Having specified a fair amount of Bentley Carpet, I'm confident the prices quoted NY State were per square yard, not per square foot (albeit at a sizable discount). It would not be hard to spend $20-$50 per square foot for a bespoke wool carpet from the likes of say Wilton U.K, and given what they're willing to spend for mechanical systems, quite frankly I'm rather surprised that they don't.
Well that just shows my ignorance of both carpet and the vastly complicated imperial measurement system that we burdened you with! Thanks for letting me know, I’ll pin your comment!
And don't forget that they replace the carpet after the open house but before the dedication. I wonder if that more reasonable number is for the first install. *EDIT* Further investigation on my part seems to indicate this is just another mormon legend. My apologies.
As my rose colored glasses have fallen. I am left ANGRY AS HELL because there was time when my husband and I were made to feel guilty for choosing to buy groceries and paying only SOME of our Bill's because we were so far in medical debts from having babies like the church tells us to do. We couldn't go to a relative's temple wedding. We didn't have money for diapers and formula yet we needed to dig even deeper so they can practice their gospel prosperity temples. I am mad at the church and I'm mad at myself for being so stupid for so many years. All I can say I will never give 1 red penny to them again.
You’ll feel much better after you’ve read up on the historical and doctrinal facts of the Church. I recommend “RoughStone Rolling “ by Richard Bushman to start.
I truly doubt money laundering. The Church has already proved itself adept with fancy accounting and shell companies that it doesn't need such a sledge hammer approach. More likely, TBMs are profiting from these contracts.
Today, I found God in the woods under a rock. Last week, I found God among the homeless. “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.” Psalm 139:7-10 ... God does not require opulence. Expensive temples are the result of taking false pride in humility, and profiteering (or propheteering, if you prefer). Who will drive the money changer out of the temple this time?
A few years ago, TBM me got curious, went online, and found the chandeliers used in the temple I was working at. The wall and hanging fixtures in the celestial room were made with Swarovski crystal, wall sconces were about $800/ea and the Lord's chandelier at the center cost something like $40,000. At the time I felt awkward about it, which got converted into a weird sense of pride that the church had supposedly sacrificed so much to create a beautiful building. It hurt to find out that temples were not God's gift to me and the membership but were just vanity projects built on nepotism, so I had no problem allowing my recommend expire
Excellent work Nemo! I love the scriptures you used. Can I add one more? Whenever the LDS church says we have to make the temples so opulent and luxurious because they are 'the house of the Lord' and Jesus won't come unless they use the most expensive materials in the world, I think of Christ's own words in Matthew 8:20: "The foxes have holes and the birds of the heaven have nests, but the Son of Man does not have a place where He may lay His head” What Lord are they serving? Who are they building these massively expensive buildings to? Because it is not to the true Jesus Christ.
Acts 17 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; According to the scriptures, God doesn’t dwell in idols or buildings that become idols.
We can also add: James 11:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
If you truly understood the scriptures, you'd understand that the reason why the best is put forth in building temples comes from examples in the Old Testament. David spent most of his reign as king, gathering the finest materials for the temple his son would build. This isn't in the scriptures, but the Maccabees put forth great effort and resources to restore the temple. It's quite scriptural and historical to do the best for the temple, and the fact that people think it's so weird no very little about the scriptures or antiquity in general.
I design HVAC systems... And I've designed them for band, orchestra, choir rooms and prayer rooms... I would expect very quiet requirements requirements to add maybe 5% cost during the design phase. Retrofit is harder to estimate without seeing drawings. But could be as small as removing a bit of duct to add "silencers" and to add more ductwork and diffusers in the quiet spaces. It's not impossible that the systems could be crazy expensive, but it immediately made me think "what influential Mormon contractor was getting away with that? " HVAC is designed to be invisible. It's very uncommon for someone to want diffusers that look fancy. Architects might work with us to hide them, but they've never told me to help them find pretty ones. And that extra cost to hide them would be on architecture, not HVAC
@howieroarke Pardon? It's 2400$ per Sq ft? Is that what you're saying? Just for mech and plumbing? Is that just for the square feet of the mechanical rooms? Or for the entire temple? Any idea how many square feet in a temple?
@@andy4an In the trade journal Nemo cited, the mechanical sub for the Philadelphia Temple claimed that the "average cost" for M/P systems was $300-$400 per sf, but the temple had extra requirements pushing it to $2,400 per sf. The Philadelphia Temple is just over 61,000sf, so we're talking $153 million for M/P systems (only).
@howieroarke For 300-400$ per square foot you can get an entire building. Plumbing and mechanical would be a share of that (and not a bigger share than architecture, probably) Sometimes, it's been double that for the whole building... But admittedly, I do commercial and industrial work... not anything luxurious. I suspect that I've never worked on a building where the whole thing was 2400$/sqft. HVAC being that much and it not being some really crazy application like a sensitive laboratory kinda boggles my mind. I'm at a loss. I've never done a museum that had fine art, but I could imagine very tight tolerances for temp and humidity and filtration etc... and I could imaging a temple wanting to protect its art... But even so how could it be so expensive?
@@andy4an Maybe they are building for the ages with waste/vent systems out of bronze? I, too, am at a loss. As an architect, I have done two art museums and yes the HVAC has tight tolerances due to insurance requirements, and all systems have to operate quietly while being virtually invisible. They also have to perfectly detailed architecturally and have high quality materials that continue to look pristine despite the high foot traffic. You can do all that and throw in some structural bravura moves for cost of that M/P system alone!
Thank you for bringing up the 3D scanning and opulent marble used in the replicas of the Christus and 12 apostles. My Danish mission president bragged to me about that project and the expense because his colleague was deeply involved. That was a bit of a shelf item for me but I chalked it up to "only the best for the Lord." I bring up the expense all the time though because most people don't know about the 3D scanning and sourcing of the finest marble. Thank you for shedding light on how the church uses these projects to put tons of money in the pockets of LDS members.
@@bloviax Well, if you believe that the Masons received divine revelation and passed it along to Joseph Smith, then you might be right. Otherwise, the temples are part of the grift that gets you to pay out 10% of your income under threat of losing your family for eternity, all while stealing hours of your life that could be used productively, to keep you tightly bound to a cult/corporation/"church" that is using temple construction to spread the wealth among well-connected Mormon families. Enjoy your fairy tale while you can.
@@bloviaxThere a glorified Tax dodge and money laundering scam,The exact same way the religion was initially founded by the con man/Grifter Joseph Smith who built a financial empire based on his lies and deceit,He was a convicted Felon and sexual deviant who admitted the fact that there were no Plates and he never spoke to any god as he claimed,Anyone not believing this or not wanting to just do the research it’s all there but I’m sure the devout won’t want to know as this cult is all they’ve got,But facts are Facts…
@@WatchingwaitingG2DOh… ouch… what’s burn. Gosh Barry, I’m sure he’s going to be crying for days over your ability to whip out well turned phrase and your rapier whit. You should totally go back to school to become a lawyer… with debate skills like that you’re wasting mountains of talent.
Over 11 eye witnesses, most of which left The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints at some point, some never to return, yet none denied having seen the Golden Plates, several actually hefting and rifling through the pages. Even though they were offered wealth and fame if they denied, or threatened and even attacked for not doing so. And because they cannot successfully attack their testimonies, they try to attack their character, just like they do in vain with Joseph Smith Jr. Fulfilling the prophecy Jesus Christ gave of his true followers. "Ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake." and also "Blessed are ye when men speak all manner of evil against you falsely, for so did they the prophets before you." No other group has fulfilled this prophecy, though many have had all manner of evil spoken against them, but it was well deserved.
@@WatchingwaitingG2DActually Barry it’s not fake,The entire Mormon faith was built on the lies of a Grifter,Sexual Deviant and Felon and that was Joseph Smith,Having over 30 years of first hand experience with this Cult I can attest to the absolute Hypocrisy of its so called beliefs and values,Of all the many religions Mormonism is by far the biggest con going and is as said in another comment a glorified money laundering and tax evasion scam,So it’s you and you’re cult that are Fake Barry….
Great video, Nemo! I especially liked that you added the scriptures/teachings that contradict the opulent style of temple building. Rather than “build me a castle”, I think the Lord would prefer we focus on “love one another.”
Ironic that Christ was born in a stable amongst common barnyard animals. Way too many great & spacious bldgs for idol worship these days. Looking forward to His 2nd coming and the cleansing of the "money changers" yet again
Except those scriptures don't, especially with other scriptures and historical accounts that show the precedence for how temples are to be built. David, Solomon, Josiah's renovations, the Jews building the Zerubbabel, the Mcabbees restoration, and Herod's complete rework of the temple are all examples of only the best being provided to build the temple.
You mean like the Tabernacle, Tent Of Meeting and Temple Of Solomon? Besides those scriptures were about churches, not the House of the Lord. Churches like the Televangelists and Catholics. Do you even listen to what is being said, or do you just take whatever lie Satan whispers in your ear?
@@nicholassmith9783You forgot the Tabernacle or Tent Of Meeting, made with all the jewelry gotten from the Egyptians, as well as the finest skins and cloths. Spared no expense for the House of the Lord.
I used to be a builder in Naples Florida and had to look up what we used to spend on carpet. National average is $2-8 per square foot. $20 per gets you into some extremely nice residential carpet. $50 per would be for people with too much money, they put that in $20M homes on Port Royal Florida where all the Billionaires live.
As someone who grew up non-mormon in a heavily and I mean heavily Mormon town in Utah let me just say I'm shocked!!! We were poor as dirt, they made sure to come by for fast offerings but never to see if we needed help. I will confess my afore mentioned shock was sarcasm.
@@roxanejordan4114 totally church run town. They had our name on a list, it said Baptist right next to our name but they would still come. I knew what ward I was in, who the bishop and stake president were. All this just to be able to play basketball or do other activities that a normal teen would do.
@@m.m6770 what a sad situation. I'm so disgusted. Jesus would certainly destroy a lot of this blaspheme. It's absolute blasphemy to use the name of Jesus Christ as a marketing gimmick. Many blessings ya'll.
@@lorinapetranova2607All Religions claim different things,Use religious names to further their attempt to monopolize people and narratives,There’s thousands of gods and you all claim yours is the only one which makes it even more laughable because evidence for any of them is non existent but the Mormon church does the best at exploiting young people to go door to door like salesman,Every knew sign up means a 10% increase in profits and that’s all this is about Money….
During my 1998 (Preston) temple tour, I noticed how extravagant and beautiful the temple was. I noticed a very well fed Brian Grant ( star of the Godmakers!) hovering around. He had clearly done well for himself, and the church has done well too, at least materially.
