Mormon's = Cult? What does that mean?

The word "cult" is an easy pejorative: it gets a lot of emotional mileage without needing much--if any--substance to back it up.

You'll notice--and it probably is no surprise--that the responses to this question, thus far, are quite varied. Either they ignore the question (e.g. "Do you believe that Joseph Smith found a magic book that only he could read using magic glasses that he then misplaced?") or they're a recitation of philosophical differences (e.g. "Every religion is a cult," "Every theistic religion is a lie, some are more obvious than others. Your religion was started by a known huckster and fraud," "..."cults usually isolate their members, discourage free thought or dissension and demand adherence to a doctrine.")

I think the best answers so far--at least the most honest ones--are the ones from Pytr Pytr and Project Vetta. Their answers don't seem to smack of personal agendas.

Asking this question really just opens a can of worms: everyone has their own way of expressing why they dislike something they don't really understand.

Why do Mormons get called a cult? In my experience, it's usually either because of ignorance, technicalities, or deceit.

Ignorance because people don't really know what they believe (and understand the context and how it fits together). This often gets applied to "religion" as a whole ("I think you believe in fairytales and worship an imaginary being, therefore I'll label you as a "cultist" because obviously you're a brainwashed zealot.")

Technicalities like the one Pytr Pytr mentioned are often solid ground because they're easier to defend with commonly accepted definitions. Ironically, they can be applied to non-religious groups as well (e.g. gangs, cliques, and even some families, to say nothing of commercial "cults"). However, the technicalities also don't seem to evaluate the religion within its own context and merits. But it's usually a more honest approach.

Deceit seems to often come from former members who have been disillusioned or disgusted for one reason or other, and don't mind spinning things (especially facts--those do the most damage) in the most egregious ways possible. "Magical underwear" conjures freakish images. Conversely, referring to the "priestly robes of Aaron and his sons"--as found in the Old Testament--seems much more acceptable in Christian vernacular, but won't cause as much of a stir as saying "Magical Underwear" (which Mormon doctrine has never claimed).

Don't expect too many honest answers to this question.

all religions are cults,

I'm sorry that mormons have been picked on recently with this accusation, especially since those who accuse, are most likely members of one of the many christian cults.

And looking at the definition is where anyone should start anytime they are confused about the meaning of a word. Then if they're using it wrong they can choose a more appropriate word.

amongst other things, cults usually isolate their members, discourage free thought or dissension and demand adherence to a doctrine. You can look at the definition for other terms that describe cults.

But I think you can see that most religions qualify, as does the mormon church.

Consider these lists of "warning signs" from RickRoss.com. Does the LDS church match any of these?

Ten warning signs of a potentially unsafe group/leader.

1) Absolute authoritarianism without meaningful accountability.

2) No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.

3) No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget, expenses such as an independently audited financial statement.

4) Unreasonable fear about the outside world, such as impending catastrophe, evil conspiracies and persecutions.

5) There is no legitimate reason to leave, former followers are always wrong in leaving, negative or even evil.

6) Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of grievances.

7) There are records, books, news articles, or television programs that document the abuses of the group/leader.

8) Followers feel they can never be "good enough".

9) The group/leader is always right.

10) The group/leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or receiving validation, no other process of discovery is really acceptable or credible.

Ten warning signs regarding people involved in/with a potentially unsafe group/leader.

1) Extreme obsessiveness regarding the group/leader resulting in the exclusion of almost every practical consideration.

2) Individual identity, the group, the leader and/or God as distinct and separate categories of existence become increasingly blurred. Instead, in the follower's mind these identities become substantially and increasingly fused--as that person's involvement with the group/leader continues and deepens.

3) Whenever the group/leader is criticized or questioned it is characterized as "persecution".

4) Uncharacteristically stilted and seemingly programmed conversation and mannerisms, cloning of the group/leader in personal behavior.

5) Dependency upon the group/leader for problem solving, solutions, and definitions without meaningful reflective thought. A seeming inability to think independently or analyze situations without group/leader involvement.

6) Hyperactivity centered on the group/leader agenda, which seems to supercede any personal goals or individual interests.

7) A dramatic loss of spontaneity and sense of humor.

8) Increasing isolation from family and old friends unless they demonstrate an interest in the group/leader.

9) Anything the group/leader does can be justified no matter how harsh or harmful.

10) Former followers are at best-considered negative or worse evil and under bad influences. They can not be trusted and personal contact is avoided.

Every religion is a cult. Every religion has the same potential for abuse and manipulation based on the human desire for understanding about the world around them and a meaning for the often miserable existence we call life. Every theistic religion is a lie, some are more obvious than others. Your religion was started by a known huckster and fraud, but hey who gives a **** right? Its just as culty as catholicism or Seventh day Adventism ( I used to be one). Being called a cult member by other christians should mean much to you. It is the definition of the kettle calling the pot black. Worry more about your improbable beliefs and less what other people think of them. Like me, who gives a **** what I think...

the name of the church speaks volume

the LDS church is called the Church of JESUS Christ of latter day saints.

its not the church of moses, its not the first baptist church of (pick your own city) or its not the church of islame or the religion of the shi ites.

its the church of jesus christ.

there are no less than ten authoritative definitions of what a cult is.

and i think the dictionary has even more.

one definition is the belief in the trinity. true enough! mormons are taught to believe Jesus is the Son of God and God the Father is a different, "separate" personage.

even the bible says they have life separate of each other.

so given this defintion even the bible speaks contradiction to the dogma of the trinity. so, this definition can be excluded.

another definition is that the people of the church worship a man. of course there are hymns of praise to the prophet joseph smith, but most people still address Heavenly Father when they pray, when i say most, i mean there are feminists movement that teach idolatry by praying to the queen of heaven or mother mary. of course that begs the difference between the different popes of other religions and the prophet / president of the LDS church. if a protestant allows the claim for a catholic to be called a christian than he should allow the same freedom of religion to the LDS.

p.s.

the basic defintion of all christianity is to believe in jesus.

I am a witness of jesus, i have stood in the presense of the lord i was given 3 visions and know that i speak of things which are true. there are many things that are in error, in all religions, jesus said it so himself when He appeared to Joseph smith jr. if this testimony is correctly preserved, and i think it is, Jesus said to joseph smith jr. Dont JOIN any of them, they are all wrong. and then later, the Lord gave revelation and said there are many sins even among the elders of the church, that which they all need to repent of. the same things all christians are guilty, to some degree or anther, for sure. !

p.s.s

my testimony is that i was raised by an atheist mother, in short, i was given a bible, i believed, and i became a literal born again believer. later, i fell to my old transgressions and when i came to sense i desired to know which church to join so that i might be saved from my old transgressions. i was reading the book of corrithians when Paul said desired the gift of prophecy. so i prayed and fasted and when the spirit of revelation came upon me, i asked question and received personal revelations and answers. i asked which church is the true church and i was given prophecies. later i found that the LDS church is the only christian church that teaches the doctrines of plural marriage and temple/eternal marriage. i also made a covenant and consecrated my life to be a witness. pure revelation is what Paul said he was taught. Joseph smith had pure revelation and visitations from angels and patriarchs and apostles. the book of revelation literally testifies/ prophecies that an angel would give to the inhabitants the everlasting gospel , (see rev 14:6) and still people call the "mormon" religion a cult. and still they listen to false traditions and false definitions and bad preachers denying the facts of the bible that totally contradition even dictionary definitions and so-called bible facts.

i found bible facts that contradict the trinity, the use of the doctrine of a trinity to describe God and expose a cult is totally not factual.

Do Christians have to wear silly underwear to go to church?

Do Christians have to avoid various foods and drinks?

Do Christians have to prove they are fervent believers before they are allowed into church?

Do Christians have to ban anyone from entering church that is not totally committed?

Do Christians act as if their religion is some sort of secret society by banning non members from their churches?

Do Christians believe they will become gods?

Compare the bible and christian beliefs with the mormon book and beliefs and it is as plain as day that mormons only claim to be christian because they are afraid to stand up as an entirely separate religion!

Seen the posters with pictures of people doing everyday things with the strap line “and they are mormon”? Seems they recognize that they are seen as an extremist cult themselves!

Do you believe that a man who died came back to life, and that a woman got pregnant by some 'miracle' not involving another man? Any Christian, Muslim or otherwise is a fool for calling people with beliefs that are just as farfetched cultists.

I think its because not everyone can enter the temples so this makes outsiders feel unwelcomed and cautious that something "bad" is happening inside. I know this isnt true just saying what i've heard

This is not meant to be offensive at all. Do you believe that Joseph Smith found a magic book that only he could read using magic glasses that he then misplaced?

all church's are Cults that is why they all fit the Definition