You will never find a bookstore inside an LDS chapel. Our bookstores are in malls and strip malls.
@Ashs-mini-vlogs
2 жыл бұрын
One thing your church does right is no shops in them and no pics of Jesus in the main worship areas I like plain worship halls
@Annie-ll2jp
2 жыл бұрын
Our stores are also closed on Sunday.
@markfahey3921
Жыл бұрын
Here in the UK the shops which sell books to the LDS members are privately owned and are either mail order or have private sites away from the church. If Latter Day Saints want to buy these books, its fine, but there's no pushing of them by the church leadership.
@scottdickson7047
13 күн бұрын
@@lukesteele4510 I agree. Both of your statements are true at face value... but never is quite far reaching, first, for a global organization -and second, for an organization that is founded on continuing revelation. (so an expectation of "never" could possibly disappoint in certain geographical areas or future points in time)... and "malls" ... hidden untold city creek controversies as well as those surrounding it could be viewed on the opposite end of the spectrum (the mega church in your face bookstore located WITHIN the place of worship vs. a true church not so in your face within the place of worship, but actually so NOT in your face that some of the lengths which are gone to in concealment would raise everyone's eyebrows. the prudent mind would likely take offense to both extremes... gotta find that happy balance somewhere in between. don't forget the video title "the shocking hypocrisy in the largest churches in america" a sense and level of shock is only experienced in relation to the setting of one's expectations. I would be BEYOND surprised (shocked) at money changing on sunday, but it's possible... "scan this QR code to sign up for EFY" ...$75 registration @BandH goes to great lengths honoring the sabbath so as to prohibit online purchase each week and other religious observed days including ironically- actually more like- respectfully... christmas.
@bambie1830
2 күн бұрын
Grew up lds, I have visited many Christian churches and I’ll never get over seeing coffee shops and people exchanging money on Sunday at a church. Blew my mind.
@samflake8508
Жыл бұрын
Grateful for your insight and I agree with you. My dad was a rancher and was called to be our congregation’s bishop for about 5 years then released and another was called in his place. He never earned a penny from it nor does any other bishop in the church. They support themselves through their own work. It’s The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
@bradleyoverton8026
Жыл бұрын
When you attended "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints" you should have noticed that collection plates were not passed around inside the Church? In fact you will never see collection plates passed around to collect money.. and you will never see anything sold inside the church.. And because we have a Lay Clergy.. no one in the wards receive any money to perform their duties..
@madogg152
5 ай бұрын
Technically Non Paid clergy isn't exactly 100% correct. 1st, I have many testimonies of the CHURCH. I don't have any testimonies of any of the men, leaders, etc.. The Church is PERFECT. No Man can ever be perfect. So, don't allow what I am about to say, affect your testimony. Because, what I say is about Men not God. 122 leaders of the church receive $251,000 annually and adjusted for inflation yearly at about 4% higher than actual inflation. I won't say more as I don't want to dent a Testimony. The church is absolutely 100% true. However, Men run the church. It is NOT possible for any man to be perfect. Father will do what is necessary if any of the 122 stray. Fortify your testimony. Its the Church you have a testimony of, not imperfect men on earth.
@madogg152
3 ай бұрын
Unfortunately some individuals are paid EGREGIOUS sums of money. Won't reveal unless you have a Nuclear BOMB proof Testimony.
@bcallred
Жыл бұрын
I was once told that if you want to become wealthy, establishing a church is the most effective and simple method you can employ. They make money off your 'tithing' and off your purchases, all in return for telling you that you are saved. Unfortunately, this leads quickly to a modified definition of 'saved' in search of more income, we have seen this for hundreds of years now - twisting the bible's words to keep the money walking in the door.
@gildawilliams2090
Жыл бұрын
I try to keep the sabbath day holy by not purchasing anything on Sunday. I know we all observe this commandment differently and it is a personal choice. I was in a church once with a Starbucks?
@samflake8508
Жыл бұрын
That’s sad
@nataliehessler6463
2 жыл бұрын
I so enjoy your honest take on things you have seen.
@52churchesin52weeks
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Natalie, the desire is to keep these videos genuine. Glad you got value from this one :)
@CAJUNAFOL
Жыл бұрын
I’ve been Roman Catholic my entire life and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a gift shop attached to a Catholic church.
@Irvingdector
Жыл бұрын
Probably no gift shops BUT they charge you for everything! You have to pay for everything! Baptisms, weddings, blessings signed by the pope, etc etc. (I was Catholic for almost 18 years of my life)
@angelafoster5071
Жыл бұрын
@@Irvingdector someone has to keep the lights on
@beeapprentice2725
Жыл бұрын
The Lord had a plan for church finances. see Malachi 3:10-12.