@@NEMOTHEMORMON He features quite prominently in the Godmakers... and frankly comes across as a slightly, self satisfied overfed pussycat...a bit like Daniel C Peterson. I am amazed you have not seen the Godmakers. It's a bit over the top... but I believe much of it is factually accurate. The same cannot be said for Godmakers 2 though, which did have some blatant falsehoods in it!
Also mold-moisture problems here at the Nauvoo Temple. They just replaced all of the beautiful custom windows (after only 20 years) to remedy the problem.
The chapel of my youth in the northeast had a partially flat roof that leaked. Oddly, I once attended church in American Fork with an identically designed chapel. I wonder if it's still in use.
Why was a $4,000 vase needed in the Las Vegas Nevada Celestia Room? It was placed on a table. What was the point? It was knocked over and broken when someone bumped into it. Waste of money.
Last April I found myself visiting Utah and learned that there was an open house for a new temple. I've been to and thru maybe 2 dozen Mormon temples during my Mormon Oddysee and loved the temples and the ritual personally. So discovering that the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple was open for tours, I headed there. While many things about it were impressive (it's massively huge!) I was particularly taken by the beautiful windows, long and narrow throughout the building with the same colorful design. While inside the building I got a close-up touch & look at them and was horrified when I realized that they weren't stained glass at all, but stamped out plastic! How do you build a multi-million dollar "Temple to the Lord" and put in PLASTIC "stained glass" winders? [sic] I had to laugh, scratch my head, and yet "understand" the answer, all at once. Did anyone else notice these beautifully designed plastic windows?
When I went through I remember being flabbergasted at the place thinking about what ELSE that money should have gone towards. They rank right up there with Catholicism with opulent indifference.
The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, - Acts 17:24 Good point. You all need to read the new testament and find out what God's word actually teaches. Nemo has already proven many times that the leaders of the LDS church lie. God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? - Numbers 23:19
The OKC is my parents temple (and I remember working the open house for it as a youth before it was dedicated) and my mom told me about how extensive the mold was in that temple 😬 I want to say she said they also had a flooding problem, but that could be a temple in Texas I'm remembering 🤔?
Someone mentioned our Spartan meeting houses. My husband and I are converts of over 50 years. I was Methodist, he was Episcopalian. We both miss the the beauty and reverence experienced weekly in our former churches. We both served missions and have been active LDS all these years, but we still go to the Episcopal church he grew up in on special occasions.
Every time I hear the LDS word, a song came to mind "Money makes the world go around, The world go around....A mark, a yen, a buck or a pound, ...Is all that makes the world go around, That clinking, clanking sound, Can make the world go around" ...sad but true.
I have some lovely murano crystal pieces, gifted to me. Under no circumstances would I have that glass in my windows or chandeliers, if I had any. My bank would have me committed. This obsenely excessive spending on bricks and mortar, when there is so much hunger in this world, is disgraceful. Of course the nepotism is rife. Well done Nemo for getting this info out there. I think MSP needs a zoom podcast, featuring you, to tell all it's followers what is really going on.
Interesting that most Mormon meeting houses are so spartan vs. the opulence you're citing with Mormon temples. But to blame marble facades for mold in high humidity climates seems like a gross over simplification of root cause for the mold. In any case, you are correct, high quality local construction firms would have avoided whatever construction and materials errors resulted in the mold problem, because they know what works and what doesn't work in their local climate.
Wow, Nemo this is an amazing piece of research. I'm amazed that they shipped so many products to other countries, when so many countries could benefit from the church purchasing these furnishings from local artists. And to be fair, I doubt there was any mold proofing in the early temples because these building materials weren't available yet. But I agree, this amount of money for the temples is outrageous, especially in view of the lack of support for the poor in the many countries where the LDS church is located.
The church does far more than you can imagine for the poor, and unfairly maligned by Nemo. And temples since the dawn of Israel have used the finest materials. In many ways the purpose of temples is to mold ppl who will go out and be more Christlike and caring for the poor. Multiplying this force is what will actually create change in the world. Poverty is a challenge that no one organization can even begin to address. But we can inspire millions to be better and do more, and this will have the greater impact.
I remember going through the open house for Tucson Arizona temple and although the entrance was impressive, the rest of the temple looked like they had really cut costs using cheaper materials and generic looking artwork, carpeting, ect. It didn't really compare well to other temples I had been through.
That’s interesting to hear, for I had assumed opulence was equal in all temples. I recently toured the new Bentonville Arkansas temple and was disappointed. (First time to see inside a temple.). In the first place the outside reminded me of Islamic architecture. And I thought the inside looked more like an upscale hotel from a century ago. It surely was a let-down. Since Mormonism is false, I guess it’s no wonder the temple looked like a facade.
@knan75 I have been through a few temples. The Tucson temple also looks more like a mosque 🕌. I remember going through the temple in Gilbert, Arizona, and it is extremely opulent. I think that since the Tucson temple is a smaller temple, they decided to be more conservative on the budget for the inside of it.
The Mesa temple is meh. The LA temple is garbage. The Washington DC temple is super impressive, but, at least before the renovation, impractical. I liked the American Fork temple. My favorite was the original Provo temple. It was very utilitarian and had a lovely chandelier in the celestial room.
@iceguy9723 I was sealed to my wife and oldest son, who was about 2 at the time in the Mesa temple, and it will always be my favorite. Even the visitor center is classy. The Provo temple was very functional. I only went through the Salt Lake temple once. It was a different experience it was the first time I ever saw a live session. The LA temple I only saw as a youth when I went there for baptismisms for the dead. The bronze oxen were impressive.
@@SteveSmith-os5bs Mesa had the same problem as other temples of that era; they were designed for live sessions. I think they did a renovation since I was there. Did they fix those issues? (Idaho Falls was the most problematic in this regard; you had to go through the rooms sequentially to get to the celestial room. OTOH, I watched one of my Ricks College professors hamming it up as the preacher.)
Having done projects with the firms that design some of these temples for the LDS church, I can say categorically that budgets for each temple are strict and diligently adhered to. I sat down with an architectural partner as we were trying to cost cut and budget a major residential project and as an example he showed me the blueprints for a large, opulent temple structure outside the US and went on about how the original budget had been cut back, and how they innovatively economized while still meeting quality standards. Like many Christians, the LDS people and leaders believe in a Second Coming and millennial reign. My guess is longevity is a key factor in the high quality of materials. Pity they have to learn climactic considerations the hard way. Guess that is what comes from the myopic perspective of living in a high dry desert versus humid, wet climates that cover many other areas.
Millennial reign, second coming, longevity of temples? How about all the destructions, wars and calamities preceding the Second Coming? Do they really and foolishly believe that these temples will withstand the level of destruction predicted in the scriptures? If they want to be spared they should use the billions spent in temples to actually feed the hungry, help the poor, care for the needy, that is what actually God would prefer. All these temples will crumble to the ground when calamities and destruction get unleashed upon the world.
We are from the Gold Coast in Australia, my father in law was a builder with a construction company (mainly focused on residential builds) as well as the stake president in the late 90's, I remember when American church reps came to the house to interview him, as he put a tender in to build our local Brisbane Temple. He knew it was a long shot but wanted to try anyway, they were polite to visit but the decision was already made and sure enough another company got the job. It's all about who you know. Budget is also incredibly tilted towards public image, Australia would NEVER get the budget that Rome got as a flaunting LDS beacon in the centre of catholic headquarters
There is so much dirrty money laundering and old school connections done by LDS contractors. Almost as bad as government contractors. Perhaps they would not need all these renovations if they built the temples in a more simple manner
As a lifelong member especially in the last 20 years and as I have matured and gotten older I'm 63 now I've often thought why so much money for a building. I understand the purpose of the building very well. And that we want to give our best to the Lord. I find it difficult to believe the Lord would be ticked off if you cut the budget of a 50 million-dollar Temple down to a 48 million-dollar made more contributions to the poor and needy around the world. Or what about making a large contribution to an organization that fights human trafficking or child sexual abuse. I often ask myself is the Lord so high-and-mighty and does he think he's so wonderful that he has to have a 50 million-dollar Temple, when a 48 million-dollar Temple would be just as wonderful and beautiful. I know I'm going to burn in hell.
Hi, Ex-Mo here. The Church needs to be doing so much more with their billions. They should be doing more for their members in poverty-stricken areas around the world. (And more Humanitarian efforts in general.) And for HEAVEN'S SAKE stop this nonsense of making the ward members clean the buildings!! 1) It's taking away jobs from actual professional custodians who need the jobs; 2) The buildings are not being thoroughly cleaned and sanitized when the members do it. They need to be cleaned every day by professionals, with proper industrial-strength cleaners. We're still in a Pandemic, for God's sake! But even if that weren't still a threat, there are plenty of other viruses and diseases going around that warrant a professionally sanitized building for all members. And 3) The members already do enough! Most have at least one or two callings, plus their ministering families they're supposed to help whenever they can, and whatever anyone else throws at them, such as an assignment to speak in Sacrament Meeting. The Church has BILLIONS it can pay real janitors with! PLUS pay for their health insurance and other benefits. What are they planning to do with this absurd amount of money they've amassed??
I couldn't stop thinking about this Bible verse while watching your video: Matthew 23:27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness."
While I agree it is a waste of money, what I think is really a shame is how lame and relatively cheap temples are compared to major cathedrals and other architectural works of art, that have been created when money isn’t a concern. The church has unlimited money, and this is supposed to be Gods literal house, so hire some architects and make something that is actually awe inspiring, like so many old and modern cathedrals I’ve been in all over the world. I think the SLC temple fit this category when it was originally built in late 1800s, but we’ve basically not changed from that initial design and stuck with celestial rooms being small and furnished like a late 1800s English parlor.
Did you actually listen to Nemo in this video? Because that was his whole point. That the Temples were very, very opulent. Meaning no cost was spared in buying expensive materials in the building of the temples. I’m not certain what temple you’re talking about but I can assure you that is NOT what they look like.
@@mjs72660 The inside they may be; however, the New Temples seem all the same, square with a single spire in the middle. Even the "new" Provo Temple is the same cookie-cutter design. I remember working as a youth to donate to the Temple Fund for the Provo Temple.
@@mjs72660 yes I did and I agree they “spared no expense” in getting the nicest material, the point I’m adding on top of that is for all the money they throw at temples, they are still really lame buildings that are not inspiring to me. Have you been inside the Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona? Absolutely breathtaking and inspiring. Or Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco? The large open spaces and bright colors and angles of sunlight coming in really do draw a person to look up, and see the mix of light and dark and the beauty of it and be more present to appreciate the beautiful world and just how small we are. With the money the church has, and if they were really committed to spending money on buildings, they should at least hire an architecture firm to create something new and amazing instead of these strange blocky 1-4 story cookie cutter buildings that have “nice” material in them.
@@ruelynng59 exactly. These new temples are absolutely the strip mall equivalents of beautiful churches. Just designed to get people in and out as quickly as possible.
