Do you think that the Mormon religion is a cult?
A question from a reader: I am a Mormon and I know what people around me think. I’d like to know what you think.
A question from a reader: I am a Mormon and I know what people around me think. I’d like to know what you think.
not at all. it is sacred
All religions are technically cults.
so many thumbs down just for stating a fact
I am mormon people, but lets call a spade a spade!
There are diff definitions of cult.
I think the only difference between a cult and a religion is membership numbers.
A cult is simply a religion without political power or influence. So not in Utah or Arizona.
Absolutely! (The mormon Cult believes that satan and Jesus are brothers!) That is Blasphemy! Also they deny The Holy Deity of Jesus Christ! (Jesus IS God!) They ‘add’ to His Living Word and that is also Blasphemy!!
I think Mormons are as brainwashed as people in every religion.
In other words, I dislike all religions equally.
Any religion that tells me that Jesus and the Devil were brothers would make the cult list
i somewhat think it is from what i’ve heard on documentaries about it…and the ppl on the documentaries were former mormons and even they think what some outsiders like myself think of the religion i dnt even consider them christians…like my self but no offense..i mean u did ask for opinions
No. It’s older than 100 years, so it’s now legitimate.
Mormonism:
1) Rejects the truth that Jesus is God, meaning that Mormonism has a different and fake “god” that cannot save you from hell
2) Rejects the truth that salvation is only by faith in Jesus without adding any of your own works
3) Rejects the truth that only the Bible is the Word of God
These are the reasons why Mormonism is not Christian and is therefore a cult. Mormonism leads to eternal torment in hell.
No more a cult than any other religion.
I think all religions are cults.
well, these two hot guys stopped by my door today. they were missionaries from “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.” [mormon.]
i don’t know that it’s a “cult,” but i would never be a part of it. My step- grandfather was a mormon, and left, and because his daughter was still one, she had a Mormon wedding and he couldn’t go because he wasn’t a Mormon. I just think that’s awful.
It isn’t a cult but its the subburbs of one
I’m not an overly religious person, but I’ve never considered them to be a cult. In fact, I have a close friend who is Mormon and greatly admire how so many of them manage to turn out well-behaved, respectful families who don’t feel the need to go out and get into all kinds of trouble. I also respect the fact that most mormons that I know put their families ahead of everything else, and actually spend time with their children instead of sticking them in front of a video game and hoping for the best. They tend to be active in charities and show compassion for those who don’t necessarily share their beliefs. That’s more than you can say for many other religions. As far as their beliefs, I don’t think they are any more unusual than those of any other religion. So no, I don’t think of it as a cult at all. Just another religion, and a tight-knit community, which may just be what our society needs.
Not in the way that certain “Christians” think…
No.
They use that to scare people.
It’s really quite sad. :]
Sorry but I think it’s a con designed to try and negate the positive influence of religion.
No doubt. Mormonism is a cult. Joesph Smith was a liar and a con artist. He was in a traveling show using stones to tell fortunes long before he started the mormon religion.
Also, the book of Mormon contradicts the Bible.
Also there is not a scrap of archaeological evidence for anything the Mormons teach about the american past. The book of Mormon is a fraud in the worst way and you are a victim. Do some honest research and you will see.
i think all religions can be classified as a cult by definition.. but all “cults” are not a bad thing. i think the mormon beliefs are a little absurb, your dehydrated mashed potatoes are the best, and your missionaries are the most polite among all who dare to ring my bell and are quite hot sometimes.
…you already know it is… Joseph Smith is NOT a prophet of ANYTHING… his “special” rocks in his hat are just a pile of junk… His “special” underwear is absolutely “religious” foolishness ! …His pseudo-religious hitch-hike “book” (The Book of Mormon) is completely un-scripitual…shall I go on…? LDS = CULT
…learn Gods Word… who the Son sets free is fre indeed !
All religions are cults (go look up the definition).
As I ex-mormon who has studied lots of religions in-depth, I can tell you that some of the mormon ideas are wackier than some ideas of other religions — but since they’re all based on myths without evidence, the mormons aren’t any worse than any others.
