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There are probably as many definitions of what a cult is as there are actual cults, and pinning down a definition which with everyone agrees may be impossible. I can say that I believe I left a cult when I left the Mormon church three years ago. I may be letting my prejudice get in the way, but I do believe Mormonism meets most of the criteria for a cult - at least according to certain definitions.

I'm not a scholar. I'm a stay-at-home mother to four little girls and I don't have the time or interest to do a lot of research for posts I make on this board, and I don't expect anyone else to invest significant amounts of time in their posts, either. But, I was able to pull up a couple of articles on cults and a few definitions which may be of interest.

The first definition is by Michael Langone, PhD of the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA), which by the way does not list cults, and has no information about Mormonism on it's website, defines totalistic cults as the following:

Cult (totalistic type): A group or movement exhibiting a great or excessive devotion or dedication to some person, idea, or thing and employing unethically manipulative techniques of persuasion and control (e.g. isolation from former friends and family, debilitation, use of special methods to heighten suggestibility and subservience, powerful group pressures, information management, suspension of individuality or critical judgment, promotion of total dependency on the group and fear of leaving it, etc.), designed to advance the goals of the group's leaders, to the actual or possible detriment of members, their families, or the community. (West & Langone, 1986, pp. 119-120)


The second definition is from Robert J. Lifton's criteria from his book, "Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism". It's really a list of eight methods of mind control used by cults:

1. Milieu Control. This involves the control of information and communication both within the environment and, ultimately, within the individual, resulting in a significant degree of isolation from society at large.

2. Mystical Manipulation. There is manipulation of experiences that appear spontaneous but in fact were planned and orchestrated by the group or its leaders in order to demonstrate divine authority or spiritual advancement or some special gift or talent that will then allow the leader to reinterpret events, scripture, and experiences as he or she wishes.

3. Demand for Purity. The world is viewed as black and white and the members are constantly exhorted to conform to the ideology of the group and strive for perfection. The induction of guilt and/or shame is a powerful control device used here.

4. Confession. Sins, as defined by the group, are to be confessed either to a personal monitor or publicly to the group. There is no confidentiality; members' "sins," "attitudes," and "faults" are discussed and exploited by the leaders.

5. Sacred Science. The group's doctrine or ideology is considered to be the ultimate Truth, beyond all questioning or dispute. Truth is not to be found outside the group. The leader, as the spokesperson for God or for all humanity, is likewise above criticism.

6. Loading the Language. The group interprets or uses words and phrases in new ways so that often the outside world does not understand. This jargon consists of thought-terminating clichés which serve to alter members' thought processes to conform to the group's way of thinking.

7. Doctrine over person. Member's personal experiences are subordinated to the sacred science and any contrary experiences must be denied or reinterpreted to fit the ideology of the group.

8. Dispensing of existence. The group has the prerogative to decide who has the right to exist and who does not. This is usually not literal but means that those in the outside world are not saved, unenlightened, unconscious and they must be converted to the group's ideology. If they do not join the group or are critical of the group, then they must be rejected by the members. Thus, the outside world loses all credibility. In conjunction, should any member leave the group, he or she must be rejected also. (Lifton, 1989)

My taking a few minutes and looking for these definitions can in no way be interpreted as actual research, but after reading the definitions carefully, I have to say it's my opinion that Mormonism fits most of the criteria of a cult, as do many other groups or religions. Also, I think it can be said that there is a scale of danger within cults, and one may not be nearly as destructive as another. Though I consider Mormonism a cult, it's not nearly as destructive as Scientology, which I also consider a cult.

What say ye? Is Mormonism a cult? A quasi-cult? Not by any means a cult?

Curious,

KA

PS - Since Don Bradley is taking a break from posting here in the Terrestrial Kingdom, but did give a hearty defense against charges that Mormonism is a cult on another thread, I will give the link to his post so that anyone wanting to read it may do so: http://www.mormondiscussions.com/discus ... 9451#59451

Does that make me a non-conformist cult member, maybe I should ask for that as my title :)

The Nehor wrote:Does that make me a non-conformist cult member, maybe I should ask for that as my title :)

NEHOR! Welcome back! :)

KA

I don't believe LDS is a cult.

I think there are high expectations for members and perhaps some members drive themselves a bit crazy trying to live up to the expectations... but I don't label it a cult. As a matter of fact it makes me rather uncomfortable when people do that.

KA, how do people that read and enjoy the ideology of Ayn Rand fit into your definition of a cult up there? ;)

barrelomonkeys wrote:I don't believe LDS is a cult.

I think there are high expectations for members and perhaps some members drive themselves a bit crazy trying to live up to the expectations... but I don't label it a cult. As a matter of fact it makes me rather uncomfortable when people do that.

KA, how do people that read and enjoy the ideology of Ayn Rand fit into your definition of a cult up there? ;)

You're a polka-dot-dress-wearing-while-dishes-washing crazy Randian cultist, Book of Mormon! ;)

Actually, yes, I think the Ayn Rand movement is a cult, too. But I still adore you even if you're a nutter. :P

KA

KimberlyAnn wrote:

barrelomonkeys wrote:I don't believe LDS is a cult.

I think there are high expectations for members and perhaps some members drive themselves a bit crazy trying to live up to the expectations... but I don't label it a cult. As a matter of fact it makes me rather uncomfortable when people do that.

KA, how do people that read and enjoy the ideology of Ayn Rand fit into your definition of a cult up there? ;)

You're a polka-dot-dress-wearing-while-dishes-washing crazy Randian cultist, Book of Mormon! ;)

Actually, yes, I think the Ayn Rand movement is a cult, too. But I still adore you even if you're a nutter. :P

KA

Shall we start an off-topic?