Back when I was still a member, one of the old-timers in Albuquerque told me about the construction of the fountain in front of the temple. Something in the electrical box had a faulty part that he was able to go into his work a get a better part to replace it. He instructed them on how to install it. I believe that he was just there to watch, he wasn't even working on it.
Would they use Utah companies so the local non Mormons don’t get a look inside? Makes me sick to think of a temple in Suva Fiji- the people there are so poor.
You'll notice that these leaders themselves, don't sacrifice their own budgets, kids education, or homes to ever make such offerings... It shows that they are so above/elite, that others can do this humble work, yet exclude themselves... It makes me curious how their obsession with the "good name of the LDS church", is not born upon their own backs to bear. No, yet the"ll take full credit for these false graven images unto themselves! 😮
Jesus knows their kind well. Matthew 23:4 - "For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers."
@@briandavis6898 What sacrifice is tithing when they are getting comfort salaries and benefits better than 90% of members. They are not the ones making the real sacrifices. My dad was the only parent working growing up and he always paid his tithing even if his children’s health were suffering. My parents never took us to doctors or the dentist growing up and we all suffered for it. We are 20+ year old grain in those food storage buckets ground up mixed with water for over 3 years of my life with nothing else. Our family health deteriorated in those years because the lack of nutrients. I can’t even begin to name all the health problems that overcame me. I have gone over 8 days with absolutely no food. My Ward saw our health deteriorate and didn’t do a damn thing. Didn’t call CS or anything to help us out. I have cut contact from all those awful people. I pray to God everyday that others don’t have to suffer what me and my siblings suffered.
@@lukev483 they don't get a salary. They do get a living stipend of 120k a year to cover family expenses if they have to minister full time, but that is far less than any CEO or executive makes. In fact D Michael Quinn, who is no friend to the church did a deep dive into the church's finances and said it was incredible how little they got for what they do. Why you didn't get financial support from your ward is a mystery to me because it's common practice that you would have received help from your ward which makes me suspicious of your story
M not of the Mormon faith but i do respect many of their beliefs. God gave us his BEST in Jesus Christ. Should we not give him our best. I would think being in temples of this quality would help our faith and bring us closer to heavenly father.
Not all temples are opulent structures. The St Paul MInnesota Temple is tiny with a simple basic design. The few windows have prairie style stained glass and the chandelier(s) are modest. Recently an email went out to the members asking for skilled craftsmen to help in the renovation of the temple slated for next year. It seems like the Utah companies are struggling to keep up with demand with all the new temples being built.
Nemo, great piece. Why build with such luxe decor when so few people see the inside of a temple? Oh yeah, the Moroni, er light beacon on top, pictures & tours given before dedication are expressly there to keep alive the myth of "fastest growing religion" when its really richest church per capita. They are the mighty rich influential Utah controlling church that doesn't really respect our constitutional line between church & state. Why else hang onto the grifting origin story when Utah was led by Prophet Governor Brigham Young like JS led Nauvoo?? Someday the church may have to employ & pay people to clean, maintain & perform ordinances in temple because of insufficient membership. Barely enough members to do so now post pandemic. Tell the residents of Cody Wyoming why they must allow a 10 story homing beacon on a temple because they're too poor & insignificant to have an objection to a recruiting symbol. Don't they know LDS Church is richer than Christ?? Ye shall know them by their works.
I'm grateful to be able to go to the temples and help weave together the entirety of the human family one name at a time, through covenanting ceremonies offered to the living, and through living proxies to the dead. God is making this tapestry of the family of Adam, sealed/bound to God for all eternity, through temple covenants. Those who accept the laws which make these offered covenants valid will be sealed to God and this family forever, those who don't will receive less than they could have. Live the laws, then come receive your blessings and be sealed together in a very special place built for that purpose, under authority restored by holy angels, and so that the earth will have a body of work worthy to give to Christ when He returns, lest He destroy the whole world at his second coming.
The gathering to temples and the sealing of people together is the most important work in the world today. I'm thrilled that the Church has the means to build these everywhere there are faithful members. Temple work is ramping up enormously, these are not empty buildings. AI is enabling the inputs of bringing in the name records and it will only ramp up. Familysearch is recognized now as THE repository for safeguarding masses of population name/date records, as evidenced by the mountains of inbound records from around the world. Come be a part of this work to seal the world family together, or come BACK to the work, it's awesome.
Hello Nemo, I couldn't agree with you more I think the LDS church spread to worry too much money on their temples. I am not an active member and haven't been for 6 years now. But even when I was active I felt the same way. This money collected could be put to so much better use.
Considering all the money spent for the temples, one would expect them to age better. Some temples are not exactly timeless and have to be renovated often. And so much money is being wasted for questionable taste although the interiors are designed absolutely professionally and some have a beautiful designs too. It's a cold logic that only tithe payers get to see this. So only they can see where their money goes.
The leadership of the Church, with rare exception, are independently wealthy and successful in their fields of endeavor before they are called into the service of the Lord. For example: the present President of the Church was a pioneer and world renowned heart surgeon before being called as a general authority.
Lah-ee-ay Temple. It's cool because it's art deco/arts and craft. Like Mess and Calgary. Doesn't make the church true but there are a handful of awesome examples of architecture with Mormon temples.
The Temple is a Blueprint of that which one may accomplish through obedience to the things of knowledge delivered therein, to say in part that knowledge divides between the acceptable things of God. Along with the responsibilities that are bound to it.
Nemo, the Columbus Ohio Temple was not "remodeled"; it was razed to zero and rebuilt. I have been asking why the Temple only lasted about 20 years, and more importantly, who built it, and why weren't the builders held responsible.
My partner and I who are never-mo’s went through the Hamilton Temple when it was open to the public before re-dedication. It struck us as excessively grand and opulent with very high quality fittings.. Very fancy carpets and wallpapers.
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 & 3 Nephi 13
Yes! Same for catholic church. My father said many x that the church should sell its art to help the poor. A lot of that priceless art was pillaged anyway. My mother toured the La Jolla, CA temple before it was consecrated. She & her friends couldn't believe the Waterford crystal tables and massive Waterford chandeliers and the general over the top opulence, but again, the same is true for the many cathedrals we visited in Europe. Both churches are corrupt as are many others. I live in SLC, UT so I see LDS corruption too often. Utah is also the fraud capital, according to investigative journalist, Lynn Packer. I enjoy your reporting, Nemo!
Temples have always been built at great cost and sacrifice. I'm not worried about what the Church does with my tithing. If mistakes are made so be it. If God wanted everything done to perfection he would come himself and do it. He allows us his children to learn and grow and become better. My only concern is to obey that commandment and become better thru this.
And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. -Luke 21:5-6
I can’t speak for chandlers or the like , but the carpet is loomed of high quality wool and the design is hand cut into it after it is laid. I knew a carpet layer that was skilled in hand cutting. Not common modern skill of many entry level carpet layers.
I have a good friend that does with all the carpeting in the temples and yes we need to get your membership up to 15 million members watching your show it all depends on you
YESSS!! I went to the Hamilton NZ temple opening thing that the public can go to after the refurbishment (parents still believing, me and siblings not publicly out of the church but no longer believe) and all I could think about was how unnecessarily opulent everything was. Before that walkthrough, I had only ever done baptisms for the dead with youth (that area is practically in the basement) and comparing what it was before, which was already a bit ridiculous, to now was a moment of "so that's where all my parents hard earned money is going" real kicker is that it's now even harder for them to go to the temple due to a booking system that was introduced with its reopening.
temples are the most important places on earth and they are nessisary for the return of Jesus Christ. We need temples ready for that day, Also the church does so much to help the poor and needy.
Refusing to be forth coming about finances that are fueled by the tithing of the masses is illegal. The fact members allow it says much about the nature of a patriarchy gone overboard. Having zero say or knowledge of the churches finances is not how churches are supposed to work.
Um, no it's not illegal. It's a donation done willingly, and the church is then free to spend it as it sees fit too. I'm also not sure what any of this has to do with patriarchy. Female run organizations aren't always transparent with their finances either, so I don't understand the gendered assumptiom.
@@nicholassmith9783 as a life long Mormon you have no idea other churches by law don’t work that way. Your church …by law must give quarterly financial statements to the members. You just don’t ask for what every other church provides, and the law supports. Do you think tax free came with no strings attached? Churches have rules if they want to maintain that tax free status. That money isn’t holy. It is a war chest to power. Leave females alone. None have power in your patriarchy so you have no idea what they can do. Your whataboutism for criminal activity is classic gaslighting. Everyone isn’t breaking the law. But your church was caught red handed.
@cynthiashaw45 what law states that churches/tax-exempt organizations need to give quarterly reports to their members? I've never heard of such a law, at least in the USA. If there was such a law, then the church would do it. You still haven't explained how it's a "males in power" only trait to "purposefully withhold information from its members about finances?" I disagree that the church does that in a malicious intent, but let's assume you're correct. Is it impossible for women, or women led organizations, to do such a thing? Are only men capable of doing that? I would say no because I believe women have the same capabilities as men for both good AND evil, but I'm aware that's not exactly a third wave feminist talking point nowadays, so maybe it's something you can't understand. If all you can do is hide behind really bad accusations of gaslighting, I suggest you get some introspection and acknowledge your hatred towards men before you pull more feminists "the world would be a utopia if women ran it, down with the patriarchy" shenanigans.
@@nicholassmith9783 that is your deep dive. The ways and means of how your church does things like a patriarchal society is best studied by how it effects you. If having no say in how your church spends the collectives money is ok by you doesn’t change the fact that churches don’t operate that way and stay in operation in the rest of the church going world. They produce quarterly reports. I am not here to teach you. If you have common sense questions that is on you to find the answers. Sorry if the facts are uncomfortable for you. But your here poking around wondering why we left so good luck to you. It takes years to process why we willingly follow a priesthood of men. To shave the good parts from the manipulation. Can anything be saved? That is your deep dive. Been there, done that.
@cynthiashaw45 well, glad we dropped the gaslighting shenanigans. So the LDS isn't breaking the law, it's just doing something you don't like that you think should be illegal, and you use other churches as an example. Gotcha. Well, the LDS church isn't like other churches (thankfully), and how it spends its money is up to it. I'm actually quite happy with how it's been spending it, charity work, building temples so the work of salvation may continue, and then a very large, secure rainy day fund. Much like how Joseph in Egypt was able to prepare for the famine. I'm all for that. Thanks for the luck. The deep diving I've done has simply pointed to the truthfulness of the LDS church. While it is indeed currently managed by imperfect men, they are much better men than the majority of other men and women in the world. Christ is truly the foundation and head of the church. I can only wish you luck as you wander through the miasma of the world's doctrines and philosophies, but I've found the truth and am quote joyful in it.
