ANSWERS: 48
  • The mormons are a bit strange. Do you have first-hand experience, or are you just shooting from the hip?
  • No offense intended, but they do have many traits of a cult.
  • naa .. they are a bit cultish
  • All religions can be cults to people outside of that religion.
  • Hey man...whatever floats your boat.
  • Mormons are by definition a cult. I have absolutely no doubt about it. Let me give you three major characteristics that would describe any cult: 1. The final authority in spiritual matters rests on "something" or "someone" other than the plain teaching of the Bible. In the case of Mormons, that "someone" who replaces Scriptural authority is Joseph Smith who claimed that God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ paid a personal visit to him and informed that all churches and their creedal confessions were an abomination! So he started "the only true church on earth"! And the "something" that supercedes the authority of Scriptures is "the Book of Mormon" which Smith claimed as "the most correct book" on the face of the earth, and by following its precepts we can get closer to God. Of course, they also hold "The Doctrines and Covenants" and "The Pearl of the Great Price" as having divinely inspired words. 2. God is believed to be someone other than the God of the Bible, and Jesus is not believed to be eternally God and come in the flesh! Smith said that, in Trinity, "all (God-Son-Father) are crammed into one God..." and that would make him to be a "giant" or "monster" (Teachings, p.372). "Tritheism" is a better word to describe their belief about Trinity. And Jesus is the literal offspring of the Father! Further, he also said that God was once a man like any of us, but later "God became God." He strongly refutes the idea that God was God from all eternity. (Teachings, p.321). 3. God’s free gift of salvation by grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus is ignored or added to resulting in a “gospel” of works. There are two kinds of salvation in Mormonism. One, unconditional/general salvation, which comes by grace alone, without any obedience to gospel. It involves the idea that all Mormons will automatically be resurrected to life - something that downplays the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The other kind of salvation is conditional/ individual, which is based on works, and helps one to reach the higher level of Heaven, the highest being the Celestial Kingdom of God. They believe in different levels of heaven/glory but not in a hell or eternal separation from God - an idea that belittles the work of a Savior! None of these and other ideas they believe are biblical! Their false teachings are to be exposed, and we need not feel ashamed or bad about it. However, we need also to prayerfully engage with them to lead them to the Truth.
  • all religions are cults.
  • It depends what your motives are. If you are doing this just for fun or spite... Yes There are errors in all religions. Things that can be pointed to. On the other hand, if you are showing the errancy in Mormonism and how the religion/cult tears at the fiber and structure of God/Jesus... No If you are showing how this cult lowers God to a mere human and raises man to a god... No
  • It's a free country. But I'd recommend that you see to the beam in your own eye first.
  • As long as you are using factual points and not just hear-say, and your intention is to help others, don't feel bad at all. . I am LDS and personally cannot understand how we can be thought of as a cult. That being said, many here on AB have asked questions that encourage me to look deeper into my faith which benefits both of us. I get a better understanding of certain issues and have the opportunity to give a response that is honest and from an LDS perspective. . I have always said that while there are things in my religion that I do not fully understand or causes contradictions, being LDS has helped me live a better life and provides all the answers I need to keep on that path. . When criticizing a religion in a constuctive way, be open to changing your opinion as well. ;)
  • There's a rumour going round that the truth shall set you free.
  • If you want to spend your time annoying a small group of people and boring the rest of us with your infantile crusade go right ahead, although I don't imagine it's how the founders of the site expected it to be used.
  • Oh come on. They believe in magic underwear... it's just such obvious bullshit. There's no shame in saying it's a cult when it is one. -_-
  • If you search and see how many times this has been discussed on this site, you will feel pretty stupid for asking it again. Then again, maybe you wouldn't.
  • BUT who are you pointing this out to? and why?
  • cult (klt) n. 1. a. A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. b. The followers of such a religion or sect. 2. A system or community of religious worship and ritual. 3. The formal means of expressing religious reverence; religious ceremony and ritual. 4. A usually nonscientific method or regimen claimed by its originator to have exclusive or exceptional power in curing a particular disease. 5. a. Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing. b. The object of such devotion. 6. An exclusive group of persons sharing an esoteric, usually artistic or intellectual interest. By definition ALL religions are cults.
  • That's entirely up to you.
