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Some opinions"A cult is a religion that is said to be unorthodox or that emphasizes devotion according to prescribed ritual. Many cults follow a living human leader, and often their adherents live in groups apart from the rest of society. The standard for what is orthodox should be God's Word".

so they fit the description of a cult.

1. they have the "ritual" of every member having to give a tenth of their wage to the church.

2.they follow a human leader "Joseph Smith"

3.what they teach is "unorthodox" because it conflicts with God's word.

OpinionTithing is not a ritual and we don't have to give a tenth of our income. We give it because we want to and if we don't pay we won't get kicked out or anything like it.

Pretty much every religion has a human leader e.g. the Catholics have the pope. Our human leader is not Joseph Smith but is called Gordon B. Hinkley. Joseph Smith was the person who restored the Church of Jesus Christ to earth.

How can we we teach things that conflict with God's word if we use the Bible as well as other scripture. We use the King James version of the Bible.

If you classify a cult simply by these 3 points then every religion is a cult.

The reason why people consider us to be a cult is because they don't like what we teach and how we are and want to make us bad. If you want go and visit your local Mormon church and you will see that it is not a cult. * I'm not Mormon or LDS whatever you would like to call them, but yes I do live in Utah where I'd say 85% of the people that live here are Mormon. It's a ritual to give 10% of your wages to your church what about other Christian religions (yes Mormonism is a form of Christianity) that pass a plate around for donations, they even do it in the Catholic church, it's the same thing.

* When my Mormon friend followed the present Mormon Doctrine Tithing and stopped paying it, his Temple recommend was suspended. Temple recommend is needed to enter their Temple.

Tithing is part of the commandments for Mormons. You can choose whether or not to do it, just as you can choose whether or not to follow any other commandments. The temple is a sacred place, and only people who are following the commandments should enter. That's why his recommend was suspended.

Now back to cult;cult : A delusion held by one person is a mental illness, held by a few is a cult, held by many is a religion. --(source unknown to me) The term 'cult' expresses disparagement and is usually used to refer to unconventional religious groups. Because Mormons believe in Tritheism and the mainstream Christianity believes in Trinitarianism. Of course bad-mouthing of beliefs different than yours is a common character flaw since time immemorial..