The San Diego Temple opened 30 years ago using only the finest materials and craftsmanship. It will be closing indefinitely this month for "significant renovations" My car is older than that.
I was told by a West Valley official that the church just paid for the rent of an entire apartment building for the poor who would have been evicted. The Church does considerable work for the poor. And our chapels are modest. The Temples are the Crown Jewels of the restoration. They help point our minds to heaven, and the craftsmanship are exceptional.
@unpredictable913 sufficient enough time to help them get back on their feet to where they can pay their own rent. Unlike many other social programs, the church's is designed to get people to become self sufficient instead of living off of welfare indefinitely. It's also quite efficient at it, more people are helped and are better helped with less money than what other institutions do.
The church has billions of dollars. It is hard for human beings to wrap our heads around how much money that is. I want the Church to pay rent for hundreds of thousands of people, not just hundreds or thousands.
There are 50 temples being built at 7->30 mil each. The Church spent almost 1 billion dollars on charity projects not connected to the Church last year. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity ... and . The Saints are the most charitable people on earth. need proof ... Here ya go: . Google: Which Christian denominations donate the most to charity in the US (Scroll down until you see) People who ask: Q: Which religion donates the most to charity in U.S.? A: Mormons Religion and generosity feed each other in fascinating ways ... In addition to giving larger amounts, the religious give more often- [non-attenders] making gifts about half again as frequently. These giving levels vary by particular faith. Mormons are the most generous Americans, both by participation level and by size of gifts. And Americans are the most charitable in all the world. https colon // www dot philanthropyroundtable dot org / magazine / less-god-less-giving / .
But Ezra Taft Benson preached against being that person who was needing help, demonizing those who ask for it. By doing so, making it so members feel negative about helping
I had to chuckle a bit at the mold issue. Same exact issue with garments in swampy Florida. These issues could be addressed if there were a feedback mechanism. I’m less troubled by the thorny question of how much is too much than the wasted money from rework because the Utah expertise of some privileged insider didn’t translate to another climate.
The last temple I went to was American Fork. It's a nice design and the stained glass in the celestial room is pleasing. However, on close inspection, the workmanship is not the best. Years ago, the Church museum had an original chair from the Salt Lake Temple. The craftsmanship was impeccable.
@Nemo the Mormon what happen to the short video you of having a conversation with Joseph Smith where your friend mouths the word under the Photo of JS have you taken it down?
I do flooring for a living the last 16 years and that is holy hell expensive. Especially flying someone out to do it is beyond expensive. That is just the carpet and not installation, with installation and the travel, yikes. I could do that once a year and not have to work for fhe whole year.
I think the scriptural support a TBM would point to is 1 Kings 5-8, which describes the construction of Solomon's temple. Still opulent and over the top, but it plays to the "only the best for God's house" line. The bit that frustrates me is the non-local labor used for even the most routine construction tasks, like laying carpet. I've heard the apologetic that building a temple creates jobs in the local economy. But if all the construction labor is from Utah, and all the temple workers are volunteers, what exactly is a temple contributing to the local community, beyond increased power consumption and light pollution?
Actually I am glad that my tithing is being used for construction. The precedent stems from the Old Testament where the finest was used that was available at that time. Interesting, even though I rarely agree with your conclusions.
Apparently someone doesn't understand the scriptures or antiquity, otherwise Nemo would understand that the "no expenses spared" example comes from: David preparing to build the temple by spending a large chunk of his reign gathering only the finest materials. Solomon bulding said temple, and adding more wealth to what his father already collected. Zerubbabel temple was more modest, but made with the best that the Jews could muster. The Maccabees refurbished it to the best of their abilites once they retook Jerusalem from the Ptolemics. Herod went to great lengths to rebuild the temple, with no expenses spared. The Savior Himself never once spoke against the edifice or "opulence" of the temple, rather it was the behavior, treatment, and view of the temple as something not holy that infuriated Him. So your passive-aggresive complaint against the church over it's construction choices of temples has no scriptual nor antiquity bases to fall on. In fact, with some of the points brought up about longevity and local environ issues, it seems MORE needs to be spent to prevent such issues from happening!
@NEMOTHEMORMON I have a question for you then. While you offer criticism for the price and quality of materials, there was no alternative given. My question is: What price should be spent on creating temples for the Lord? What quality of material would you want to be seen in these buildings? In fact, we could use the examples of the earlier temples built (Kirtland, Nauvoo, etc.) where everyone had to contribute not just with money but material as well. If a temple was being built, and everyone needed to donate time and resources to build it, what would you find appropriate to give in building the temple?
If I am being honest, as someone uneducated about temple spending, I expected you to make the case that the church was being CHEAP about temple building costs. I was worried for a second there. Also, your description seems to fall right in line with the description of biblical temple costs. Do you think it was cheap for Saul to import lumber from Lebanon, or for Moses to acquire gold in the desert? And, in all of these scriptures you mention, they are talking to the rich about their houses and their meetinghouses. Contrarily, temples (and not meetinghouses) are supposed to be the house of the Lord, and deserve the very best of our workmanship. If that means that the Church sticks with the businesses it is most familiar with or trusts most, or that we spend a little (or even a lot) more money on it, that shouldn't be a problem for someone coming from a perspective faithful to the Church. But either way, faithful members of the church pay their tithing not necessarily because they like where it is being spent, but because they are commanded to by the Lord.
The Hamilton NZ refurb oct 2022. Open house the guides would brag about the expensive hand carved carpets, marble from Palestine every where and huge chandeliers. All smacks of American excess. Kiwis are more humble in their approach. A little like Jesus. I found the whole thing offensive when we have families in the neighbourhood living in cars because of the terrible housing shortage. So I went back one last time and put the homeless on the prayer roll and give my tithing directly to the needy
You should also talk about how much the Church spends on humanitarian help with the report on last year being $1Billion spent, and with approx 17 million members… can you name any other Christian group that can provide that kind of help for the same membership ratio?
Tearing out the walls to the studs due to mold isn’t necessarily a reflection of poor initial build quality. It’s a reflection of the Church’s astonishing arrogance and ignorance about how to maintain buildings in humid climates. You have to keep the A/C going and low enough or the humidity will destroy the building. The leadership in Utah can’t conceive of humidity, so they ignore its effects. They also resent locals wanting to have the A/C going at church. I’m from the South US and Church HQ is constantly trying to assert/reassert control over the local congregations’ use of air conditioning. They view it only as a cost thing, and seem to think the members are being selfish and abusing the Lord’s resources by wanting the building to be comfortable (and protected). They refuse to see that “hot” in Utah is an entirely different thing than “hot” in a literal swamp. But worse, they don’t appreciate that a building in the South needs air conditioning to keep mildew and mold from taking it over. We had an entire building have to be redone because of mold, and it was entirely preventable with basic air conditioning, but the Church scoffed at the locals for insisting on keeping the air conditioning on. Now, when I go to my old ward in the spring/summer, everyone’s sweating because the A/C is now controlled remotely by a system in SLC. They literally took control from the locals because whatever works in Utah is supposed to work everywhere. So, not only are church buildings not necessarily even made well, their maintenance and upkeep is run by comically stupid ignoramuses.
To: @@mikeb.7381 .......... You are correct when you say that our bodies die ~ but Latter-day Saints believe that our spirits go to the "spirit world" to await the resurrection. So ... what about you ... What faith tradition do you follow ... or ... Are you an agnostic, atheist ?
It appears the best temples go to wealthier countries in stakes with a high number of active membership and tithe payers. Hence Utah, California, and Arizona having many temples announced. In Canada the majority of new temples are mini temples.
A friend said to me the other day “nothing is too good for the Lord. Remember the admonition to the people regarding the first temple in Kirtland. If it wasn’t the best the Lord would not accept it.”
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Having specified a fair amount of Bentley Carpet, I'm confident the prices quoted NY State were per square yard, not per square foot (albeit at a sizable discount). It would not be hard to spend $20-$50 per square foot for a bespoke wool carpet from the likes of say Wilton U.K, and given what they're willing to spend for mechanical systems, quite frankly I'm rather surprised that they don't.
Well that just shows my ignorance of both carpet and the vastly complicated imperial measurement system that we burdened you with! Thanks for letting me know, I’ll pin your comment!
@@NEMOTHEMORMON
“Vastly complicated imperial measurement system.”
🤣 brilliant
And don't forget that they replace the carpet after the open house but before the dedication. I wonder if that more reasonable number is for the first install. *EDIT* Further investigation on my part seems to indicate this is just another mormon legend. My apologies.
@@michaelblainejones seriously? Why do we have to wear booties to go through the open house?
@@reneenolan3163 performative piety, probably. Ohh, that was alliterative.
As my rose colored glasses have fallen. I am left ANGRY AS HELL because there was time when my husband and I were made to feel guilty for choosing to buy groceries and paying only SOME of our Bill's because we were so far in medical debts from having babies like the church tells us to do. We couldn't go to a relative's temple wedding. We didn't have money for diapers and formula yet we needed to dig even deeper so they can practice their gospel prosperity temples. I am mad at the church and I'm mad at myself for being so stupid for so many years. All I can say I will never give 1 red penny to them again.
You’ll feel much better after you’ve read up on the historical and doctrinal facts of the Church. I recommend “RoughStone Rolling “ by Richard Bushman to start.
Do you really think everyone is as lame as you are to believe that story? Here, maybe with so many fake Christians.
what a horrible thing, be forever grateful that you broke free from this cult
That is all fine but you will most likely stay broke
@@NeilAldridge-jp7rl since you don't go to any church, maybe you should stay in your corner.
I’ve been telling friends a temple costs about $10 million when in fact it’s adjusted to $113 MILLION !! Holy cow, Nemo!!!
Thanks good man. ❤
My pleasure!
You haven't a clue what you're talking about. The little boy isn't telling the truth. Not that you care.
I had always guessed temples costed about 30 to 50 million dollars. Wow! Thank You so much Nemo.
@@Zodiacalesotericmatrix he's happy you're so gullible.
@JH-cg8ng speak for yourself puppet. Your mouth gets you into enough trouble trying to back it up.
A "one size fits all" church becomes mouldy outside of Utah. I feel that Jesus would use this as a parable.
Wellll put!! TY!
👏👏👏
Absolutely!
Yes, that the corruption outside was creeping into God's houses, and they needed to be cleaned every once in a while. A perfect parable.
Just further proof that Utah is Zion. Or maybe that it's a desert.
The fact that the LDS Corporation is willing to pay the highest price possible just screams money laundering.
Also explains why temples are constantly being renovated and why they are building new temples in failing areas.
Why was Solomon berated by a God for making his house finer and bigger than the Lord's?
Wow! Had not thought of it in that context...they have the Dept of Defense & Govt beat hands down!!
I truly doubt money laundering. The Church has already proved itself adept with fancy accounting and shell companies that it doesn't need such a sledge hammer approach. More likely, TBMs are profiting from these contracts.