  • The other answers that have pointed out that your feelings are your responsibility are correct. However, the problem here (as Moongrim as correctly pointed out) is that these days you have to define "cult". Technically most institutions and organizations are a "cult" by the dictionary definition. I find it helpful to make a distinction between a "Doctrinal Cult" and "Mind Control Cult". A Doctrinal Cult means that the group deviates in an extreme fashion from the orthodox teachings of the group and therefore can no longer be considered a part of that group. That can be good or bad depending on which set of teachings you adhere to. So THAT is a tricky argument to make and a nearly impossible one to win. However a "Mind Control Cult" can be identified using objective, empirical, criteria that's based on the behavior of the group rather than it's teaching (though there's a relationship between the two). Arguing that a group is a Mind Control Cult is IMO much more effective and I would encourage you to consider that approach. However, if you feel called to pursue this tactic with ANY group - not just Mormons - you can expect angry push back. The truth is that none of us really like the truth if we have chosen to exchange it for a lie. I know - I was in a Mind Control Cult for over a decade. Links to general criteria on what defines a Mind Control Cult as well as how and it applies to Mormonism: http://www.concernedchristians.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=42&func=view&id=75285&catid=532 http://www.concernedchristians.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=42&func=view&id=76264&catid=532 http://www.concernedchristians.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=42&func=view&id=79855&catid=532 http://www.concernedchristians.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=42&func=view&id=80001&catid=532 http://www.concernedchristians.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=42&func=view&id=80003&catid=532 BITE Model links: http://www.ex-cult.org/bite.html http://www.concernedchristians.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=42&func=view&id=76264&catid=532 Short "overview" video: http://www.concernedchristians.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=42&func=view&id=75285&catid=532
  • Chad: I was unable to comment so I had to put it in another answer. This is response to the comments under my first answer. :) If I understand you correctly, you are saying that God does not approve of self defense? Shooting two people out of 100 that are obviously trying to kill you is not murder. - I believe in the revelations given to Joseph Smith by God. The Book of Mormon testifies of God over and over. And to say he should be our "leader" because of that is like saying Paul of the New Testament is your leader because you follow his words. - And so since someone did not stand still and let others shoot him, he cannot be a prophet? I would like to know where God says, "If someone comes to kill you, let them." I have killed people who have tried to kill me while in Iraq. Does that make me unholy or a murderer? Nope. - The only thing I can tell you, coming from an honest LDS person, is that I believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost and while there are prophets on the earth chosen to guide us, Jesus Christ and God the Father are the ones I believe in and worship, not the prophets.
  • no, freedom of speach
  • Ya know - who honestly cares about what the Mormons believe anyway? It's there time and money - why can't they waste it in whatever fashion they choose? Let them worship cow-piles if they want too, who does it hurt? And if God disapproves of them He will deal with it in his own way - and I'm sure he doesn't need your help in any of it. So you think they are a cult....that's nice....frankly I think all religions are cults...but who honestly cares what you or I think eh? Just let these people live their life in peace and stop worrying so much about what the heck they do on Sunday morning.....in all honesty it isn't your concern or mine what they do now is it?
  • Yes, Freedom of religion was a constitutional right last time I checked. What is really disturbing is why you are so concerned with what they believe.
  • Christians used to be considered a cult at one time and were persecuted for it why would you like to persecute or worse take away someones faith. Weather its right or wrong.
  • If you feel or know you said it the wrong way, yes. The church of Latter Day Saints is a cult. Yet, there is always a need for tact. Speak the truth in love.
  • Yeah you should. To belittle or negate anyone's faith or beliefs serves no purpose except to incite a reaction. Stop trying to get attention and take care of you own faith, leave everyone else to their own. All religions can be classified as a cult. Think before you speak sometimes and you will be alright. +4
  • Um... yeah. Because they're not. I don't know why people pick on Mormons. I guess it's because they're generally too nice to pick back.
  • Bad, or just silly. But only because they are not.
  • Your freedom to speak is protected by the First Ammendment to the US Constitution. As long as you are not provoking violence, you can say whatever you please. +5
  • You have the right to say what you want but I'd feel foolish because by definition every religion is a cult and even some fan clubs have become cults so it quite pointless to point out just one of these cults and not all the rest.
  • Depending on what you mean by “a cult,” you probably should. While all religions are technically “cults,” the word has come to have an extremely pejorative connotation that in no way accurately describes the Church of Jesus Christ nor its members. As an aside, I would also feel guilty about using the religious slur “Mormons,” which is about as nice as calling someone a “Yid” or a “Nigger.” It’s actually pretty offensive to many Latter-day Saints, and I’d sure most would appreciate you not using the term. Thank you! :-)
  • It might be better to show them what the scriptures say and leave it up to them and God as to rather or not they recognize truth if you have it. Got to remember that the first century Christians were spoken against and considered a sect also. If you have the truth and know what the Bible says about everlasting life, it is better to show them where else they should go. (Acts 28:22) But we think it proper to hear from you what your thoughts are, for truly as regards this sect it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.” (John 6:68) Simon Peter answered him: “Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life; (2 Timothy 3:12) In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted. (John 17:3) This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ. . . There are also some principles that should be employed when trying to help someone. http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/8250131
  • I actually think it may be our duty, as Christians. It isn't so much that they are just any old cult. They are working hard to take over so that "a day will come when everyone is a mormon or they'll be dead." I said to a mormon once that this sounded like something out of the Book Of Revelations." He said (and I will take a lie detector test or put my hand on a Bible for anyone who wants) He said "We don't put much store in the Book of Revelations."