OpinionThe subject being discussed here is not "bad-mouthing of beliefs." It is why Mormonism is considered cult-like. The reasons are that Christians believe that certain doctrines are the "orthodox" beliefs, that they are what makes a church Christian or not. Having the name Jesus Christ in the title of one's church does not make it Christian. Using the KJV of the Bible doesn't even make a church Christian. Many cults use the Bible. The teachings that make a church Christian are: The deity of Christ, that Jesus is the SAME God as God the Father. The Trinity The existence of only ONE true God. The teaching that we can become gods is a teaching of the Mormon church but it is not accepted as orthodox doctrine, nor is it taught in the Bible. God Himself said He does not know of any other God: Isaiah 44:8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. If God Himself does not know of any other god, then how can we become gods? Salvation by grace, through faith, completely apart from any works we may do. The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, and "that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8 and 9. The Mormon church twists the Word of God, teaching that one will be saved by God "after all we can do." This is not a biblical doctrine, and is one more reason that the Mormon church is considered to be cult-like. Mormonism does not agree with the Bible on these points and is therefore considered to be a cult by orthodox Christians. By the word "orthodox" I am not referring to the Eastern Orthodox or Greek Orthodox church, but to the word orthodox meaning accepted as being the standard beliefs of the Christian church. Opinion Well Mormonism is considered cult like cause by definition. However so is every other organized religion on the planet they were all started by one or more people. > Tithing well lets see you are required to give 10% of you hard earnd money other wise you can not acheive eternal salvation and you can not go into the Mormon temple without being a full tith payer. > The temple for Mormons. "The temple is a sacred place, and only people who are following the commandments should enter. That's why his recommend was suspended." I am sorry to say my friend the temple my be a sacred thing to some but not to others I was a former Mormon did you know that in the temple you get a new name that if you were to tell any one you were told you should disembowel yourself and that when you were married and seald to your husband you were permitted to give him your new name but your husband was not allowed to tell you his > The colection plate that is passed around, hummm lets see you are not threatened with eternal damnation for not adding to the collection plate your not called into an officiants office to have tithing settlement for not paying to the collection plate > As for Joseph Smith, He was a polygamist it has been proven I live with a decendant of old Joe and not Emma. Joseph Smith had 36 wives he also was a really good con man he created a bank and then ran off with the peopls money who depositd it into that bank. There is proof of that too but enough about old Joe who said that having more than one wife was bad but seceretly had many him self as well as married several others off the other men in the church at that time. Proven also. > There is a lot more to this but for so many people who follow the docterinc of the Mormon church they sure don't do research on the founders of the church MUCH like a CULT would you not agree > a cult Defined as : In traditional usage, the cult of a religion, quite apart from its sacred writings ("scriptures"), its theology or myths, or the personal faith of its believers, is the totality of external religious practice and observance, the neglect of which is the definition of impiety. Cult is literally the "care" owed to the god and the shrine. The term "cult" first appeared in English in 1617, derived from the French culte, meaning "worship" or "a particular form of worship" which in turn originated from the Latin word cultus meaning "care, cultivation, worship," originally "tended, cultivated," also the past participle of colere "to till". Thus in French, for example, sections in newspapers giving the schedule of worship at Catholic churches are headed Culte Catholique; the section giving the schedule of protestant churches is headed culte réformé. By extension, "cult" has come to connote the total cultural aspects of a religion, as they are distinguished from others through change and individualization. Well-known global cults include Islam and Christianity. The meaning "devotion to a person or thing" is from 1829, and from that connotation comes the modern meaning of "cult" as in a "cultist" or a "cult following". Cult and cultist have recently accrued negative connotations that are separately dealt with at the entry cult. In Roman Catholicism, cultus or cult is the technical term for the following and devotion or veneration extended to a particular saint. Some Christians make refined distinctions between worship and veneration, both of which are outwardly expressed in cultus or cult. Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy distinguish between worship (Latin adoratio, Greek latreia [λατρεια]) which is due to God alone, and veneration (Latin veneratio, Greek doulia [δουλεια]), which may be lawfully offered to the saints. These distinctions between deity and mediators are exhaustively treated at the entries for worship and veneration. Among the observances in the cult of a deity are rituals and ceremonies, which may involve spoken or sung prayers or hymns, and often sacrifice, or substitutes for sacrifice. Other manifestations of the cult of a deity are the preservation of relics or the creation of images, such as icons (usually connoting a flat painted image) or three-dimensional cultic images, denigrated as "idols", and the specification of sacred places, hilltops and mountains, fissures and caves, springs, pools and groves, or even individual trees or stones, which may be the seat of an oracle or the venerated site of a vision, apparition, miracle or other occurrence commemorated or recreated in cult practices. Sacred places may be identified and elaborated by construction of shrines and temples, on which are centered public attention at religious festivals (called "feasts" in some Christian communities) and which may become the center for pilgrimages. The comparative study of cult practice is part of the disciplines of the anthropology of religion and the sociology of religion, two aspects of comparative religion. In the context of many religious organisations themselves, the study of cultic or liturgical practises is called liturgiology. Opinion from fact: The only obvious information contained here is "How to debate religion and its meaning" Further, the information issued here is not from Mormons/LDS members and can not be taken to heart because they are the biased and cynical ranting of those who believe that "Christians" are the only true religion. Mormonism isn't a cult by definition. It is a recognized and accepted form of religion practiced in the world today. Arrogance through ignorance would have one to believe that because Joseph Smith brought the word of God forth in the manner and time that he did, It certainly couldn't be true. The same could be said for the Pope, the countless Evangelists and even the home town preacher, all of whom believe their versions of the "truth" are tantamount to all. Mormons DO NOT believe they will become "God Like" nor do they believe that they will become God. They do believe that they will become creatures of the heavens, angels if you will. But….The Christians WOULD have their followers believe they are God Like, hence the name "Christians" or Christ-Like, as in "The deity of Christ, that Jesus is the SAME God as God the Father" This completely exacerbates their idea of the Trinity. The loose use of the term "orthodox" does not apply to Christian religions. Orthodox is reserved for the original religions from which the Christian religions is based on. Also, having "Orthodox" in the name of a religion doesn't make it so either. Baptists have been around for only 400 years. I know this seems like a long time, but in the spirit of the "God Makers" this would qualify Baptists as a cult as well, further facilitated by the preachers of the 18th and early 19th centuries leading their "flocks" into underground caves and causing them to parish from cave-ins and starvation, all in the name of the Lord. I offer, speak what you know through investigation and through the members of a faith, not from your local bible thumper. He wants you by his side, even in the caves, in the dark so you can't see the truth! OpinionMormonism is considered cult-like because it bears the characteristics of a cult in a factual sense. No amount of insults by Mormons will change that fact. (For the record, I am not a member of any particular church)

Christians who know their Bible know that the Mormons do not follow Bible doctrines. It is frankly dishonest to use Bible terminology and invest it with a different meaning and then pretend that one is a Christian.