@@2446Ann Sneaky bastard mormons!
It's a bit like that saying we have in the UK "It's all fur coat and no knickers"
Today, I found God in the woods under a rock. Last week, I found God among the homeless. “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.” Psalm 139:7-10 ... God does not require opulence. Expensive temples are the result of taking false pride in humility, and profiteering (or propheteering, if you prefer). Who will drive the money changer out of the temple this time?
Beautiful comment
The pride of the world appears more evident in the church than it does in the world. Hmm, that's odd.
A few years ago, TBM me got curious, went online, and found the chandeliers used in the temple I was working at. The wall and hanging fixtures in the celestial room were made with Swarovski crystal, wall sconces were about $800/ea and the Lord's chandelier at the center cost something like $40,000. At the time I felt awkward about it, which got converted into a weird sense of pride that the church had supposedly sacrificed so much to create a beautiful building. It hurt to find out that temples were not God's gift to me and the membership but were just vanity projects built on nepotism, so I had no problem allowing my recommend expire
Excellent work Nemo! I love the scriptures you used. Can I add one more? Whenever the LDS church says we have to make the temples so opulent and luxurious because they are 'the house of the Lord' and Jesus won't come unless they use the most expensive materials in the world, I think of Christ's own words in Matthew 8:20:
"The foxes have holes and the birds of the heaven have nests, but the Son of Man does not have a place where He may lay His head”
What Lord are they serving? Who are they building these massively expensive buildings to? Because it is not to the true Jesus Christ.
Thanks for adding this!
If Jesus comes back, you wouldn't be able to pay Him any amount of money to hang with the Q15.
Acts 17
24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
According to the scriptures, God doesn’t dwell in idols or buildings that become idols.
We can also add:
James 11:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
If you truly understood the scriptures, you'd understand that the reason why the best is put forth in building temples comes from examples in the Old Testament. David spent most of his reign as king, gathering the finest materials for the temple his son would build. This isn't in the scriptures, but the Maccabees put forth great effort and resources to restore the temple. It's quite scriptural and historical to do the best for the temple, and the fact that people think it's so weird no very little about the scriptures or antiquity in general.
I design HVAC systems...
And I've designed them for band, orchestra, choir rooms and prayer rooms...
I would expect very quiet requirements requirements to add maybe 5% cost during the design phase.
Retrofit is harder to estimate without seeing drawings.
But could be as small as removing a bit of duct to add "silencers" and to add more ductwork and diffusers in the quiet spaces.
It's not impossible that the systems could be crazy expensive, but it immediately made me think "what influential Mormon contractor was getting away with that? "
HVAC is designed to be invisible. It's very uncommon for someone to want diffusers that look fancy. Architects might work with us to hide them, but they've never told me to help them find pretty ones.
And that extra cost to hide them would be on architecture, not HVAC
What do you consider crazy expensive? Would you like to comment on the $2,400sf sub bid for temple mechanical/plumbing systems from last week?
@howieroarke
Pardon?
It's 2400$ per Sq ft? Is that what you're saying?
Just for mech and plumbing?
Is that just for the square feet of the mechanical rooms?
Or for the entire temple?
Any idea how many square feet in a temple?
@@andy4an In the trade journal Nemo cited, the mechanical sub for the Philadelphia Temple claimed that the "average cost" for M/P systems was $300-$400 per sf, but the temple had extra requirements pushing it to $2,400 per sf. The Philadelphia Temple is just over 61,000sf, so we're talking $153 million for M/P systems (only).
@howieroarke
For 300-400$ per square foot you can get an entire building. Plumbing and mechanical would be a share of that (and not a bigger share than architecture, probably)
Sometimes, it's been double that for the whole building...
But admittedly, I do commercial and industrial work... not anything luxurious.
I suspect that I've never worked on a building where the whole thing was 2400$/sqft.
HVAC being that much and it not being some really crazy application like a sensitive laboratory kinda boggles my mind.
I'm at a loss.
I've never done a museum that had fine art, but I could imagine very tight tolerances for temp and humidity and filtration etc... and I could imaging a temple wanting to protect its art...
But even so how could it be so expensive?
@@andy4an Maybe they are building for the ages with waste/vent systems out of bronze? I, too, am at a loss. As an architect, I have done two art museums and yes the HVAC has tight tolerances due to insurance requirements, and all systems have to operate quietly while being virtually invisible. They also have to perfectly detailed architecturally and have high quality materials that continue to look pristine despite the high foot traffic. You can do all that and throw in some structural bravura moves for cost of that M/P system alone!
Thank you for bringing up the 3D scanning and opulent marble used in the replicas of the Christus and 12 apostles. My Danish mission president bragged to me about that project and the expense because his colleague was deeply involved. That was a bit of a shelf item for me but I chalked it up to "only the best for the Lord." I bring up the expense all the time though because most people don't know about the 3D scanning and sourcing of the finest marble. Thank you for shedding light on how the church uses these projects to put tons of money in the pockets of LDS members.
Well done, Nemo! By their fruits shall ye know them.
Amen!
The fruits are that the entirety of the human family is being discovered and woven together through authoritative covenants in these holy temples.
@@bloviax Well, if you believe that the Masons received divine revelation and passed it along to Joseph Smith, then you might be right. Otherwise, the temples are part of the grift that gets you to pay out 10% of your income under threat of losing your family for eternity, all while stealing hours of your life that could be used productively, to keep you tightly bound to a cult/corporation/"church" that is using temple construction to spread the wealth among well-connected Mormon families. Enjoy your fairy tale while you can.
@@bloviaxThere a glorified Tax dodge and money laundering scam,The exact same way the religion was initially founded by the con man/Grifter Joseph Smith who built a financial empire based on his lies and deceit,He was a convicted Felon and sexual deviant who admitted the fact that there were no Plates and he never spoke to any god as he claimed,Anyone not believing this or not wanting to just do the research it’s all there but I’m sure the devout won’t want to know as this cult is all they’ve got,But facts are Facts…
Excellent work by Nemo. The real Mormon gold rush started with Joe Smith’s golden plates and they didn’t even exist.
Neither do you fake.
@@WatchingwaitingG2D Barry hitting us with his supreme intellect! Keep it up, Barry!
@@WatchingwaitingG2DOh… ouch… what’s burn. Gosh Barry, I’m sure he’s going to be crying for days over your ability to whip out well turned phrase and your rapier whit. You should totally go back to school to become a lawyer… with debate skills like that you’re wasting mountains of talent.
Over 11 eye witnesses, most of which left The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints at some point, some never to return, yet none denied having seen the Golden Plates, several actually hefting and rifling through the pages. Even though they were offered wealth and fame if they denied, or threatened and even attacked for not doing so. And because they cannot successfully attack their testimonies, they try to attack their character, just like they do in vain with Joseph Smith Jr. Fulfilling the prophecy Jesus Christ gave of his true followers. "Ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake." and also "Blessed are ye when men speak all manner of evil against you falsely, for so did they the prophets before you." No other group has fulfilled this prophecy, though many have had all manner of evil spoken against them, but it was well deserved.
@@WatchingwaitingG2DActually Barry it’s not fake,The entire Mormon faith was built on the lies of a Grifter,Sexual Deviant and Felon and that was Joseph Smith,Having over 30 years of first hand experience with this Cult I can attest to the absolute Hypocrisy of its so called beliefs and values,Of all the many religions Mormonism is by far the biggest con going and is as said in another comment a glorified money laundering and tax evasion scam,So it’s you and you’re cult that are Fake Barry….
Great video, Nemo! I especially liked that you added the scriptures/teachings that contradict the opulent style of temple building. Rather than “build me a castle”, I think the Lord would prefer we focus on “love one another.”
Ironic that Christ was born in a stable amongst common barnyard animals. Way too many great & spacious bldgs for idol worship these days. Looking forward to His 2nd coming and the cleansing of the "money changers" yet again
Except those scriptures don't, especially with other scriptures and historical accounts that show the precedence for how temples are to be built. David, Solomon, Josiah's renovations, the Jews building the Zerubbabel, the Mcabbees restoration, and Herod's complete rework of the temple are all examples of only the best being provided to build the temple.
You mean like the Tabernacle, Tent Of Meeting and Temple Of Solomon? Besides those scriptures were about churches, not the House of the Lord. Churches like the Televangelists and Catholics. Do you even listen to what is being said, or do you just take whatever lie Satan whispers in your ear?
@@nicholassmith9783You forgot the Tabernacle or Tent Of Meeting, made with all the jewelry gotten from the Egyptians, as well as the finest skins and cloths. Spared no expense for the House of the Lord.
I used to be a builder in Naples Florida and had to look up what we used to spend on carpet. National average is $2-8 per square foot. $20 per gets you into some extremely nice residential carpet. $50 per would be for people with too much money, they put that in $20M homes on Port Royal Florida where all the Billionaires live.
Thanks! It may have been per square yard, I’m being told!
As someone who grew up non-mormon in a heavily and I mean heavily Mormon town in Utah let me just say I'm shocked!!! We were poor as dirt, they made sure to come by for fast offerings but never to see if we needed help. I will confess my afore mentioned shock was sarcasm.
Why did they come by for fast offerings if you were not Mormon?
@@roxanejordan4114 totally church run town. They had our name on a list, it said Baptist right next to our name but they would still come. I knew what ward I was in, who the bishop and stake president were. All this just to be able to play basketball or do other activities that a normal teen would do.
@@m.m6770 what a sad situation. I'm so disgusted. Jesus would certainly destroy a lot of this blaspheme. It's absolute blasphemy to use the name of Jesus Christ as a marketing gimmick. Many blessings ya'll.
@@lorinapetranova2607All Religions claim different things,Use religious names to further their attempt to monopolize people and narratives,There’s thousands of gods and you all claim yours is the only one which makes it even more laughable because evidence for any of them is non existent but the Mormon church does the best at exploiting young people to go door to door like salesman,Every knew sign up means a 10% increase in profits and that’s all this is about Money….
During my 1998 (Preston) temple tour, I noticed how extravagant and beautiful the temple was. I noticed a very well fed Brian Grant ( star of the Godmakers!) hovering around. He had clearly done well for himself, and the church has done well too, at least materially.
Brian Grant was in my home ward growing up, did not know he was in the godmakers, maybe I need to watch it!
@@NEMOTHEMORMON He features quite prominently in the Godmakers... and frankly comes across as a slightly, self satisfied overfed pussycat...a bit like Daniel C Peterson.
I am amazed you have not seen the Godmakers. It's a bit over the top... but I believe much of it is factually accurate. The same cannot be said for Godmakers 2 though, which did have some blatant falsehoods in it!
There’s a name I haven’t heard for decades. I used to be Brian’s brother’s home teaching companion.