The only thing with mormonism is that it’s just so easily proven wrong. Go read about Joseph Smiths Abrahamic Scrolls. Go try to find any archeological evidence (or DNA evidence) to support the Book of Mormon stories. Go read about how many times the church has changed fundamental doctrines that it declared absolutely unchangeable. The church just makes so many claims that are so easily proven factually incorrect that it’s easier to prove wrong than a lot of other religions are.
Hey, I know how it is to be brought up a mormon and not see any of these things. You’re taught not to ask questions or challenge this stuff, and you’re inside a self-reinforcing group of people who will treat you wonderfully if you’re obedient and will shun you if you challenge anything. None of that makes the false stuff correct.
Peace.
Mere Christianity, CS Lewis: I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: ‘I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.’ That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. HE DID NOT INTEND TO.
Mormonism believes Jesus & Lucifer were brothers (equals) contrary to the Bible….
“Thus it is shown that prior to the placing of man upon the earth, how long before we do not know, Christ and Satan, together with the hosts of the spirit-children of God, existed as intelligent individuals, possessing power and opportunity to choose the course they would pursue and the leaders whom they would follow and obey” (James Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 8).
“The appointment of Jesus to be the Savior of the world was contested by one of the other sons of God. He was called Lucifer, son of the morning. Haughty, ambitious, and covetous of power and glory, this spirit-brother of Jesus desparately tried to become the Savior of mankind” (Milton R. Hunter, The Gospel Through the Ages, p. 15—this book was “written and published under the direction of the General Priesthood Committee of the Council of the Twelve of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”).
no,but i used to.before i studied about the faith.
after 14 years of spending time with my mother-in-law,and the bishops,and the missionaries,and visiting teachers,i can say that no,they arent a cult.
my differences in beliefs has no bearing on my relationship with her family,and my wife.
i simply cannot except a small portion of their doctrine.
what brings us all together as brothers and sisters in the body of christ,has a much greater effect than the differences.
after all,as it states in the scriptures…we are all different in gifts,callings,discernments,and certainly diversities….yet it is the same spirit,the one and only spirit,that connects us all to eternity.there is one lord who dwells in all his children….the least of them,and the greatest among them.
god bless!!
Sure. They follow a man not God’s true word. Also Catholics follow their ever-beloved Pope and that false doctrine also instead of holding firmly to the scriptures applying God’s will and dedicating their whole souls to doing God’s will.
LDS and Catholics do not realize what they do which shows Satan is doing a wonderful job at fooling the masses, misleading and confusing them all throughout history. Soon however, Babylon the Great Harlot or “the whole of false religions” (the Whore), will be annihilated permanently while the governments of the world just look on and do not help. Then soon after that all worldly governments and those leading them including the military commanders, will be destroyed. The birds of the midheavens and wild beasts in the earth will devour these unholy ones until there is nothing left and their bellies are full.
That day is called Armageddon. I long for it to be here for this will be a war of a finale, God’s war that is, that will destroy all wicked humans and lock Satan and his demons away for the 1,000 year reign.
Accurate knowledge leads to everlasting life.
What Is a Cult?
The term “cult” is used loosely by many who may not be fully aware of its connotations. To prevent confusion, some theologians actually avoid using the term. The World Book Encyclopedia explains that “traditionally, the term cult referred to any form of worship or ritual observance.” By that criterion, all religious organizations could be classified as cults. However, in general usage today, the word “cult” has a different meaning. The same encyclopedia notes that “since the mid-1900’s, publicity about cults has altered the meaning of the term. Today, the term is applied to groups that follow a living leader who promotes new and unorthodox doctrines and practices.” Endorsing the popular usage of the term, Newsweek magazine explains that cults “are normally small, fringe groups whose members derive their identity and purpose from a single, charismatic individual.” Similarly, Asiaweek magazine notes that “the term [cult] itself is vague, but it usually denotes a new religious creed built around a charismatic leader, who often proclaims himself to be the personification of God.” The language used in a joint resolution of the 100th Congress of the State of Maryland, U.S.A., also conveys the derogatory connotation of the term cult. The resolution states that “a cult is a group or movement exhibiting excessive devotion to a person or idea and employing unethically manipulative techniques of persuasion and control to advance the goals of its leaders.” Clearly, cults are generally understood to be religious groups with radical views and practices that clash with what is accepted today as normal social behavior. Usually they conduct their religious activities in secrecy. Many of these cultic groups actually isolate themselves in communes. Their devotion to a self-proclaimed human leader is likely to be unconditional and exclusive. Often these leaders boast of having been divinely chosen or even of being themselves divine in nature.
Occasionally, anticult organizations and the media have referred to Jehovah’s Witnesses as a cult. A number of recent newspaper articles lump the Witnesses with religious groups known for their questionable practices. But would it be accurate to refer to Jehovah’s Witnesses as a small fringe religious group? Cult members often isolate themselves from friends, family, and even society in general. Is that the case with Jehovah’s Witnesses? Are the Witnesses using deceptive and unethical techniques to recruit members? Cult leaders are known to use manipulative methods to control the minds of their followers. Is there any evidence that Jehovah’s Witnesses do this? Is their worship cloaked in secrecy? Are they following and venerating a human leader? Pointedly, are Jehovah’s Witnesses a cult?
What the Evidence Shows
A government official of the city of St. Petersburg, Russia, explained: “Jehovah’s Witnesses were presented to us as some kind of underground sect sitting in the darkness and slaughtering children and killing themselves.” However, the people of Russia have recently become better acquainted with the true nature of the Witnesses. After working with Jehovah’s Witnesses in connection with an international convention, the same official observed: “Now I see normal, smiling people, even better than many people I know. They are peaceful and calm, and they love one another very much.” He added: “I really do not understand why people tell such lies about them.” Jehovah’s Witnesses do not hold ritualistic meetings, nor is their worship cloaked in secrecy. Non-Witness author Julia Mitchell Corbett notes: “When they meet, usually more than once a week, in Kingdom Halls (their meeting sites are not called churches), most of their time is spent in Bible study and discussion.” Their meeting places are clearly marked with a sign. The meetings are open, and the general public is invited to attend. Unannounced guests are more than welcome. The “Witnesses have earned the reputation of being honest, courteous, and industrious,” adds Corbett in her book Religion in America. Many who are not Witnesses readily acknowledge that there is nothing freakish or bizarre about Jehovah’s Witnesses. Their conduct does not clash with what is accepted as normal social behavior. The New Encyclopædia Britannica accurately states that the Witnesses “insist upon a high moral code in personal conduct.” The director of news and special projects for a television station in the United States wrote to Jehovah’s Witnesses in response to a biased report about the Witnesses on the TV news show 60 Minutes. He said: “If more people lived the way your faith does, this nation wouldn’t be in the shape it is in. I am one newsman who knows that your organization is founded on love and a strong faith in the Creator. I want you to know that not all News people are as biased.”
A Well-Known Religion-Is it fair to say that Jehovah’s Witnesses are a small fringe religious group? In a sense, Jehovah’s Witnesses are few in
I dislike using the term “cult” but would rather say false religion. Although Mormons are usually friendly, loving, and kind people – they are involved in a false religion that distorts the nature of God, the Person of Jesus Christ, and the means of salvation.
Mormon leaders have taught that Jesus’ incarnation was the result of a physical relationship between God the Father and Mary. They believe Jesus is a God, but that any human can also become a god which is totally unScriptural.
Mormons believe these things about God: that He has not always been the Supreme Being of the universe, but attained that status through righteous living and persistent effort. They believe God the Father has a “body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s.” Though abandoned by modern Mormon leaders, Brigham Young taught that Adam actually was God and the father of Jesus Christ.