It must also be said that I am here dealing with facts. I bear the Mormons no personal animosity as I have always found them to be friendly and personable, whether a missionary or an ordinary church member, or a high official of the church. The often repeated idea that those who regard Mormons to be cult-like have some kind of grudge against Mormons must be laid to rest. It's just a fact. What they teach is not what the Bible teaches and what Christians have always believed and the Christian church has always taught from its inception. Slight Edit: In regards to the second paragraph of the above opinion, it should be noted that Mormons do actually follow Biblical Doctrine. Latter Day Saints find that mainstream Christianity does not follow Biblical Doctrine, abandoning the majority of the Old Testament (save it be Proverbs and Psalms) and changing commandments found in the New Testament, such as tithing, necessity of baptism, and the essential structure of Christ's church.

Many Mormon Doctrines can actually be found in the Ancient Christian church. For example, the Orthodox Christian Trinity is not a Biblical doctrine, it was actually accepted by the Nicene Creed of 325 in which Constantine (a non christian) decided the relationship between God, Christ, and the Holy Ghost.

AnswerA cult is, as stated originally, is a belief system that emphasizes devotion according to prescribed ritual. Many cults follow a living human leader, and often their adherents live in groups apart from the rest of society. All religions began as cults: Christianity following Christ, Buddhism following Buddha, Islam following Muhammad. Once those leaders died, it no longer was considered a cult, if it survived. It then became a Religious Sect. This then evolved into an Established Sect, then into a Denomination, then into a Universal Church. Mormonism actually fits between the definition of a denomination and an established sect.
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8y ago
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12y ago

The image people get in their minds when they hear the word "cult" is of a secretive evil group. The definition of the word "cult" is a group that worships a person or being. So by this definition, all religions are cults. The Mormon religion worships God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Much of the reasoning the LDS Church (Mormon Church) has been labeled as such by certain groups and individuals is due to the fact that they believe in modern day revelation.

There is idolatry of their founder Joseph smith, a revered inner circle "the brethren", secrecy of management , financial evasiveness, dependency on temple endowments for salvation, special language, dogmatic doctrine, heresy , and god incapacity as they feel they are the only true church. These are the 10 criteria fora cult.

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NO, the Mormon religion is not a Cult. Is the Catholic religion a cult? What about the Muslims, and the Buddists? It is just another religion that has its own beliefs that were influences by prophecies. Read the Book of Mormon. That is the only way to truly know that it is not a cult. =)

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That depends on one's definition of cult. There are a number of Christian groups that define a cult as any religion that claims to follow Christ but denies the central doctrines of the traditional Christian faith as taught in the 66 books of The Bible. The LDS and a number of other religions that believe themselves Christian fit that definition.

See Apologetics Index: Cult Faq

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Calling "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (LDS) a cult amounts to nothing more than name calling. The calling of the LDS church a cult was initiated by Walter Martin in the 1970s. The deceptive tactics of this man have been documented by the Browns in their book, "They Lie in Wait to Deceive." The entire book is on line and can be downloaded for free at the link below. The Browns' book includes all the original letters with notary seals and signatures to substantiate the claims. This same man wrote the definition of a cult that he applies to the LDS and other churches to classify them as cults, but the same criteria may be used to classify any church as a cult. If another church redefines the word cult and then uses their definition to classify the LDS church in this manner it is an attempt to discredit LDS as a legitimate Christian faith. Of course the LDS church doctrine is different from other churches - if not, why even have a different Christian church.

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I'm not Mormon, but in my opinion the Mormon church- the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is NOT a cult. There are however factions and groups that have BROKEN AWAY from LDS that while THEY do consider themselves Mormons they do not belong to LDS for instance groups like FLDS that are cult like.

