Is Mormonism properly defined as a cult?

Answer

Much controversy has arisen in recent years regarding how Bible-believing Christians should perceive the teachings of the Mormon Church. Mormons identify themselves as “Christians,” and they object to labeling Mormonism as a “cult.”

Firstly, we should clearly define cult. One common definition found in dictionaries describes a cult as “a specific system of religious worship, particularly concerning its rites and ceremonies.” According to this broad definition, any religious group could be categorized as a cult. However, Christians have often defined a cult more narrowly, using a definition such as “a religious group that rejects one or more of the essentials of biblical truth.” A cult upholds views that are unconventional and false. It asserts to be a part of a religion while denying crucial truths of that religion.

When examined in the context of this more specific definition, does Mormonism exhibit the characteristics of a cult? The precise answer is “yes.” Some Mormon teachings are unconventional, and the assertions of Joseph Smith are false. Mormonism asserts to be part of Christianity while rejecting some of Christianity’s fundamental truths. For instance, Mormons dismiss belief in the Trinity (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 372, Articles of Faith, p. 35); maintain an unscriptural perspective of the afterlife (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345-354.); and teach that Jesus is a created being (Journal of Discourses, vol. 8, p. 115), that salvation is by faith and works 2 Nephi 25:23, Articles of Faith, p: 92, and that the Book of Mormon is Scripture alongside the Bible History of the Church, 4:461.

Despite recent efforts to rebrand Mormonism as evangelical Christianity—or at least to create the impression of compatibility—the Mormon Church persists in upholding its deviant teachings. No one can profess to be a Christian while maintaining a significantly different perspective on salvation, God, Jesus, and Scripture. A Mormon may…My claim to follow Christ, but it is a very different “Christ” from what is found in the Bible.

Another question remains. Even if Mormonism can properly be defined as a cult, should it be called a cult? This question addresses not only teaching but association because the word cult carries a negative connotation. For example, a wide variety of religious cults exist, and some cultists have performed violent acts or led people to make unhealthy, irrational choices. Is it helpful, especially when dealing with Mormons personally, to call Mormonism a “cult”?

It is unwise to use derogatory terms when referring to other religions. Words like cult are generally unhelpful when referring to Mormonism. Even if its teachings can be defined theologically as cultic, based on a certain definition, the negative connotation of the word remains. Christians are called to reach Mormons with the true Gospel of Jesus Christ “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16), and the use of the term cult is a distraction. This is not a matter of compromise but of speaking the truth in love “but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15). It is sufficient for Christians to clearly state that Mormon teachings are incompatible with biblical Christianity. These differences are important. Christians should pray for and reach out to Mormons with the message that salvation is a free gift of God, apart from works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

(Editor’s note: many of the references in our articles on Mormonism are Mormon publications, such as Mormon Doctrine, Articles of Faith, Doctrines of Salvatio

In addition to the Book of Mormon, other scriptures used by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include the Bible, the Pearl of Great Price, the Doctrine and Covenants, and more. Some examples are from the Book of Mormon, including 1 Nephi, 2 Nephi, and Alma.