@@marshlanderdumarais264 I heard that his brother left the church... did he have more than one brother?
@@Themanyfacesofego last time I saw A. The family was not involved with the church.
Money, the contractors are all high level well connected Mormons. It’s a form of money laundering
"That's the cup of a carpenter" --Indiana Jones
If only the church funded expeditions to find the Nephites. Oh wait…they did try that. 🤦♂️
@@kennethd.9436 Shhhh...you can't talk about empirical evidence that isn't in the church's favor...
Thank you. Watching from Alaska.
The church is going to have one hell of a garage sale when all the members evaporate.
Oh I would love to see that faceplant
the church buildings in the south also had mold problems, mine defiantly did
Also mold-moisture problems here at the Nauvoo Temple. They just replaced all of the beautiful custom windows (after only 20 years) to remedy the problem.
The chapel of my youth in the northeast had a partially flat roof that leaked. Oddly, I once attended church in American Fork with an identically designed chapel. I wonder if it's still in use.
Why was a $4,000 vase needed in the Las Vegas Nevada Celestia Room? It was placed on a table. What was the point? It was knocked over and broken when someone bumped into it. Waste of money.
If you were to estimate the yearly construction costs for temples and the yearly charitable funds, how would those to numbers compare?
The reports are available by several sources but you better be sitting down
Last April I found myself visiting Utah and learned that there was an open house for a new temple. I've been to and thru maybe 2 dozen Mormon temples during my Mormon Oddysee and loved the temples and the ritual personally. So discovering that the Saratoga Springs Utah Temple was open for tours, I headed there. While many things about it were impressive (it's massively huge!) I was particularly taken by the beautiful windows, long and narrow throughout the building with the same colorful design. While inside the building I got a close-up touch & look at them and was horrified when I realized that they weren't stained glass at all, but stamped out plastic! How do you build a multi-million dollar "Temple to the Lord" and put in PLASTIC "stained glass" winders? [sic] I had to laugh, scratch my head, and yet "understand" the answer, all at once. Did anyone else notice these beautifully designed plastic windows?
Excellent work once more, Nemo. Thanks for your efforts.
When I went through I remember being flabbergasted at the place thinking about what ELSE that money should have gone towards. They rank right up there with Catholicism with opulent indifference.
money money money!!!!! God does not live in these temples!!!! Read what Paul says in the bookof Acts!!! House of the Lord indeed!!
The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, - Acts 17:24
Good point. You all need to read the new testament and find out what God's word actually teaches.
Nemo has already proven many times that the leaders of the LDS church lie.
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? - Numbers 23:19
The OKC is my parents temple (and I remember working the open house for it as a youth before it was dedicated) and my mom told me about how extensive the mold was in that temple 😬 I want to say she said they also had a flooding problem, but that could be a temple in Texas I'm remembering 🤔?
I wish I could like this multiple times.
Someone mentioned our Spartan meeting houses. My husband and I are converts of over 50 years. I was Methodist, he was Episcopalian. We both miss the the beauty and reverence experienced weekly in our former churches. We both served missions and have been active LDS all these years, but we still go to the Episcopal church he grew up in on special occasions.
Every time I hear the LDS word, a song came to mind "Money makes the world go around, The world go around....A mark, a yen, a buck or a pound, ...Is all that makes the world go around, That clinking, clanking sound, Can make the world go around" ...sad but true.
I have some lovely murano crystal pieces, gifted to me. Under no circumstances would I have that glass in my windows or chandeliers, if I had any. My bank would have me committed.
This obsenely excessive spending on bricks and mortar, when there is so much hunger in this world, is disgraceful.
Of course the nepotism is rife.
Well done Nemo for getting this info out there. I think MSP needs a zoom podcast, featuring you, to tell all it's followers what is really going on.
Interesting that most Mormon meeting houses are so spartan vs. the opulence you're citing with Mormon temples. But to blame marble facades for mold in high humidity climates seems like a gross over simplification of root cause for the mold. In any case, you are correct, high quality local construction firms would have avoided whatever construction and materials errors resulted in the mold problem, because they know what works and what doesn't work in their local climate.
It's hard to get your brothers and cousins rich if you use local contractors.
I totally agree with what you have said!!
Natalie
Wow, Nemo this is an amazing piece of research. I'm amazed that they shipped so many products to other countries, when so many countries could benefit from the church purchasing these furnishings from local artists. And to be fair, I doubt there was any mold proofing in the early temples because these building materials weren't available yet. But I agree, this amount of money for the temples is outrageous, especially in view of the lack of support for the poor in the many countries where the LDS church is located.
The church does far more than you can imagine for the poor, and unfairly maligned by Nemo. And temples since the dawn of Israel have used the finest materials. In many ways the purpose of temples is to mold ppl who will go out and be more Christlike and caring for the poor. Multiplying this force is what will actually create change in the world. Poverty is a challenge that no one organization can even begin to address. But we can inspire millions to be better and do more, and this will have the greater impact.
I remember going through the open house for Tucson Arizona temple and although the entrance was impressive, the rest of the temple looked like they had really cut costs using cheaper materials and generic looking artwork, carpeting, ect. It didn't really compare well to other temples I had been through.
That’s interesting to hear, for I had assumed opulence was equal in all temples. I recently toured the new Bentonville Arkansas temple and was disappointed. (First time to see inside a temple.). In the first place the outside reminded me of Islamic architecture. And I thought the inside looked more like an upscale hotel from a century ago. It surely was a let-down. Since Mormonism is false, I guess it’s no wonder the temple looked like a facade.
@knan75 I have been through a few temples. The Tucson temple also looks more like a mosque 🕌. I remember going through the temple in Gilbert, Arizona, and it is extremely opulent. I think that since the Tucson temple is a smaller temple, they decided to be more conservative on the budget for the inside of it.
The Mesa temple is meh. The LA temple is garbage. The Washington DC temple is super impressive, but, at least before the renovation, impractical. I liked the American Fork temple. My favorite was the original Provo temple. It was very utilitarian and had a lovely chandelier in the celestial room.
@iceguy9723 I was sealed to my wife and oldest son, who was about 2 at the time in the Mesa temple, and it will always be my favorite. Even the visitor center is classy. The Provo temple was very functional. I only went through the Salt Lake temple once. It was a different experience it was the first time I ever saw a live session. The LA temple I only saw as a youth when I went there for baptismisms for the dead. The bronze oxen were impressive.
@@SteveSmith-os5bs Mesa had the same problem as other temples of that era; they were designed for live sessions. I think they did a renovation since I was there. Did they fix those issues? (Idaho Falls was the most problematic in this regard; you had to go through the rooms sequentially to get to the celestial room. OTOH, I watched one of my Ricks College professors hamming it up as the preacher.)
Having done projects with the firms that design some of these temples for the LDS church, I can say categorically that budgets for each temple are strict and diligently adhered to. I sat down with an architectural partner as we were trying to cost cut and budget a major residential project and as an example he showed me the blueprints for a large, opulent temple structure outside the US and went on about how the original budget had been cut back, and how they innovatively economized while still meeting quality standards. Like many Christians, the LDS people and leaders believe in a Second Coming and millennial reign. My guess is longevity is a key factor in the high quality of materials. Pity they have to learn climactic considerations the hard way. Guess that is what comes from the myopic perspective of living in a high dry desert versus humid, wet climates that cover many other areas.
Millennial reign, second coming, longevity of temples? How about all the destructions, wars and calamities preceding the Second Coming? Do they really and foolishly believe that these temples will withstand the level of destruction predicted in the scriptures? If they want to be spared they should use the billions spent in temples to actually feed the hungry, help the poor, care for the needy, that is what actually God would prefer. All these temples will crumble to the ground when calamities and destruction get unleashed upon the world.
My aunt used to skip school lunch and instead give the money to the church so they could build the DC temple. On top of her tithing money.
We are from the Gold Coast in Australia, my father in law was a builder with a construction company (mainly focused on residential builds) as well as the stake president in the late 90's, I remember when American church reps came to the house to interview him, as he put a tender in to build our local Brisbane Temple. He knew it was a long shot but wanted to try anyway, they were polite to visit but the decision was already made and sure enough another company got the job. It's all about who you know. Budget is also incredibly tilted towards public image, Australia would NEVER get the budget that Rome got as a flaunting LDS beacon in the centre of catholic headquarters
There is so much dirrty money laundering and old school connections done by LDS contractors. Almost as bad as government contractors. Perhaps they would not need all these renovations if they built the temples in a more simple manner
I 100% agree with this entire video. It makes me ill.
I’m glad you agree, sorry it makes you ill!
It’s odd how they are so blind to their hypocrisy.
As a lifelong member especially in the last 20 years and as I have matured and gotten older I'm 63 now I've often thought why so much money for a building. I understand the purpose of the building very well. And that we want to give our best to the Lord. I find it difficult to believe the Lord would be ticked off if you cut the budget of a 50 million-dollar Temple down to a 48 million-dollar made more contributions to the poor and needy around the world. Or what about making a large contribution to an organization that fights human trafficking or child sexual abuse. I often ask myself is the Lord so high-and-mighty and does he think he's so wonderful that he has to have a 50 million-dollar Temple, when a 48 million-dollar Temple would be just as wonderful and beautiful. I know I'm going to burn in hell.
No, you aren't, keep asking those questions. It isn't the lord that wants these things, he would rebuke the excess.
Hi, Ex-Mo here. The Church needs to be doing so much more with their billions. They should be doing more for their members in poverty-stricken areas around the world. (And more Humanitarian efforts in general.) And for HEAVEN'S SAKE stop this nonsense of making the ward members clean the buildings!! 1) It's taking away jobs from actual professional custodians who need the jobs; 2) The buildings are not being thoroughly cleaned and sanitized when the members do it. They need to be cleaned every day by professionals, with proper industrial-strength cleaners. We're still in a Pandemic, for God's sake! But even if that weren't still a threat, there are plenty of other viruses and diseases going around that warrant a professionally sanitized building for all members. And 3) The members already do enough! Most have at least one or two callings, plus their ministering families they're supposed to help whenever they can, and whatever anyone else throws at them, such as an assignment to speak in Sacrament Meeting. The Church has BILLIONS it can pay real janitors with! PLUS pay for their health insurance and other benefits. What are they planning to do with this absurd amount of money they've amassed??
I couldn't stop thinking about this Bible verse while watching your video: Matthew 23:27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness."
While I agree it is a waste of money, what I think is really a shame is how lame and relatively cheap temples are compared to major cathedrals and other architectural works of art, that have been created when money isn’t a concern. The church has unlimited money, and this is supposed to be Gods literal house, so hire some architects and make something that is actually awe inspiring, like so many old and modern cathedrals I’ve been in all over the world. I think the SLC temple fit this category when it was originally built in late 1800s, but we’ve basically not changed from that initial design and stuck with celestial rooms being small and furnished like a late 1800s English parlor.