Technical answerA cult, in the proper sense of the word, is a group that adheres to the teachings of a single individual (who is usually considered to have had some divine revelation). Most major religions began as cults (including Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, and Buddhism, as well as the Latter Day Saints) and grew into full-fledged faiths. In this day and age, LDS is no more and no less a cult than any other major sect of the Christian faith.
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Mormons are considered by orthodox Christians to be a "cult" because their beliefs and scriptures go beyond what is accepted by orthodoxy. The term "cult" is highly subjective. Cults can usually be identified by the skewed translation or use of scripture and usually begin with a charismatic leader who claims that all the other denominations of Christianity are wrong, and that only he is right, and backs this up with 'new' scripture, either in the form of a new, 'better' interpretation of the Bible (usually skewed and badly translated to back up the cult ideas) or by introducing completely new writings to back up the cult ideas. Therefore both the Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses can be classed a cults as each use a skewed form of Bible(though the Mormon's Bible is pretty much the same as the bible that most Christians use), each was started by a charismatic leader, each believes that all other Christian denominations are wrong(Mormonisms doesn't consider them wrong they consider all the other religions having a piece of the truth but their doctrine is complete and they have the authority from God), (the Jehovah's Witnesses regarding them as the work of Satan) and each using their own scripture to back up claims (such as the new World Translation of the Bible, and the Book of Mormon which is used in conjunction with the Bible in Mormonism).

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That depends on ones definition of cult. There are a number of Christian groups that define a cult as any religion that claims to follow Christ but denies the central doctrines of the traditional Christian faith as taught in the 66 books of the Bible. The LDS and a number of other religions that believe themselves Christian fit that definition.

Another answer

Calling "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (LDS) a cult amounts to nothing more than name calling. The calling of the LDS church a cult was initiated by Walter Martin in the 1970s. The deceptive tactics of this man have been documented by the Browns in their book, "They Lie in Wait to Deceive." The Browns' book includes all the original letters with notary seals and signatures to substantiate the claims. This same man wrote the definition of a cult that he applies to the LDS and other churches to classify them as cults, but the same criteria may be used to classify any church as a cult. If another church redefines the word cult and then uses their definition to classify the LDS church in this manner it is an attempt to discredit LDS as a legitimate Christian faith. Of course the LDS church doctrine is different from other churches - if not, why even have a different Christian church?

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A cult is a delusion held by one person is a mental illness, held by a few is a cult, held by many is a religion. (source unknown to me) The term 'cult' expresses disparagement and is usually used to refer to unconventional religious groups. Because Mormons believe in Tritheism and the mainstream Christianity believes in Trinitarianism.

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The reasons are that Christians believe that certain doctrines are the "orthodox" beliefs, that they are what make a church Christian or not. Having the name Jesus Christ in the title of ones church does not make it Christian. Using the KJV of the Bible doesn't even make a church Christian. Many cults use the Bible. The teachings that make a church Christian are: The deity of Christ, that Jesus is the same God as God the Father. The Trinity, the existence of only one true God. The teaching that we can become gods is a teaching of the Mormon Church but it is not accepted as orthodox doctrine, nor is it taught in the Bible. God Himself said He does not know of any other God: Isaiah 44:8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? Yea, are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? Yea, there is no God; I know not any. If God himself does not know of any other god, then how can we become gods? Salvation by grace, through faith, completely apart from any works we may do. The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, and "that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8 and 9.

Another answer

Mormons (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) are considered by many conventional Christians to be a "cult" because their beliefs and scriptures go beyond what is accepted by them. The word "cult" technically refers to 'a particular system of worship' or 'any group bound together by veneration or worship of the same person, thing, or ideal.' By the definition, every religion is a cult. Most people use the term 'cult' in a negative way however, intending it to refer to a false extremist group. Those who believe that Mormonism is a cult have many reasons. Some of these are legitimate reasons and others are based on false facts.

Some cite the fact that Mormons use additional scripture (such as the Book of Mormon and Doctrine & Covenants) along with the Bible and can't accept that a Christian person could do so. Others claim that Mormonism is a cult because they believe in modern-day prophets. Still more consider Mormonism a cult because they don't think that Christians should practice the rituals, doctrines, and traditions that Mormons hold sacred. These might include Baptism, paying Tithes, Temple worship, and adhering to a health code.

Others call Mormons a cult without really knowing anything about the Church, and base their opinion on lies. Their reasons are commonly that Mormons don't believe in Jesus, or that they believe in a 'different' Jesus or in a 'different' Bible. Some call Mormons a cult because they believe that they worship Joseph Smith. Some believe that Mormons live on closed compounds, dress identically, don't use electricity, etc, people should go find out for themselves instead of listening to people who don't know the truth.