  • It's your american right to freedom of speech. Say what you feel. Tell 'em Scientology is a cult too
  • Is this all you do ask leading questions about the Mormons? There are other subjects. As an atheist and ex mamber I like to make fun of them but you sem obcessed
  • Wouldn't it be better to concentrate on your own beliefs?
  • The mormons are a christian church, that is why they are called The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day saints, but if it makes you feel better to call them a cult then go ahead.
  • They can be cultishly devilish especially from where you live around
  • I would say that any organization which discourages thinking for yourself, and encourages everyone to believe some fixed set of ideas, qualifies as a cult. So that includes pretty much all religions, and lots of non-religious organizations with quasi-religious qualities as well. The essential element of 'cultishness' is that the individual surrenders their critical thinking and autonomy for something of perceived value: belonging, self-righteousness, "community", "salvation", whatever. It's always a bad trade. The only road to true understanding is to take all belief systems with a grain of salt.
  • Should I feel bad about pointing out that you are a douche bag? Mormons are as a whole a kind, generous, loving, dedicated, and spiritual group of people. It's interesting that people have problems with them "taking over the world". Maybe Mormons are just more ambitious and hard-working than the average joe.
  • no ,, i think most religions are ,,, and should be exposed for what they are . especially if they are hurting other groups .. or gaining members that rail against others . like christianity setting up kids before they are born ,, by only marrying same faiths with the promise to raise their kids as such . , child drafting , brain washing ,social programing , lies , cover ups , stealing from other faiths , and the smear campaigns against other faiths . saying other faith worship their devil etc... http://www.evilbible.com/Murder.htm
  • If you mean 'mind control cult' I think you have to be careful. Because you have spoken to a few Mormons and they have revealed what their 'branch' is doing, does not mean that every 'branch' is doing the same thing. Where true 'mind control' characteristics exist, I think you are perfectly justified in expressing your concern. However, there are organizations who deal specifically in helping people who are under the influence of cults or may come under the influence of a cult and perhaps it is wiser to go to them and let them deal with it. Mind control cults exist in all branches of religion. You just have to get a power hungry 'leader' who has the gift of the gab and a cult can take seed. What is worse are those branches of religion who do not normally have the reputation for mind-control cultic practices but which have come under the control of a leader whose main priority is to 'control' his flock. Finally, you have the freedom to express your opinion. However, my advice would be to obtain solid evidence before making accusations or attempting to warn people not to join the 'cult'.
  • The more I read and research about Mormonism, the more I feel for them. Reading stories from ex-Mormons, how there lives were controlled by the church. The fears and anxieties they had coming from within the church. Loosing there jobs, because they worked at a Mormon controlled company. There children being shunned and mocked at by there just previous alleged friends. Neighbors and co workers condemning them for leading there families astray. It goes on and on, it is just disgusting to think about. How there lives were changed when they left the Mormon church. If I left the Nazarene church, then saw someone from that church, they would still be my friends. Nothing would change. Christianity nows no building or religious name. Only the common belief in Christ as your savior. http://www.postmormon.org/exp_e/index.php/pomopedia/Personal_Accounts_of_Leaving_Mormonism/return
  • why cant you just acknowledge them as a religious group.
  • What you should feel bad about is starting a conversation that you know will end in hateful words. A little bit tacky to do just for more points.
  • Yes. Why so selective? ALL religions are cults.
  • I just think that if you truly want to convince me that what I believe as a Mormon (Christian) than you should show me (and others) what you believe and convince me that you are right. Why would you want to join a church or individual who only tells lies or half truths about someone else. I would want to deal with someone honestly. I think that is where a lot of people go wrong. I have no problem with people preaching their religion. Believing in God and Jesus Christ are great! But you need to show what you believe and spread the word of God - not hateful words about other people or religions simply because you don't agree. If we were making human sacrifices - lol that would be different.
  • Exactly, I don't know how you got out that mormons believed god came down and had sex with mary, well it's been fun but I think I'm done arguing with you. Have a nice day =)
  • What is a cult and what is a religion? Who is to say that the LDS church is a cult when the others are religions. Who knows, the LDS church could be the only church and all the others are cults. To me, the term "cult" is just a derogatory term for a specific faith. I think all religions do something that somebody could rule as cultish. I would feel bad if you express the term with hate or intent to belittle someone else's faith.

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy