Is Mormonism a Cult?
Throughout the world today, false information and rumors concerning Mormons and the Mormon Church are widespread. Because of the relative newness of the religion, or what sometimes seems like secrecy behind some elements of Mormonism, the church is labeled by some as a cult. By studying the Mormon Church, one can conclude that the church is not a cult but in fact a church that encourages individuality and self-expression.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines the word cult as “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.” Let’s compare elements of a cult to the Mormon Church. Members of a cult are often focused on a living leader or prophet. Members follow his counsel in all aspect of their lives with unquestioning commitment. Yes, Mormons do follow the counsel of a living prophet who we believe receives inspiration from God. He counsels us on how to live better lives, for ourselves and families. He never asks members to do things that would be harmful to themselves or their communities. In fact, the counsel that he gives is respected and heeded by people who aren’t even Mormon. Yes, Mormons do respect and follow the counsel of the prophet but their commitment to him is not excessive, for the main leader of the church is Jesus Christ. How is this any different from the pope of the Catholic Church? The commitment that most Mormons have to their prophet is no different than the commitment most Christians have to their prophet or leader.
Many have pointed fingers at the Mormon Church, saying that it is preoccupied with converting new members. True, Mormons send out thousands of Mormon missionaries each year to share the message of Jesus Christ with people throughout the world. Mormons are not preoccupied with converting people into their church. Mormons do not force anyone to get baptized or convert. They are taught not to push Mormonism on anyone who is not interested. They are simply there to teach those who have a sincere wish to learn more about the gospel.
Some claim that the Mormon leaders dictate how members should think, dress, act and feel, similar to a cult. This is untrue. The Mormon Church encourages its members to think for themselves. Members are encouraged to read the Book of Mormon and gain a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and their Heavenly Father. The Church takes no political stance, although most Mormons tend to be conservatives, as are many Christians. The Church does not pry into the personal lives of its members and when they do, they counsel things that are common place, like telling its members to be committed to their spouses and families. There are certain rules that Mormons must follow. For example, Mormons must follow the “word of wisdom,” which states that Mormons should refrain from drugs and alcohol. Members are to obey the “law of chastity” until they enter into the bonds of marriage. Members are to refrain from looking at pornography or any other harmful images that could destroy their relationships with their family and God. Members are to show kindness and love, taking every opportunity to serve their fellow man. By following these rules, millions of Mormons have been spared from the problems that drugs, alcohol, pre-marital sex, and violence that many have had to experience. When you really think about the rules Mormons are asked to follow, they are not unreasonable and make a great amount of sense. Many criticize the church for being so constricting, because we refrain from activities that are so common place today. Some perceive the church as controlling, claiming that the church is obsessed with telling its members what to do and limiting their freedom. I have found as a lifelong Mormon that because I follow these rules, I gain freedom. Because I follow the “word of wisdom” I will never struggle with addiction or be a slave to a drug. Because I obey the “law of chastity,” I am free from the harmful health risks and heart breaks that occur from having casual sex like many of my peers are.
Members of cults are often required to live and socialize only with other group members. Although Mormons do spend much time attending church and participating in serve with members of their congregation, they are actually encouraged to be active in their communities. Mormons are encouraged to have friends of other religions, to celebrate their differences and diversity. Mormons are encouraged to learn about other faiths and attend their friend’s churches. In places where church membership is high, like Utah, it is not uncommon for Mormons to be friends with other Mormons because the Mormon population is so high.
We can conclude that Mormonism is no more like a cult than any other Christian church. We have a prophet who counsels us. There are commandments we follow and rules that we abide by help us live free from addiction. The Lord understands we are only human and mistakes are going to be made in this life. We can always repent of our sins and seeks counsel from Mormon leaders who will welcome you, and not down on you with shame or judgment. Mormons do have other Mormon friends but are also encouraged to be actively involved in their communities and with friends of other faiths. There is so much false information flourishing throughout the world about Mormons, trying to taint our reputation. But by studying the Mormon Church one can see that it is not cult, and instead a force for good in the world.