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One view of why Mormonism is considered a cult is probably because of the devotion most Mormons commit to their religion, unlike a lot of members of a lot of other Christian religions, Mormons follow church doctrine faithfully and because of which are seen as weird by contemporary society. As well as Mormons views on music, dress/appearance, television/internet content (most specifically anti-pornography).

Also, a lot of the Mormon religion is very secretive (As in off access to public) due to its sacred nature. Such as Mormon temples where sacred ordinances are performed such as sealing (marriages), endowments, baptisms for the dead, sealing's for the dead, endowments for the dead.

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These ordinances are seen by the general public as ritualistic and cult like, it is seen as everyone is brainwashed and all outside forms of media is restricted, which is not true at all.

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The "Mormon" Church is sometimes considered a cult for a few reasons which include; vague, overly simplified definitions of cult, anger, hatred, confusion, misinformation, personal bias, differing religious beliefs, and stubborn closed-mindedness.

Stating that the LDS or "Mormon" Church is a cult is based solely on opinion as definitions for "cult," "orthodox," "Christian," and "God's word" tend to vary. If one chooses to define complex concepts, such as these, simply and (if I do say so myself) sometimes downright insipidly, one is prone to get something wrong.

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Tithing is not a ritual and we don't have to give a tenth of our income. We give it because we want to and if we don't pay we won't get kicked out or anything like it. Pretty much every religion has a human leader e.g. the Catholics have the pope. Our human leader is not Joseph Smith but a man named Thomas S. Monson our living prophet today. Joseph Smith was the person who restored the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth.

How can we teach things that conflict with God's word if we use the Bible as well as other scripture? We use the King James Version of the Bible.

If you classify a cult simply by these 3 points then every religion is a cult. The reason why people consider us to be a cult is because they don't like what we teach and how we are and want to make us feel bad. If you want to, go and visit your local Mormon church and you will see that it is not a cult.

The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is not a cult. They are followers of Christ. Try reading The Book of Mormon and visiting a local church to know for yourself. It's okay to say I do not know. I have never been to this church before. Labeling people before you understand them is always wrong.

Another answer

The subject being discussed here is not "bad-mouthing of beliefs." It is why Mormonism is considered cult-like. The reasons are that Christians believe that certain doctrines are the "orthodox" beliefs, that they are what make a church Christian or not. Having the name Jesus Christ in the title of one's church does not make it Christian. Using the KJV of the Bible doesn't even make a church Christian. Many cults use the Bible. The teachings that make a church Christian are:

The deity of Christ, that Jesus is the SAME God as God the Father.

The Trinity. The existence of only ONE true God. The teaching that we can become gods is a teaching of the Mormon Church but it is not accepted as orthodox doctrine, nor is it taught in the Bible. God Himself said he does not know of any other God: Isaiah 44:8 Fear ye not, neither are afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? Ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? Yea, there is no God; I know not any. If, God himself does not know of any other god, then how can we become gods?

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Salvation by grace, through faith, completely apart from any works we may do. The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, and "that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8 and 9. The Mormon church twists the Word of God, teaching that one will be saved by God "after all we can do." This is not a biblical doctrine, and is one more reason that the Mormon church is considered to be cult-like.

Mormonism does not agree with the Bible on these points and is therefore considered to be a cult by orthodox Christians. By the word "orthodox" I am not referring to the Eastern Orthodox or Greek Orthodox Church, but to the word orthodox meaning accepted as being the standard beliefs of the Christian church.

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The only obvious information contained here is "How to debate religion and its meaning" Further, the information issued here is not from Mormons/LDS members and can not be taken to heart because they are the biased and cynical ranting of those who believe that "Christians" are the only true religion. Mormonism isn't a cult by definition. It is a recognized and accepted form of religion practiced in the world today. Arrogance through ignorance would have one to believe that because Joseph Smith brought the word of God forth in the manner and time that he did, It certainly couldn't be true. The same could be said for the Pope, the countless Evangelists and even the home town preacher, all of whom believe their versions of the "truth" are tantamount to all. Mormons DO NOT believe they will become "God Like" nor do they believe that they will become God. They do believe that they will become creatures of the heavens, angels if you will. But....The Christians WOULD have their followers believe they are God Like, hence the name "Christians" or Christ-Like, as in "The deity of Christ, that Jesus is the SAME God as God the Father" This completely exacerbates their idea of the Trinity. The loose use of the term "orthodox" does not apply to Christian religions. Orthodox is reserved for the original religions from which the Christian religions is based on. Also, having "Orthodox" in the name of a religion doesn't make it so either. Baptists have been around for only 400 years. I know this seems like a long time, but in the spirit of the "God Makers" this would qualify Baptists as a cult as well, further facilitated by the preachers of the 18th and early 19th centuries leading their "flocks" into underground caves and causing them to parish from cave-ins and starvation, all in the name of the Lord.

