Mormons: If you're not cultists, then what's your definition of a cultist?

Question

Of course I'm intolerant of Mormons, as I am to members of all cults.

Coca Cola: Ok, if you are not secretive, then please tell me how to do the handshake, and tell me your secret temple name.

...and tell me why non-Mormons can't enter the temple after it opens.

Answer 1

Cult roughly refers to a cohesive social group devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture considers outside the mainstream, with a notably positive or negative popular perception.

The truth is there is no objective distinction by which a cult may be distinguished from a religion. Use of the term cult does not tell us what a religion is, only how it is regarded by the person using the term.

Sacred not secret. The temple is sacred to us. It is a building on earth that has been dedicated through prayer to the distinct service and worship of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

Non-LDS are allowed in only before the dedication. After that only LDS members who are worthy enough to receive a temple recommend from the appropriate authorities of the church are allowed in. Not all LDS members do that.

Answer 2

I'm a Mormon and haven't been in a temple ever.
Some countries may do different.
A priest I know told me that Christians and Mormons are almost the same thing so calling Mormons cultist is like calling Christians cultist.
My definition of a cultist is someone who wears a black robe that does rituals on their victims.
You should go to a Mormon Church so you will realize there's nothing to hide.

Answer 3

The word cult has developed a negative conotation for religions that do not fit the user's idea of what a "real" or "legitimate" religion should be. It seems that lexicon authorities are unable to agree on some basic points of what a cult consists of, the denotation of a cult. I think everyone can look at Heaven's Gate and agree that was a cult. It gets a little more grey when looking at other non-conforming religions like Scientology or Mormonism.

I don't necessarily disagree when we are called cultists (like an answer said earlier, all religions can be considered cults.) I disagree with the way most people determine that we are cultists. The ones that usually use that label are other Christians who think that any religion that doesn't believe in the three-in-one one-in-three trinity are cults. That is one thing that is not mentioned in any dictionary regarding cults.

"Cultist" is just a label like "Christian" "Mormon" "Homosexual" or "Conservative" If it wasn't negatively associated with being extreme and radical and everything else, there wouldn't be a problem.

Answer 4

You are so full of anti-Mormon propaganda. You need to clear your head and get some true perspective.
A cult is characterized by charismatic leaders that exercise mental and even physical dominion over their followers. Their doctrines are generally out on the fringe of credibility and they don't generally attract many followers, yet the ones they collect are pretty loyal.
The LDS are over 13 million strong and growing. The leaders do not exercise dominion over the members. The members are always encouraged to exercise their own agency in making decisions, to find out for themselves whether the doctrines be right or wrong. We rely upon revelation from the Holy Ghost, as a result of sincere prayer to the Father in the name of Christ.
Even though some of our doctrines might be considered fringe by the other sects, they are not what could be called incredible. In fact, they are quite logical and reasonable when seen from the eternal perspective. If any will open the eyes of their understanding and be willing to look at scripture from a different angle than they have been previously taught, they will see how perfectly everything fits together unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
We are The Church of Jesus Christ on the earth today. There is no cultishness about us at all.
Talk to members, not apostates.

Answer 5

Definition of cult;

1: formal religious veneration : worship

2: a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents

3: a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents

4: a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator

5 a: great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book); especially : such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad b: the object of such devotion c: a usually small group of people characterized by such devotion

All religions are cults... Even the ones that seem really cool!

Answer 6

To me personally, being called a "cult" has no influence or relevance to me. I do not really care what others call me. Call me anything you want, except "late for dinner."

In Christ's day, as is mentioned repeatedly in the New Testament, the Savior said that his followers would be persecuted for his name's sake. I see that happening, even here on Yahoo Answers.

It is irrelevant what others call or label my beliefs. As long as I have a witness from the Holy Ghost that I am following Christ's example, that is all that matters to me and my continuing adherence to my values and beliefs.

Answer 7

Usually when I think of a cult I think of people who are not allowed to associate with anyone outside of the group for fear of death. They usually live in compounds that are heavily guarded so nobody get in or out. Cult Members are not allowed to integrate into society. Their every move is heavily controlled. Typically Cult members are not allowed to leave the group- they face severe violence or even death if they do. If they step out of line or have problems again they face violent public punishments. I think this is how most people view a cult.

Those things simply don't happen in the LDS church. WE are members of society, we make our own choices. When someone is going through the repentance process, there is no public announcement of their sins, only the people they tell know. These things are kept private. People are allowed to leave the church usually it involves a letter to church headquarters, maybe a discussion with local priesthood leaders to make sure you understand what that means. People are even allowed to remain members but request zero contact from the church. There are many members who are the only member in their family. They can still associate with their non member family and friends.

But you know all of this- and yet you choose to ignore that and spread your lies.

Answer 8

I told you in my last answer to your question!
A cult is a secret society with few members. The mormon church however is the least bit secretive and has members all around the globe.

And what secret handshake are you talking about???

Answer 9

A cultist is the recipient of derogatory namecalling by an intolerant person. And by that definition, yes of course we're cultists.

EDIT: Exactly my point. Whatever you're intolerant of is a "cult". That way it's their fault, not yours. Convenient, eh?

Answer 10

A cult is just a religion without money or political support.