Is Mormonism a cult?

[_The Nehor]

Also, it's important, in my opinion, to let non-Mormons know that Mormonism isn't what it claims to be. That it is, indeed, a cult, and has good reason to be avoided. I hate to see uninformed people being suckered into Mormonism. It is a cult, as you say, Schmo. The best question is - "How dangerous is it?". We all have differing opinions on that.

KA

I don't think it's a fair way to scare someone off. The word cult has emotional connections to most people. We all saw B-movies and associate cult automatically with men in black robes sacrificing virgins and summoning devils (or was that just the movies I watched?). While the Church is technically a cult according to the definition (like every other religion) I wouldn't tell other people it was unless it was clear they knew the actual meaning of the word. If I used the real meaning and they accepted the false meaning I've deceived them. If I did it intentionally I'm a prat.

[_asbestosman]

I don't think it's a fair way to scare someone off. The word cult has emotional connections to most people. We all saw B-movies and associate cult automatically with men in black robes sacrificing virgins and summoning devils (or was that just the movies I watched?). While the Church is technically a cult according to the definition (like every other religion) I wouldn't tell other people it was unless it was clear they knew the actual meaning of the word.

Good point. A fair-minded person who feels the church is manipulative, controlling, and in fact a cult would also be fair enough to mention that she / he feels that all religions are cults to some degree and furthermore to explain in what way and to what degree.

[_Sethbag]

My position has never changed since my days as an apologist: using the word "cult" is counterproductive to everyone because it says virtually nothing except "We don't like your religion."

The church has its good and bad points, and it works for a lot of people. The bottom line for me is that it is not the true church it claims to be. That's more important to me than quibbling over a pejorative label like "cult."

I'm 100% with Runtu on this. I don't like arguing over whether Mormonism is a cult, because in my view, that term has very little real meaning. In some sense all religions are cults. Clearly there is a difference in degree of some qualities of religious movements between, say, the Branch Davidians, and the LDS (though back in the 1840s I'm not sure how different they really would have seemed), but assigning "cult" to some religions and not to others is really more people just saying "we don't like your religion", and is devoid of any real meaning or value.

So yes, Mormonism is a cult, and so are the JWs, the Roman Catholics, the Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, all Christian denominations not already mentioned, the Wotan and Thor believers, etc.

[_The Nehor]

My position has never changed since my days as an apologist: using the word "cult" is counterproductive to everyone because it says virtually nothing except "We don't like your religion."

The church has its good and bad points, and it works for a lot of people. The bottom line for me is that it is not the true church it claims to be. That's more important to me than quibbling over a pejorative label like "cult."

I'm 100% with Runtu on this. I don't like arguing over whether Mormonism is a cult, because in my view, that term has very little real meaning. In some sense all religions are cults. Clearly there is a difference in degree of some qualities of religious movements between, say, the Branch Davidians, and the LDS (though back in the 1840s I'm not sure how different they really would have seemed), but assigning "cult" to some religions and not to others is really more people just saying "we don't like your religion", and is devoid of any real meaning or value.

So yes, Mormonism is a cult, and so are the JWs, the Roman Catholics, the Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, all Christian denominations not already mentioned, the Wotan and Thor believers, etc.

Don't forget Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians :)

[_silentkid]

However, if you are inclined, perhaps you could explain how calling the Church a "cult" will somehow help former members with their so-called paradigm shift, as well as how the Church is "dangerous" and thus deserving of the "cult" label.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Dearest Wade,

Thanks for taking time to respond to me. I really enjoy your writing style. Did you, perchance, read the other posts I made earlier in this thread (other than your snarky retort to my grasping at straws comment)? I believe that in doing so, you'll find that I don't describe the church as a "dangerous cult". I believe that the church fits some of the characteristics attributed to cults, based on the definitions given. You have made no attempt to discuss the issue. Rather, you are shifting the discussion to deal with people's perceived intentions on labeling the church a cult. Why don't you tell us what those intentions may be, since that is what you're getting at? Oh, I forgot. You already did when you told KA that she was labeling the church as such to make herself feel better. I really don't want to continue our conversation unless you can prove to me that you can keep up.

Sincerely,

silentkid

[_wenglund]

However, if you are inclined, perhaps you could explain how calling the Church a "cult" will somehow help former members with their so-called paradigm shift, as well as how the Church is "dangerous" and thus deserving of the "cult" label.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Dearest Wade,

Thanks for taking time to respond to me. I really enjoy your writing style. Did you, perchance, read the other posts I made earlier in this thread (other than your snarky retort to my grasping at straws comment)? I believe that in doing so, you'll find that I don't describe the church as a "dangerous cult". I believe that the church fits some of the characteristics attributed to cults, based on the definitions given.

Okay. Then would you please be so kind as to restate what you said about the utility in applying the "cult" label specifically in regards to the LDS Church (which, if you hadn't noticed, was precisely what my previous question was asking for, and which you claimed to have answered).

You have made no attempt to discuss the issue. Rather, you are shifting the discussion to deal with people's perceived intentions on labeling the church a cult.

Exactly....and for the rational reasons previously explained multiple times.

Why don't you tell us what those intentions may be, since that is what you're getting at?

I prefer to hear it firsthand from those who feel a need to label the Church as a "cult".

Oh, I forgot. You already did when you told KA that she was labeling the church as such to make herself feel better.

Actually, I qualified my brief comment with the very important "if" word, which should suggest to the reasonably minded that I am uncertain of KA's motive(s). So, no, I didn't tell her why she was labeling the Church a cult. I mearly hypothesized what may be one reason that she did. I am open to testing that hypothesis with her and others similarly inclined, and also open to learning other possible motives directly from the primary source.

Again, if you and others are disinclined to examine your motives, I can accept that. Just explicitly say so.

I really don't want to continue our conversation unless you can prove to me that you can keep up.

Were I to think you a good judge of such things, then I may be inclined to provide the proof if needed (with a good judge, it wouldn't be needed). But, I don't, and will simply leave it at that.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

[_silentkid]

Oh....My.........God! Wade, you are awesome! You just made my brain melt. That part about using the qualifier "if" had me in stitches. I now understand firsthand why so many posters on this board ignore your posts. Count me as another one of them.

With Love,

silentkid

[_Some Schmo]

You have made no attempt to discuss the issue. Rather, you are shifting the discussion to deal with people's perceived intentions on labeling the church a cult.

Exactly....and for the rational reasons previously explained multiple times.

Why don't you tell us what those intentions may be, since that is what you're getting at?

I prefer to hear it firsthand from those who feel a need to label the Church as a "cult".

Well, I told you why, but you've chosen not to pay attention to that. This statement seems pretty disingenuous to me, given that, by me at least, your request has been granted yet you choose to drone on with this rubbish.

Just because you don't like the answer doesn't mean it hasn't been offered. (I'm assuming you don't like it, although I suppose it's possible you don't understand it.)

[_Calculus Crusader]

Mormonism was a cult under Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, but now I would classify it as a sect.

[_Runtu]

I was just thinking that my defending the church against the use of the word "cult" on this thread apparently scores on Ray's "destructo-meter" as obsessive hatred toward my former faith.