I offer, speak what you know through investigation and through the members of a faith, not from your local bible thumper. He wants you by his side, even in the caves, in the dark so you can't see the truth!

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10y ago

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or "Mormons") considers itself to be a Christian religion. The church believes itself to be a restoration of the church established by the Savior anciently, including the full power and authority of the holy priesthood and the restoration of all the rites and ordinances required for salvation. It has been called one of the fastest growing religions in the United States, and has one of the most highly organized missionary efforts of any religion.

That said, there have been, and probably always will be, those who consider the church to be a "cult." Their primary argument appears to be that because the church follows a "living prophet," and many of its beliefs vary from those of "traditional" Christianity, the church itself must be an anomaly. It is unlikely that those who believe this way will ever be swayed from their argument simply because the church teaches otherwise.

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11y ago

A cult is defined as "A system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object." I would say that every religion fits in this definition.

However, the popular definition of a cult is a group that is considered unusual and secretive. The word 'cult' conjures up images of guarded compounds, brainwashed people who are all alike, and small fanatical groups totally devoted to a charismatic living leader. This is not what Mormonism is like at all.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) is hardly a small group - there are over 14 million baptized Mormons worldwide. Mormons live in regular homes in regular neighborhoods and move when and where they please. There is no such thing as a "Mormon compound" or a "Mormon neighborhood". Mormons come from all walks of life and are very different individuals. Yes they all try to follow the example of Jesus Christ - but their dress, lifestyle, family, traditions, occupations, and interests are all very different. Mormons do not want to be secretive - all Mormons are excited to share their faith with others. There are about 60,000 missionaries going door to door around the globe at any given time whose purpose is to teach anyone who will listen and to answer any questions that people may have. They also have very extensive internet resources to explain their faith to others. In addition, while Mormons have living leaders like most religions, the focus of their faith and devotion is Jesus Christ.

So, no, I do not consider Mormonism to be a cult in the popular usage of the word. They are not similar to any of the cults we have seen in recent history like the Branch Davidians or the People's Temple.

You can and should form your own opinion. Check out the "Related Links" below to go to the official websites of the Mormon church. Here you can learn what Mormons believe, see what Mormons are like, and even meet some online or in person.

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10y ago

Mormons are often regarded as a 'cult' because they are outside of mainline Protestant Christianity (a claim that both parties agree with), however they are not a cult according to the popular definition - which is a small, secretive, insular religious group generally separated from society. There are over 15 million Mormons, they are eager to share their faith and beliefs with anyone who will listen, and they live and work in mainstream society.

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12y ago

"Mormons" are not a cult; they are a branch of Christianity and are properly refered to as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

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12y ago

It isn't considered a cult.

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Q: Why are Mormons regarded as a cult?
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Are Mormons considered a cult?

No, they aren't.


What did rick perry say about Mormons?

When Rick Perry was asked if he agrees with his supporter Pastor Robert Jefress' opinion that Mormonism is a cult, Rick Perry responded by simply saying "No." He has not layed out his specific thoughts and opinions about Mormons, so about all we know is that he does not consider Mormonism to be a cult.


Is Pat Robertson still condemning Mormons as a cult?

Probably, Under the banner of Heaven is a book about the origin of Mormonism.


Is mormomism a cult?

The technical definition of a cult is "A system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object." By this definition, nearly every religion is a cult. The common definition of a cult, however, refers to a small group typically regarded as having strange beliefs who live secretly on compounds away from normal society. Mormonism is not a cult by the common definition. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the 'Mormon' church) has over 14 million members worldwide. They live in regular neighborhoods, have regular jobs, attend regular schools, wear regular clothes, and participate in regular society. They are active in their local governments and communities, embrace modern technology, and freely share their beliefs with all who will listen. They are Restorationist Christians who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Check out the "Related Links" to learn more about Mormons, who they are, and what they believe, as well as see other Mormons answers to this question.