I am a nutter. But I've always been too confuzzled to be too into any ideology. I sat around saying "What does it mean? What does it mean?" Over and over. In the manner of Jack Skellington. :D

Here is a fun little video that was posted over at FLAK

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mnNSe5XYp6E

and if you want to waste some more time over at youtube you might want to check out this funny commercial

http://youtube.com/watch?v=CPSeA4NqqC4

neworder wrote:Here is a fun little video that was posted over at FLAK

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mnNSe5XYp6E

and if you want to waste some more time over at youtube you might want to check out this funny commercial

http://youtube.com/watch?v=CPSeA4NqqC4

Every time I see your avatar I hum, "If you want to view paradise, simply look around and you will."

I like the video, good pointers though it seems like a lot of work.

I recommend this for easier cult success, don't even have to to leave your home: http://www.somethingawful.com/d/guides/ ... your-2.php

Sample: Before you give serious consideration to starting an Internet fetish subculture you need to ask yourself the difficult question of "why am I doing this?" or you will be doomed to failure. If the answer to your question is similar to "I believe I am descended from a great race of aliens that interbred with humans and passed their super powers on to mankind" then you are ready to continue. If you answered with something more like "because I am painfully lonely, seeking acceptance and leading an empty and meaningless existence as an IT professional" then you should not start a new Internet fetish subculture, you should join an existing one. Remember that on the Internet the crazy lead and the pathetic and unloved follow.

Great post, KA. I'm going to offer my opinions on the list you provided based on my personal experience in Mormonism. Disclaimer: my opinions are mine alone, and in no way represent those of the LDS church ;).

1. Milieu Control. This involves the control of information and communication both within the environment and, ultimately, within the individual, resulting in a significant degree of isolation from society at large.

We've had this discussion on the board numerous times. I feel that the church has made an effort to keep its members from reading "critical" material while providing a white-washed version of its history. See Sethbag's New Era thread for more information.

2. Mystical Manipulation. There is manipulation of experiences that appear spontaneous but in fact were planned and orchestrated by the group or its leaders in order to demonstrate divine authority or spiritual advancement or some special gift or talent that will then allow the leader to reinterpret events, scripture, and experiences as he or she wishes.

Insert Joseph Smith's First Vision here.

3. Demand for Purity. The world is viewed as black and white and the members are constantly exhorted to conform to the ideology of the group and strive for perfection. The induction of guilt and/or shame is a powerful control device used here.

Insert Law of Chastity and Word of Wisdom and temple covenants here.

4. Confession. Sins, as defined by the group, are to be confessed either to a personal monitor or publicly to the group. There is no confidentiality; members' "sins," "attitudes," and "faults" are discussed and exploited by the leaders.

I remember having to confess various sins to my bishop. This was a difficult experience. I'm pretty sure my confession was kept confidential...so that part doesn't fit for my experience.

5. Sacred Science. The group's doctrine or ideology is considered to be the ultimate Truth, beyond all questioning or dispute. Truth is not to be found outside the group. The leader, as the spokesperson for God or for all humanity, is likewise above criticism.

Mormonism claims to have ultimate truths. But, it doesn't claim that truth is not found outside the group (it accepts the findings of science for the most part). The prophet and leaders are seen by most members to be above criticism. I remember a priesthood lesson that taught us that the first step towards apostasy is criticizing the leadership of the church.

6. Loading the Language. The group interprets or uses words and phrases in new ways so that often the outside world does not understand. This jargon consists of thought-terminating clichés which serve to alter members' thought processes to conform to the group's way of thinking.

I'd like to bear my testimony...with every fiber of my being...without a shadow of a doubt...when the prophet speaks, the thinking has been done...choose the right...return with honor...I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it...in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

7. Doctrine over person. Member's personal experiences are subordinated to the sacred science and any contrary experiences must be denied or reinterpreted to fit the ideology of the group.

This one is difficult. I think a lot of members automatically interpret their experiences to fit in with the ideology of the group. Nearly every personal experience my sister relates to me is somehow tied in to the doctrine/practices of the church and her obedience to Mormon principles.

8. Dispensing of existence. The group has the prerogative to decide who has the right to exist and who does not. This is usually not literal but means that those in the outside world are not saved, unenlightened, unconscious and they must be converted to the group's ideology. If they do not join the group or are critical of the group, then they must be rejected by the members. Thus, the outside world loses all credibility. In conjunction, should any member leave the group, he or she must be rejected also. (Lifton, 1989)

LDS doctrine is a little more lenient in this regard. The three kingdom heaven system makes room for dis-believers. The religion, however, is especially harsh in its attitude towards apostates. I, personally, have not experienced "shunning" or rejection from friends and family who know of my unbelief...but I've heard of others who have.

According to my analysis of the above definitions, I'd agree that Mormonism displays the attributes of a cult. Then again, so do most religions. I think some people function better in systems where their choice is restricted. I don't. That's a big reason I don't fit in well with the Mormon paradigm.

I wanted to add this:

When I was a missionary, I remember defending the idea of a cult. We were not offended by being grouped in with the cults because Christianity itself could be seen as one large cult with Jesus at its helm. I remember making this claim to many evangelical christians. The big deal for us (at the time) was differentiating between cult and occult. Many of the people we talked with seemed to confuse the two terms. A few years after my mission I read Quinn's Early Mormonism and the Magic World View. I found that many of the folk magic elements of the early LDS church could today be described as occult.