there is a pilot project going on somewhere in one or two stakes. In an organization as large as COJCOLDS it is likely that they are doing various pilot projects relating to different subjects here and there to see if there are ways to improve administration or delivery of services or whatever. So, the idea of a small pilot program that perhaps someone overheard someone else discussing in a cafeteria line or at the water cooler is plausible also. But, I'd be very surprised to hear an announcement at General Conference next month that the church is switching to a quarterly tithing settlement plan.

I just wanted to know if anyone else had heard of it, and the answer I've received on several boards is "no."

[ERMD]

Ditto. But I have to get dressed and go to the church for this 3 minute interview.

I try to spend at least 20 min with each individual. If they don't want to be there that long, then I don't keep them. Larger families can take up to 30 min. I see it as a great opportunity to thank the "low maintenanc/high yield" people for all their hard work and dedication.

If it's such a chore for you to go, then do yourself and your bishop a favor and don't go. He'll declare your status, and you'll still get your year-end statement. He's at the church late most nights during that time of year anyway, and he'd rather be spending that time with people who want to be there rather than someone who sees it as an unnecessary inconvenience.

[Senator]

If it's such a chore for you to go, then do yourself and your bishop a favor and don't go. He'll declare your status, and you'll still get your year-end statement. He's at the church late most nights during that time of year anyway, and he'd rather be spending that time with people who want to be there rather than someone who sees it as an unnecessary inconvenience.

Well Deborah, if you had attitude issues that disinclined you attending before, this guilt trip will certainly seal the deal and get you there now.

Maybe in the past you've gotten the vibe you were the "high maintenance/low yield" type.

[HiJolly]

My Bishop schedules each Tithing Settlement interview for 20-30 minutes, depending on the individual/family. It's far more of a conversation on life, the universe, and everything than just a show up and declare. I've enjoyed them.

Me too. I think it's valuable for my family.

HiJolly

[Deborah]

Me too. I think it's valuable for my family.

I think it is valuable if you have kids at home as it sets an example for them.

[Deborah]

Well Deborah, if you had attitude issues that disinclined you attending before, this guilt trip will certainly seal the deal and get you there now.

Ha, ha! I actually didn't go for years and now will go only if I can schedule it conveniently right after church. My poor bishop. What he puts up with.