Did you actually listen to Nemo in this video? Because that was his whole point. That the Temples were very, very opulent. Meaning no cost was spared in buying expensive materials in the building of the temples. I’m not certain what temple you’re talking about but I can assure you that is NOT what they look like.
@@mjs72660 The inside they may be; however, the New Temples seem all the same, square with a single spire in the middle. Even the "new" Provo Temple is the same cookie-cutter design. I remember working as a youth to donate to the Temple Fund for the Provo Temple.
@@mjs72660 yes I did and I agree they “spared no expense” in getting the nicest material, the point I’m adding on top of that is for all the money they throw at temples, they are still really lame buildings that are not inspiring to me. Have you been inside the Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona? Absolutely breathtaking and inspiring. Or Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco? The large open spaces and bright colors and angles of sunlight coming in really do draw a person to look up, and see the mix of light and dark and the beauty of it and be more present to appreciate the beautiful world and just how small we are. With the money the church has, and if they were really committed to spending money on buildings, they should at least hire an architecture firm to create something new and amazing instead of these strange blocky 1-4 story cookie cutter buildings that have “nice” material in them.
@@ruelynng59 exactly. These new temples are absolutely the strip mall equivalents of beautiful churches. Just designed to get people in and out as quickly as possible.
Back when I was still a member, one of the old-timers in Albuquerque told me about the construction of the fountain in front of the temple. Something in the electrical box had a faulty part that he was able to go into his work a get a better part to replace it. He instructed them on how to install it. I believe that he was just there to watch, he wasn't even working on it.
Would they use Utah companies so the local non Mormons don’t get a look inside?
Makes me sick to think of a temple in Suva Fiji- the people there are so poor.
Temples hold an open house before they are dedicated. So anyone from the public can go inside and see.
I’m disgusted!
You'll notice that these leaders themselves, don't sacrifice their own budgets, kids education, or homes to ever make such offerings... It shows that they are so above/elite, that others can do this humble work, yet exclude themselves... It makes me curious how their obsession with the "good name of the LDS church", is not born upon their own backs to bear. No, yet the"ll take full credit for these false graven images unto themselves! 😮
Jesus knows their kind well. Matthew 23:4 - "For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers."
They pay tithing like everyone else
@@briandavis6898 What sacrifice is tithing when they are getting comfort salaries and benefits better than 90% of members. They are not the ones making the real sacrifices. My dad was the only parent working growing up and he always paid his tithing even if his children’s health were suffering. My parents never took us to doctors or the dentist growing up and we all suffered for it. We are 20+ year old grain in those food storage buckets ground up mixed with water for over 3 years of my life with nothing else. Our family health deteriorated in those years because the lack of nutrients. I can’t even begin to name all the health problems that overcame me. I have gone over 8 days with absolutely no food. My Ward saw our health deteriorate and didn’t do a damn thing. Didn’t call CS or anything to help us out. I have cut contact from all those awful people. I pray to God everyday that others don’t have to suffer what me and my siblings suffered.
@@lukev483 they don't get a salary. They do get a living stipend of 120k a year to cover family expenses if they have to minister full time, but that is far less than any CEO or executive makes. In fact D Michael Quinn, who is no friend to the church did a deep dive into the church's finances and said it was incredible how little they got for what they do. Why you didn't get financial support from your ward is a mystery to me because it's common practice that you would have received help from your ward which makes me suspicious of your story
M not of the Mormon faith but i do respect many of their beliefs. God gave us his BEST in Jesus Christ. Should we not give him our best. I would think being in temples of this quality would help our faith and bring us closer to heavenly father.
Not all temples are opulent structures. The St Paul MInnesota Temple is tiny with a simple basic design. The few windows have prairie style stained glass and the chandelier(s) are modest. Recently an email went out to the members asking for skilled craftsmen to help in the renovation of the temple slated for next year. It seems like the Utah companies are struggling to keep up with demand with all the new temples being built.
So fucking messed up. It boggles my mind that they can make quotes about wealth like that and not see the hypocrisy.
Nemo, great piece. Why build with such luxe decor when so few people see the inside of a temple? Oh yeah, the Moroni, er light beacon on top, pictures & tours given before dedication are expressly there to keep alive the myth of "fastest growing religion" when its really richest church per capita. They are the mighty rich influential Utah controlling church that doesn't really respect our constitutional line between church & state. Why else hang onto the grifting origin story when Utah was led by Prophet Governor Brigham Young like JS led Nauvoo?? Someday the church may have to employ & pay people to clean, maintain & perform ordinances in temple because of insufficient membership. Barely enough members to do so now post pandemic. Tell the residents of Cody Wyoming why they must allow a 10 story homing beacon on a temple because they're too poor & insignificant to have an objection to a recruiting symbol. Don't they know LDS Church is richer than Christ?? Ye shall know them by their works.
I'm grateful to be able to go to the temples and help weave together the entirety of the human family one name at a time, through covenanting ceremonies offered to the living, and through living proxies to the dead. God is making this tapestry of the family of Adam, sealed/bound to God for all eternity, through temple covenants. Those who accept the laws which make these offered covenants valid will be sealed to God and this family forever, those who don't will receive less than they could have. Live the laws, then come receive your blessings and be sealed together in a very special place built for that purpose, under authority restored by holy angels, and so that the earth will have a body of work worthy to give to Christ when He returns, lest He destroy the whole world at his second coming.
The gathering to temples and the sealing of people together is the most important work in the world today. I'm thrilled that the Church has the means to build these everywhere there are faithful members. Temple work is ramping up enormously, these are not empty buildings. AI is enabling the inputs of bringing in the name records and it will only ramp up. Familysearch is recognized now as THE repository for safeguarding masses of population name/date records, as evidenced by the mountains of inbound records from around the world. Come be a part of this work to seal the world family together, or come BACK to the work, it's awesome.
Hahaha!!!!
@@citizen3902 Come on back, you're needed.
I FEEL your anger to my core….👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
brilliant video.
Hello Nemo, I couldn't agree with you more I think the LDS church spread to worry too much money on their temples. I am not an active member and haven't been for 6 years now. But even when I was active I felt the same way. This money collected could be put to so much better use.
Absolutely it could!
Considering all the money spent for the temples, one would expect them to age better. Some temples are not exactly timeless and have to be renovated often. And so much money is being wasted for questionable taste although the interiors are designed absolutely professionally and some have a beautiful designs too. It's a cold logic that only tithe payers get to see this. So only they can see where their money goes.
And only full tithe payers, but the rest of us are "unworthy".
I wonder how much money the leadership of the church has invested in the companies that do the work
The leadership of the Church, with rare exception, are independently wealthy and successful in their fields of endeavor before they are called into the service of the Lord. For example: the present President of the Church was a pioneer and world renowned heart surgeon before being called as a general authority.
Lah-ee-ay Temple. It's cool because it's art deco/arts and craft. Like Mess and Calgary. Doesn't make the church true but there are a handful of awesome examples of architecture with Mormon temples.
The Temple is a Blueprint of that which one may accomplish through obedience to the things of knowledge delivered therein, to say in part that knowledge divides between the acceptable things of God. Along with the responsibilities that are bound to it.
4:09 average price for carpet is $2.50 a square foot…. That’s a massive price to pay for carpet. Wow
Nemo, the Columbus Ohio Temple was not "remodeled"; it was razed to zero and rebuilt. I have been asking why the Temple only lasted about 20 years, and more importantly, who built it, and why weren't the builders held responsible.
My partner and I who are never-mo’s went through the Hamilton Temple when it was open to the public before re-dedication. It struck us as excessively grand and opulent with very high quality fittings.. Very fancy carpets and wallpapers.
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:19-21 & 3 Nephi 13
Wouldn't it be more sentimental if the temple was built with materials sourced from local distributors?
Yes! Same for catholic church. My father said many x that the church should sell its art to help the poor. A lot of that priceless art was pillaged anyway. My mother toured the La Jolla, CA temple before it was consecrated. She & her friends couldn't believe the Waterford crystal tables and massive Waterford chandeliers and the general over the top opulence, but again, the same is true for the many cathedrals we visited in Europe. Both churches are corrupt as are many others. I live in SLC, UT so I see LDS corruption too often. Utah is also the fraud capital, according to investigative journalist, Lynn Packer.
I enjoy your reporting, Nemo!
Temples have always been built at great cost and sacrifice. I'm not worried about what the Church does with my tithing. If mistakes are made so be it. If God wanted everything done to perfection he would come himself and do it. He allows us his children to learn and grow and become better. My only concern is to obey that commandment and become better thru this.
And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. -Luke 21:5-6
I can’t speak for chandlers or the like , but the carpet is loomed of high quality wool and the design is hand cut into it after it is laid. I knew a carpet layer that was skilled in hand cutting. Not common modern skill of many entry level carpet layers.
I have a good friend that does with all the carpeting in the temples and yes we need to get your membership up to 15 million members watching your show it all depends on you
YESSS!! I went to the Hamilton NZ temple opening thing that the public can go to after the refurbishment (parents still believing, me and siblings not publicly out of the church but no longer believe) and all I could think about was how unnecessarily opulent everything was. Before that walkthrough, I had only ever done baptisms for the dead with youth (that area is practically in the basement) and comparing what it was before, which was already a bit ridiculous, to now was a moment of "so that's where all my parents hard earned money is going" real kicker is that it's now even harder for them to go to the temple due to a booking system that was introduced with its reopening.
temples are the most important places on earth and they are nessisary for the return of Jesus Christ. We need temples ready for that day, Also the church does so much to help the poor and needy.
Refusing to be forth coming about finances that are fueled by the tithing of the masses is illegal. The fact members allow it says much about the nature of a patriarchy gone overboard. Having zero say or knowledge of the churches finances is not how churches are supposed to work.
Um, no it's not illegal. It's a donation done willingly, and the church is then free to spend it as it sees fit too.
I'm also not sure what any of this has to do with patriarchy. Female run organizations aren't always transparent with their finances either, so I don't understand the gendered assumptiom.
@@nicholassmith9783 as a life long Mormon you have no idea other churches by law don’t work that way. Your church …by law must give quarterly financial statements to the members. You just don’t ask for what every other church provides, and the law supports. Do you think tax free came with no strings attached? Churches have rules if they want to maintain that tax free status. That money isn’t holy. It is a war chest to power. Leave females alone. None have power in your patriarchy so you have no idea what they can do. Your whataboutism for criminal activity is classic gaslighting. Everyone isn’t breaking the law. But your church was caught red handed.
@cynthiashaw45 what law states that churches/tax-exempt organizations need to give quarterly reports to their members? I've never heard of such a law, at least in the USA. If there was such a law, then the church would do it.