@lads.7715
Жыл бұрын
There’s always basement bingo!
@tr1084
Жыл бұрын
I'm aware that donations are a custom sometimes but we paid nothing for the baptism of our daughter and our priest refused to discuss payment when I brought it up for our wedding.
@kevins4254
2 жыл бұрын
The church should not be competing with local businesses. They could be hurting their own parishioners. My wife and I visited a Protestant church that was selling coffee and donuts before church. An elder in the church greeted us very warmly. After some small talk, he asked where I work. I decided to be a smart ass and said, “I own a donut shop and I noticed these donuts aren’t from my shop.” I let him turn beet red before admitting I was just kidding.
@purpleparrot4333
5 ай бұрын
There are NO financial transactions in a LDS church. To do so, would violate the Sabbath.
@gunnerkicks6590
2 жыл бұрын
really like your authenticity
@52churchesin52weeks
2 жыл бұрын
Much appreciated, thanks for taking a look :)
@TheonewhomJesusloves895
12 күн бұрын
I think at this point you were so green. It really shows in your words and the way you explain your experience. Now you have been much more humbled.
@coreygrua3271
11 ай бұрын
David, I am enjoying your search for meaning and truth with these fine videos. When you find “awe” in a church, you’re honest in sharing it. I watched one today and then listened to a unique podcast that filled my soul. It might bless you in the same way. The podcast is called “Faith Matters.” The episode is called: A Conversation with Fiona and Teryl Givens. Optimism and broad-mindedness are personified. Your positive experiences will be affirmed. Thank you for your search.
@Annie-ll2jp
2 жыл бұрын
There is a big difference between anger and righteous anger. Our Savior's anger was a righteous anger. Keep following the Cardinal. 😊💞
@52churchesin52weeks
2 жыл бұрын
That's a goooood a reminder. Thanks for the input.
@madogg152
5 ай бұрын
Ephesians 4:5~6, Matthew 7:16. , Matthew 7:14. You know the truth, You made the best decision in your life. Now you have a new life and a solid foundation to build upon. 👍👍
@robbchristopher158
Жыл бұрын
Pastors getting paid really bothers me a lot. The apostle Paul worked for a living making and selling tents. So here lately what I've been doing it's just donating to charities only. I don't mind helping pay for utilities for church and repairs.
@erichill8276
3 жыл бұрын
The National Shrine in Washington DC constantly sends me things but I stopped sending them money and less comes in the mail. The shrine needs money to support and sustain itself by tourists buying things.
@jtrlatinist2227
Жыл бұрын
I understand where your concerns are. When I attended Calvary Chapel of Albuquerque, they had a coffee shop and a bookstore. Although it was in a entirely different building. Another thing to consider about the crucifixes is your not purchasing Christ sacrifice . You’re purchasing a reminder of Christ secret sacrifice to put in your home. That reminder took time labor and materials. Another thing to consider is that Christ got so upset because one of the things they were doing in the temple was putting predatory rates on the exchange rate and almost payday loan levels of money on the animals that can be bought for sacrifice . It wasn’t that they were just selling stuff. It was that they were taking a vantage of peoples desperateness.
@mikelawlor1533
Жыл бұрын
💯 % agree with you. I think this is what Jesus was speaking about when he said “They will buy and sell me for silver and gold “
@joshuafusselman3323
Жыл бұрын
Great discussion! Money and religion is such a tricky issue. I think a lot of young people are turned off to churches in general because they see them as just another business enterprise. So when churches try to prosper by selling paraphernalia, they actually sabotage themselves by driving people away. Scriptures and church buildings and uplifting art are still valuable and still cost money. So I think the best approach is to use volunteers as much as possible rather than paid clergy & staff, sell objects at cost or minimal profit, and to not sell things in the house of worship. Also enjoying your pronunciation of "bag". Keep up the great journey!
@LordBeef
Жыл бұрын
One of the things I’m most grateful for in my church is the lay clergy. In our church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, paid clergy is considered „priestcraft“ and is forbidden.
@Robert-rw5lm
6 ай бұрын
The closest i ever got to this was when i visited Buddhist temples in Korea. They had gift shops and cafes
@marshiv3523
3 жыл бұрын
You’re not a hypocrite for wanting to sell your book. Mainly because you’re not claiming to be a church. Also, you were not at real churches, I don’t know what you would call those places. The signs of the church are not there.