Is Mormonism a dangerous cult or just a sick religion?

Neither. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is no more a cult than any other religion. It is not typically regarded as 'mainstream', but there is nothing about the conduct of the Church or it's members that is cause to say it is a cult or 'sick'.


How is smith regarded by Mormons?

Joseph Smith? Joseph Smith, Jr. is considered a prophet by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church). He is regarded just as Moses, Abraham, Isaiah, and other Biblical prophets are. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ restored the truth and authority of the original New Testament Christian Church to Joseph Smith.


The awareness towards cult and occult?

A real "cult" has a charismatic leader (e.g., Jim Jones) who exerts mind control over his adherents. Unfortunately, some rabid "Christians" try to apply the term to denominations with whom they disagree. If you would like to understand, for example, why some Evangelical pastors call Mormons a "cult", read the following: http://MormonsAreChristian.blogspot.com


Is the evangelical presbyterian church a cult?

No, the Evangelical Presbyterian church is not a cult. A cult usually is defined as having a single, living leader with a strong, magnetic personality and absolute authority over his (nearly always a man) followers. The Evangelical Presbyterian church is a fairly typical Protestant church of the Reformed Tradition with emphasis on personal salvation through a born-again experience. Just as significantly, Evangelical Presbyterians reject what they view as the "liberal" elements in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) such as ecumenism and tolerance of diverse theological opinions.


What are the difference between mainstream religions and cults?

Great question. Here is the definition of "cult" from the Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary--1: formal religious veneration : worship2:a system of religious beliefs and ritual ; also : its body of adherents3: a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious ; also : its body of adherentsSo any religion can be considered a cult but in popular usage, "cult" has definition #3 above. Then it gets very subjective. For example, Christianity is the largest religion in the world but when it started, the religious establishment considered it "unorthodox or spurious". Debates rage over whether certain religions such as the Scientologists or the Mormons are a "cult" or a "mainstream religion". Some religions would consider any religion that is not itself a "cult".So there is no "official" division between "cult" and "mainstream religion"--this is an entirely subjective opinion.Certain "mainstream religions" are in my own personal opinion quite spurious or false, but are not considered "cults".


What does billy grahm say about Mormons?

Billy Graham in the past stated several times that Mormonism was a cult, however, he has recently changed his mind and has gone through great lengths to change any references to Mormonism being a cult in his books or websites. He now states that Mormonism is a Christian religion.


What does the latin word cultus mean?

It is another word for 'cult' meaning something that can be regarded as fashionable by a particular group. The word also refers to a particular system of religious worship


Where do most Mormons live outside the US?

Of the 13,824,854 members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) worldwide, 7,785,947 live outside the United States. That is, 56% of all baptised Mormons live outside the U.S. Nations with quite a few Mormons are: Canada 179,801 Mormons (1% of Mormons are Canadian, 0.5% of Canadians are Mormon) Samoa 69,224 Mormons (0.5% of Mormons, 39% of Samoans) Tonga 55,173 Mormons (0.5% of Mormons, 53% of Tongans) Mexico 1,197,573 Mormons (8.7% of Mormons, 1% of Mexicans) Guatemala 220,296 Mormons (1.6% of Mormons, 1.6% of Guatemalans) El Salvador 105,501 Mormons (0.8% of Mormons, 2% of El Salvadorians) Hondouras 136,408 Mormons (1% of Mormons, 2% of Hondourans) Brazil 1,102,674 Mormons (8% of Mormons, 0.6% of Brazilians) Chile 561,920 Mormons (4% of Mormons, 3.3% of Chileans) Peru 480,816 Mormons (3.5% of Mormons, 1.7% of Peruvians) Philippines 631,885 Mormons (4.6% of Mormons, 0.7% of all Philippinos) UK 186,082 Mormons (1.3% of Mormons, 0.3% of all UK) Australia 126,767 Mormons (0.9% of Mormons, 0.6% of Australians) New Zealand 100,962 Mormons (0.7% of Mormons, 2.4% of all New Zealanders) To compare, the United States has 6,038,907 Mormons. That's 44% of Mormons and 2% of all Americans. But you can find Mormons in nearly every nation of the World! The "Related Link" below has a great population statistics map related to Mormon Church membership.