The problem with Mormonism is that it contradicts, modifies, and expands on the Bible. Christians have no reason to believe that the Bible is not true and adequate. To truly believe in and trust God means to believe in His Word. And all Scripture is inspired by God, which means it comes from Him (2 Timothy 3:16).
Mormons believe that there are in fact four sources of divinely inspired words, instead of just one. 1) The Bible “as far as it is translated correctly.” Which verses are incorrectly translated are not always made clear 2) The Book of Mormon was “translated” by Smith and published in 1830. Smith claimed it is the “most correct book” on earth, and that a person could get closer to God by following its precepts, “than by any other book.” 3) The Doctrine and Covenants is considered scripture by Mormons, containing a collection of modern revelations regarding the “Church of Jesus Christ as it has been restored.” 4) The Pearl of the Great Price is considered by Mormons to “clarify” doctrines and teachings that were lost from the Bible and adds its own information about the earth’s creation.
Taking into consideration all of what I posted above,(and there is much more if you want to know), I have to reiterate that Mormonism is indeed a false religion. Thumbs down if you wish but I simply answered the question.
YOU COULD NEVER BE DUPED INTO A CULT…COULD YOU?
(taken from Steven Hassan’s book “Combatting Cult Mind Control”)
Do you belong to an organization that .
- has lots of meetings?
- keeps you so busy you don’t have time to think?
- has an infallible leader?
- expects purity?
- has rigid principles?
- expects confessions?
- speaks a cliché-ridden language?
- is at odds with the world?
- has simple answers to most of life’s questions?
- makes you feel secure?
- makes you feel more special than non-members?
- frowns on expressions of doubts?
- claims absolute truth?
- expects significant financial contributions?
- is reluctant to allow you to leave?
- controls information about its own history?
- always says you are free to choose?
-you have to burn the markings of your underwear before disposing them.
- certain parents can’t attend the weddings of their own children.
…..BEEN IN AN ORGANIZATION LIKE THIS LATELY?
no, that’s just silly
Webster’s Dictionary:
“cult (kult) n. a system of religious worship, or rites and ceremonies [L. cultus, worship].”
All religions might thus fit a modified paraphrase of Pogo (old comic strip): ‘We have met the cult, and they are us!’
The New Testament uses the word “sect” in referring to the Sadducees, Pharisees, and such. We Mormons perhaps best fit the description the Jews of Rome applied to Christianity in addressing Paul in Acts 28:22, “But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.” We are therefore in good company. It is another evidence that the Church of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible is restored today as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; we have in both eras received a lot of heat, even persecution, because our religious beliefs included doctrines and practices beyond those more commonly accepted among our neighbors.
Speaking of evidence, answers here and to other “Mormon” questions often say there is no archeological or other evidence supportive of the Book of Mormon. Yet I have half a dozen or so great books to the contrary, and there are others out there offering excellent evidence.
http://www.jefflindsay.com/BMEvidences.shtml
offers plenty of evidence supportive of the Book of Mormon and many other aspects of the Church. None of these can touch one’s personal testimony received from God by the power of the Holy Ghost, but, having received that special witness, additional “evidences” become recognizable, and are always a pleasure to contemplate.
I’m mormon too so I obviously don’t think we are a cult.
Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Jesus, God, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings, Thomas S. Monson is the true prophet of the Lord today, The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and is just as true as the bible. I will never lose faith in my religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the one and only true church on this earth today, if you choose not to accept this gospel then we hold no grude against you, every one is free to worship how they please, this is how we choose to.
differant Jesus, God, satan, garden of eden story, second coming, ect ect ect.
I left popular protestant Christianity for the very reasons that I read in these comments that are written by the so-called “christians.” They spew hate at others, they condemn others easily, they won’t look at the truth presented by others so they resort to name-calling and hatred behaviors…pointing fingers at others as if they stand up above all in God’s eyes. I’ll never go back to a Protestant religion because of these behaviors. To think that the protestant sect of “christianity” actually hold classes in their churches about how to “witness” to Mormons as if the Mormons would be better off being Protestant! Wierd! I say leave the Mormons alone. They seem to behave so much better.