@anonymouslife3777
Жыл бұрын
Let us not forget who the Money changers were. They still exist today, and do their dirty deeds throughout all of society.
@Heniochus-l2p
Жыл бұрын
28Yea, it shall come in a day when the power of God shall be denied, and churches become defiled and be lifted up in the pride of their hearts; yea, even in a day when leaders of churches and teachers shall rise in the pride of their hearts, even to the envying of them who belong to their churches. 29Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be heard of fires, and tempests, and vapors of smoke in foreign lands; 30And there shall also be heard of wars, rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places. 31Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be great pollutions upon the face of the earth; there shall be murders, and robbing, and lying, and deceivings, and whoredoms, and all manner of abominations; when there shall be many who will say, Do this, or do that, and it mattereth not, for the Lord will uphold such at the last day. But wo unto such, for they are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity. 32Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be churches built up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins. 33O ye wicked and perverse and stiffnecked people, why have ye built up churches unto yourselves to get gain? Why have ye transfigured the holy word of God, that ye might bring damnation upon your souls? Behold, look ye unto the revelations of God; for behold, the time cometh at that day when all these things must be fulfilled. 34Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you. 35Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing. 36And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts. 37For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted. 38O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies-because of the praise of the world? 39Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not? 40Yea, why do ye build up your secret abominations to get gain, and cause that widows should mourn before the Lord, and also orphans to mourn before the Lord, and also the blood of their fathers and their husbands to cry unto the Lord from the ground, for vengeance upon your heads?
@samflake8508
Жыл бұрын
That’s from the Book of Mormon isn’t it? Man I love that book!! Too bad so many lies have been told about it when all it does is bring people closer to Christ and his gospel. It’s so true!!
@maryadams3173
Жыл бұрын
If a church doesn't speak the gospel of Christ, it is not a Christian Church. You said you had a sugar rush at one church. It was empty. An empty worship doesn't allow us to worship. God Bless You.
@mrdavidmitchell
Жыл бұрын
When faith is found in feeling, feelings are fed by clapping, loud music, and of course, "spiritual" products. Feelings drive brain chemicals. The same thing happens at Disney, or watching a Hallmark movie. The Disney experience is crafted to make you feel a certain way, and the ride usually exits right into the Disney store. You want the feeling fix back, so you open the wallet and buy Disney gear for the kids. The SPCA plays the sad shivering puppy commercials to make you feel like giving. There were ancient tribes that believed God lived in the mountains because going deep inside caves led to a "godly" spiritual experience. Some "evil" people were even struck dead by God deep in the caves. Scientists later discovered this godly feeling was the result of hypoxia/lack of oxygen, deep in the caves. Have you "been to the mountaintop" with the thin air and experienced hypoxia? Sure it's OK to buy something to remind you of a place you visited, or a reminder of what Jesus did for us. But a generation looking for "experiences", can be easily misguided. True religion (Catholic) is as real as a science and can be studied as one. The science is called The-ology. Old Catholic Universities would have a Theology Department in which students would study the Creator of the Universe. Then under the Theology department would be broken down into the other sciences, psych-ology (study of the mind), bio-logy (study of the body), soci-ology (study of society), etc. The study of history, is actually "His" story, meaning the story of God/Jesus. This is why today many people claim to be "spiritual", but not religious. These "church hoppers" in hopes of "feeling" something they have not felt before. Perhaps 52 Churches in 52 weeks? Or those that "fall out of love" with their spouse after 6 months, when the sexual endorphin(lust) wears off. Marriage should be a covenantal sacrament, not a feeling. This is why chemical addiction to drugs is the evil cousin of spirituality, brain chemicals. Any 12-stop process replaces the endorphins with spirituality. And spirituality must be replaced by religion for long-term success. Rational, scientific logic, must replace the feeling of getting high. God is real. God can be experienced with all the senses, not just "feelings" The science and logic behind the Catholic Religion can be found in the Catechism. www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/flipbooks/catechism/
@BookofTiffaneeStories
10 ай бұрын
I think you're absolutely right. Way to go off the the scriptures and the Spirit. You felt unfortunately for a reason.
@richardsaintjohn8391
2 жыл бұрын
Love your videos. But building's, Stain Glass, Pew's, Eucharist Vestments cost money. Crucifix, Rosaries, Nice Bible's cost money.
