Why we need to get beyond the “cult” label to talk about real issues.
The question comes up often about whether Mormonism should be considered a cult. Answering that question depends on how you define the term and the attitude you have toward others.
The doctrinal definition.
Clearly, significant doctrinal differences divide Mormonism from historic, biblical Christianity. For example, Joseph Smith taught that God has not always been God. The underlying world view that drives Mormonism is radically different at key points from the biblical Christian world view. In the narrow theological definition of a cult, that makes Mormonism a cult.
The cultural definition.
However, most people don’t have that in mind when they use or hear the term “cult”. Most people think of aberrant groups like poison-Kool-Aid-drinking Jim Jones and the People’s Temple, or the Heaven’s Gate group that committed mass suicide to join the extra-terrestrials behind the Hale-Bopp comet. Because of these popular associations, the word “cult” carries a pretty strong pejorative sense. When Latter-day Saints hear Christians call Mormonism a cult, they take it as an insult.
A simple analogy.
It’s analogous to how Christians might feel when Latter-day Saints label them as ‘anti-Mormon’ just because they don’t agree with the LDS perspective. It’s a title meant to convey disrespect, fear, and loathing. Most Christians don’t consider themselves ‘anti-Mormon’ at all. But that’s how Mormons feel when Christians label them a cult. The point is that using the ‘cult’ terminology cuts off communication. Both sides end up arguing about mere labels instead of talking about the issues behind the labels.
More than theology.
Another thing: even the theological definition falls short, because it is limiting. It assumes that Latter-day Saints are only about what they believe. But there is so much more to the LDS identity and experience than doctrine alone. If a Christian’s goal is to actually share the good news of God’s unconditional grace in Jesus Christ, the way to do so is not to call people names. Believers in Jesus should seek to find other language that communicates the vast doctrinal differences without needlessly insulting the Mormon community.
Colossians 3:12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