You still haven't explained how it's a "males in power" only trait to "purposefully withhold information from its members about finances?" I disagree that the church does that in a malicious intent, but let's assume you're correct. Is it impossible for women, or women led organizations, to do such a thing? Are only men capable of doing that? I would say no because I believe women have the same capabilities as men for both good AND evil, but I'm aware that's not exactly a third wave feminist talking point nowadays, so maybe it's something you can't understand.
If all you can do is hide behind really bad accusations of gaslighting, I suggest you get some introspection and acknowledge your hatred towards men before you pull more feminists "the world would be a utopia if women ran it, down with the patriarchy" shenanigans.
@@nicholassmith9783 that is your deep dive. The ways and means of how your church does things like a patriarchal society is best studied by how it effects you. If having no say in how your church spends the collectives money is ok by you doesn’t change the fact that churches don’t operate that way and stay in operation in the rest of the church going world. They produce quarterly reports. I am not here to teach you. If you have common sense questions that is on you to find the answers. Sorry if the facts are uncomfortable for you. But your here poking around wondering why we left so good luck to you. It takes years to process why we willingly follow a priesthood of men. To shave the good parts from the manipulation. Can anything be saved? That is your deep dive. Been there, done that.
@cynthiashaw45 well, glad we dropped the gaslighting shenanigans. So the LDS isn't breaking the law, it's just doing something you don't like that you think should be illegal, and you use other churches as an example. Gotcha. Well, the LDS church isn't like other churches (thankfully), and how it spends its money is up to it. I'm actually quite happy with how it's been spending it, charity work, building temples so the work of salvation may continue, and then a very large, secure rainy day fund. Much like how Joseph in Egypt was able to prepare for the famine. I'm all for that.
Thanks for the luck. The deep diving I've done has simply pointed to the truthfulness of the LDS church. While it is indeed currently managed by imperfect men, they are much better men than the majority of other men and women in the world. Christ is truly the foundation and head of the church. I can only wish you luck as you wander through the miasma of the world's doctrines and philosophies, but I've found the truth and am quote joyful in it.
I think the Church oftentimes really misses the point Jesus was trying to make - keep it simple.
Absolutely!
The San Diego Temple opened 30 years ago using only the finest materials and craftsmanship. It will be closing indefinitely this month for "significant renovations" My car is older than that.
I was told by a West Valley official that the church just paid for the rent of an entire apartment building for the poor who would have been evicted. The Church does considerable work for the poor. And our chapels are modest. The Temples are the Crown Jewels of the restoration. They help point our minds to heaven, and the craftsmanship are exceptional.
For how long does the church pay for the rent? Just curious.
@unpredictable913 sufficient enough time to help them get back on their feet to where they can pay their own rent. Unlike many other social programs, the church's is designed to get people to become self sufficient instead of living off of welfare indefinitely. It's also quite efficient at it, more people are helped and are better helped with less money than what other institutions do.
They absolutely subsidized the huge apartment complex in my neighborhood with fast offerings. People need to dial back the hate on the church.
The church has billions of dollars. It is hard for human beings to wrap our heads around how much money that is. I want the Church to pay rent for hundreds of thousands of people, not just hundreds or thousands.
Any idea how the church spends annually on temples vs humanitarian aid?
There are 50 temples being built at 7->30 mil each.
The Church spent almost 1 billion dollars on charity projects not connected to the Church last year.
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three;
but the greatest of these is charity ... and
.
The Saints are the most charitable people on earth.
need proof ...
Here ya go:
.
Google:
Which Christian denominations donate the most to charity in the US
(Scroll down until you see)
People who ask:
Q: Which religion donates the most to charity in U.S.?
A: Mormons
Religion and generosity feed each other in fascinating ways ... In addition to giving larger amounts,
the religious give more often-
[non-attenders] making gifts about half again as frequently.
These giving levels vary by particular faith.
Mormons are the most generous Americans,
both by participation level
and by size of gifts.
And Americans are the most charitable in all the world.
https colon // www dot philanthropyroundtable dot org / magazine / less-god-less-giving /
.
But Ezra Taft Benson preached against being that person who was needing help, demonizing those who ask for it. By doing so, making it so members feel negative about helping
I had to chuckle a bit at the mold issue. Same exact issue with garments in swampy Florida. These issues could be addressed if there were a feedback mechanism.
I’m less troubled by the thorny question of how much is too much than the wasted money from rework because the Utah expertise of some privileged insider didn’t translate to another climate.
Since the church is selling exaltation they need to give people their money's worth, what I don't understand is celestial beings don't use money😅
The last temple I went to was American Fork. It's a nice design and the stained glass in the celestial room is pleasing. However, on close inspection, the workmanship is not the best.
Years ago, the Church museum had an original chair from the Salt Lake Temple. The craftsmanship was impeccable.
@Nemo the Mormon what happen to the short video you of having a conversation with Joseph Smith where your friend mouths the word under the Photo of JS have you taken it down?
I do flooring for a living the last 16 years and that is holy hell expensive. Especially flying someone out to do it is beyond expensive. That is just the carpet and not installation, with installation and the travel, yikes. I could do that once a year and not have to work for fhe whole year.
I think the scriptural support a TBM would point to is 1 Kings 5-8, which describes the construction of Solomon's temple. Still opulent and over the top, but it plays to the "only the best for God's house" line.
The bit that frustrates me is the non-local labor used for even the most routine construction tasks, like laying carpet. I've heard the apologetic that building a temple creates jobs in the local economy. But if all the construction labor is from Utah, and all the temple workers are volunteers, what exactly is a temple contributing to the local community, beyond increased power consumption and light pollution?
Excellent ! Thanks for that 🙏
If only prophets seers and revelators could have seen this. 👀
Actually I am glad that my tithing is being used for construction. The precedent stems from the Old Testament where the finest was used that was available at that time.
Interesting, even though I rarely agree with your conclusions.
Apparently someone doesn't understand the scriptures or antiquity, otherwise Nemo would understand that the "no expenses spared" example comes from:
David preparing to build the temple by spending a large chunk of his reign gathering only the finest materials.
Solomon bulding said temple, and adding more wealth to what his father already collected.
Zerubbabel temple was more modest, but made with the best that the Jews could muster.
The Maccabees refurbished it to the best of their abilites once they retook Jerusalem from the Ptolemics.
Herod went to great lengths to rebuild the temple, with no expenses spared.
The Savior Himself never once spoke against the edifice or "opulence" of the temple, rather it was the behavior, treatment, and view of the temple as something not holy that infuriated Him.
So your passive-aggresive complaint against the church over it's construction choices of temples has no scriptual nor antiquity bases to fall on. In fact, with some of the points brought up about longevity and local environ issues, it seems MORE needs to be spent to prevent such issues from happening!
I asked the question, “what is the scriptural justification for such opulence”, and you’ve shared an answer, cheers for that!
@NEMOTHEMORMON I have a question for you then. While you offer criticism for the price and quality of materials, there was no alternative given. My question is: What price should be spent on creating temples for the Lord? What quality of material would you want to be seen in these buildings? In fact, we could use the examples of the earlier temples built (Kirtland, Nauvoo, etc.) where everyone had to contribute not just with money but material as well. If a temple was being built, and everyone needed to donate time and resources to build it, what would you find appropriate to give in building the temple?
@nemothemormon Any thought?
If I am being honest, as someone uneducated about temple spending, I expected you to make the case that the church was being CHEAP about temple building costs. I was worried for a second there.
Also, your description seems to fall right in line with the description of biblical temple costs. Do you think it was cheap for Saul to import lumber from Lebanon, or for Moses to acquire gold in the desert?
And, in all of these scriptures you mention, they are talking to the rich about their houses and their meetinghouses. Contrarily, temples (and not meetinghouses) are supposed to be the house of the Lord, and deserve the very best of our workmanship. If that means that the Church sticks with the businesses it is most familiar with or trusts most, or that we spend a little (or even a lot) more money on it, that shouldn't be a problem for someone coming from a perspective faithful to the Church. But either way, faithful members of the church pay their tithing not necessarily because they like where it is being spent, but because they are commanded to by the Lord.
The Hamilton NZ refurb oct 2022. Open house the guides would brag about the expensive hand carved carpets, marble from Palestine every where and huge chandeliers.
All smacks of American excess. Kiwis are more humble in their approach. A little like Jesus.
I found the whole thing offensive when we have families in the neighbourhood living in cars because of the terrible housing shortage.
So I went back one last time and put the homeless on the prayer roll and give my tithing directly to the needy
You should also talk about how much the Church spends on humanitarian help with the report on last year being $1Billion spent, and with approx 17 million members… can you name any other Christian group that can provide that kind of help for the same membership ratio?
I have talked about it, and how almost 80% of that figure is internal church welfare!
Tearing out the walls to the studs due to mold isn’t necessarily a reflection of poor initial build quality. It’s a reflection of the Church’s astonishing arrogance and ignorance about how to maintain buildings in humid climates. You have to keep the A/C going and low enough or the humidity will destroy the building. The leadership in Utah can’t conceive of humidity, so they ignore its effects. They also resent locals wanting to have the A/C going at church. I’m from the South US and Church HQ is constantly trying to assert/reassert control over the local congregations’ use of air conditioning. They view it only as a cost thing, and seem to think the members are being selfish and abusing the Lord’s resources by wanting the building to be comfortable (and protected). They refuse to see that “hot” in Utah is an entirely different thing than “hot” in a literal swamp. But worse, they don’t appreciate that a building in the South needs air conditioning to keep mildew and mold from taking it over. We had an entire building have to be redone because of mold, and it was entirely preventable with basic air conditioning, but the Church scoffed at the locals for insisting on keeping the air conditioning on. Now, when I go to my old ward in the spring/summer, everyone’s sweating because the A/C is now controlled remotely by a system in SLC. They literally took control from the locals because whatever works in Utah is supposed to work everywhere. So, not only are church buildings not necessarily even made well, their maintenance and upkeep is run by comically stupid ignoramuses.
Didn't Hinckley announce super-small, multi-purpose tenples? I thought one was built in Eastern Utah and then either abandoned or rebuilt.
Yes he did. I used to call them 'Drive-thru' temples. Perform satanic necromancy in a much more convenient way.😂
To: @@mikeb.7381 .......... You are correct when you say that our bodies die ~ but Latter-day Saints believe that our spirits go to the "spirit world" to await the resurrection. So ... what about you ... What faith tradition do you follow ... or ... Are you an agnostic, atheist ?
It appears the best temples go to wealthier countries in stakes with a high number of active membership and tithe payers. Hence Utah, California, and Arizona having many temples announced. In Canada the majority of new temples are mini temples.
Wat do you think about youth and that like I'm going to fsy tomorrow so yea
A friend said to me the other day “nothing is too good for the Lord. Remember the admonition to the people regarding the first temple in Kirtland. If it wasn’t the best the Lord would not accept it.”