@52churchesin52weeks
2 жыл бұрын
Hey Richard, thanks for watching and appreciate your comment. That's certainly the right argument, since funds for the upkeep and resources isn't going to materialize out of thin air. Matter of fact, it seems like today's largest cathedrals and basilicas rely on tourism to drive those funds. I feel weird about consumerism within church, but admittedly find wonder with how cathedrals (that took a significant effort to build) is expressing faith through the architecture. As we find today's church-planting transition to what often feels like a "Walmartization" of megachurches and community churches, such church bookstores feel like more like a Sunday-open Hobby Lobby. That's what I find really weird as the rabbit hole gets dug deeper.
@DarrenBush
2 жыл бұрын
Private jets cost money too. How much is enough?
@cjjenson8212
Жыл бұрын
@@DarrenBush no doubt!!!
@cjjenson8212
Жыл бұрын
Tithes, it's called tithes! This is an institution directed by God directly to the parishioners of His church. So money changing for profit in a building meant for worship is undeniably evil and a sin. Jesus knew the world runs on money and fair value trade, but not in his temporal house. This is why he established the ordinance of tithing.
@DarrenBush
Жыл бұрын
I always that the worshipper's faces were the stained glass.
@keithholgreen7294
Жыл бұрын
You shouldn’t feel any guilt from making money from your book. This is your personal diary of your experiences. If you begin offering salvation at a price, that is a problem. All churches need funds to survive. It’d be interesting if you did a podcast on what churches do with their Tithes and Offerings and who gets a salary, that’d be interesting.
@boba.6478
Жыл бұрын
"You cannot serve God and Mammon." David, my own personal feeling on clearing out the money changers, I know Jesus was pretty upset, but I personally feel that His predominant emotion at the time was probably sadness. In my mind, I don't really picture Him exactly the way the movies portray Him. I see Him crying as He overturns the tables. More a 'how could you do this; don't you understand;' rather than 'aw y'all better watch out; I've had enough of y'all.' Hopefully that makes sense.
@alouie001
Жыл бұрын
None of the catholic churches have gift shops.
@AngelaSealana
Жыл бұрын
That may be your experience, but that is not true.
@DarrenBush
Жыл бұрын
Many of the larger churches in Europe have gift shops to support the church. I have no problem with that as many of them are pseudo museums. If I want to see a Caravaggio in S. Maria del Popolo, it's fine to buy a CD or whatever. 99% of the people going there aren't going to worship.
@PrayingForMiraclesWithCarol
2 жыл бұрын
You raised interesting concerns. We should sit down and chat about this LOL but I will give you my two-cents worth here. Yes, Jesus got angry and for good reason -- they had turned the temple into a marketplace -- it was no longer the temple. Another point is that Jesus GOT ANGRY. This is an important message that was put there for good reason. 1) A close friend of mine is the head of a large Christian organization and I knew her since before she began. As her ministry grew so did her expenses - she had to invest mega dollars into various aspects of her ministry for everything from promotion to cost of production. Her heart is the same as when she started and with all the sales she does (books, courses, etc) all the profits go back into the ministry. Because of this she reaches people all over the world who may not have received this message any other way. 2) Many ministries do the same thing - what they earn goes back into the ministry. 3) A workman is worthy of their hire. When you travel in ministry there are a lot of expenses and unless you are very well known, you lose money. So, if you make $ off of books it helps balance it. I know many Christian authors who may never recover the cost of writing their book/s. 4)Most people would rather support a ministry's book store than buy at Walmart, etc. Hence, the Christian bookstores. 5) And lastly, if you are ever feeling guilty because of your own book sales - ask yourself where the guilt comes from -- it ain't from God. He has given you the tools, the message, the gift -- for a reason.
@marlenamouse5695
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for speaking up about how millennials are distancing themselves from the church. I am one of those people who left the church for many reasons including greed. I appreciate the note concerning ad fatigue. The rate that our generation is advertised too has caused a lot of us to be very conscious consumers. Let's face it, what most churches are selling, I'm not buying. I'm not working all week to go to church on Sunday, give 10% of what I've earned to hear that I should be a wife and mother. No thank you.
@52churchesin52weeks
2 жыл бұрын
Well said, Marlena. The worst thing is if you feel a pastor is acting more like a slick-haired car salesman than a shepherd leading a flock.
@angelafoster5071
Жыл бұрын
This is a ridiculous interpretation- by your logic no one should ever pay for a bible, or a poster with a bible quote.
@scottdickson7047
18 күн бұрын
Reading this and other comments, I thought purchasing for others could be nice... should be nice. get a memento and give it away. I remember receiving a plastic bible piggy bank from my favorite sweet little old lady next door neighbor... she probably bought it, or someone purchased it at some point (like if she re-gifted it). But I never considered the commercialization... I saw it as a sincere gift from her, which I cherished!
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