Mormonism, also known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a relatively new religious movement founded in the 1820s in upstate New York by Joseph Smith. He claimed to have received a vision from God directing him to restore the true Christian church by translating ancient writings into what is now known as The Book of Mormon. This additional scripture, according to Smith, was the key to restoring the primitive church established by Jesus.
Since its beginnings, Mormonism has grown rapidly but remained controversial. The church now claims over 16 million members worldwide, but many Christian groups do not consider Mormons to be Christians. Some go so far as to call Mormonism a cult due to significant differences in doctrine and practices compared to mainstream Christianity.
So is Mormonism properly defined as a cult from an evangelical Christian perspective? To answer this, we need to examine some key characteristics often used to identify cult groups and see how Mormonism compares.
Key Attributes of a Cult
There is no one universally agreed upon definition of a cult. However, researchers of new religious movements have identified some common attributes that help identify cult groups. These include:
- Authoritarian/Charismatic Leadership – Cults usually form around a dominating founder and leader who exercises complete authority and demands unquestioning obedience. The leader is often considered God’s spokesperson on earth or God himself.
- Exclusivism – Cults claim to have an exclusive grasp on the truth. There is no room for disagreement or alternate views. They believe they alone have the answers for the world’s problems.
- Isolationism – Cult groups tend to be elitist, secretive and overly protective of their beliefs. There are often major restrictions placed on contact with outsiders or even family members outside the group.
- Strict Control – Cults seek to control every aspect of members’ lives including finances, relationships, access to information, etc. Members are expected to conform fully to the group’s ideals.
- Opposition to Independent Thinking – Questions, doubt, and dissent are discouraged. Members are instructed not to trust their own reasoning or intuition if it contradicts the group’s teachings.
- Threats of Divine Disapproval – Guilt, shame, or threats of punishment from God or leaders are used to discourage members from leaving the group or disobeying their authority.
- Salvation by Works – Most cults teach that eternal salvation is gained through performing certain works, achieving an elite spiritual status, or serving the organization and its leaders.
Many scholars argue that groups that demonstrate a preponderance of these characteristics can be accurately described as a cult from a Christian perspective. So does Mormonism fit?
Does Mormonism Demonstrate Cult Characteristics?
When examining Mormon history and doctrine, there is evidence that it aligns with many of the attributes commonly associated with cult groups:
Authoritarian Leadership
Joseph Smith claimed to be a prophet of God tasked with restoring the true church. He produced new scripture, introduced radical new doctrines, and established himself as the sole leader of the movement. His pronouncements were to be accepted as commandments from God. Mormons uphold their prophets as God’s mouthpiece on earth and the ultimate authority over their lives.
“Follow the prophet, follow the prophet,
Follow the prophet; don’t go astray.
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet,
Follow the prophet; he knows the way.” (Children’s Song)
Exclusivity
Mormons claim to be the only true church and the only ones authorized by God to perform certain ordinances they believe are essential for salvation. Mormons hold firmly that any truth or spiritual enlightenment in other religions ultimately derives from their church. The Mormon Church presents itself as the lone authority and custodian of saving truths.
“This is not just another Church. This is not just one of a family of Christian churches. This is the Church and kingdom of God, the only true Church upon the face of the earth…” (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.164-165)
Isolationism
Mormons are instructed to avoid studying materials that contradict the church’s teachings. Support and community is found primarily within the church organization, even for non-religious activities. Contact with ex-members or outsiders who oppose their doctrines is strongly discouraged.
“We should disconnect, immediately and completely, from listening to the proselytizing efforts of those who have lost their faith, and instead reconnect promptly with the Holy Spirit.” (Apostle Jeffrey Holland, Ensign, Sept. 2013)
Strict Control
The church defines rules and standards for nearly every aspect of life – what Mormons wear, what they eat and drink, how they groom and dress, what media they consume, and even underclothing. Strict obedience to authority is demanded and conformity expected. Leaders perform personal interviews probing intimate details such as sexual thoughts, habits, and family dynamics.
“Perfect obedience produces perfect faith. When we are completely obedient, we are completely faithful.” (Elder Robert C. Oaks)
Opposition to Independent Thinking
Members are advised against entertaining doubt or scrutinizing the church’s claims. Thinking critically about the church is branded as apostasy and sin. Members are told to rely on spiritual confirmation from church leaders over logic and evidence.
“Research is not the answer…do not rely on the research of men” (Elder Neil Anderson, BYU Idaho Devotional)
Divine Disapproval and Conformity
Mormons who question or doubt the church’s teachings are made to feel unworthy, flawed, guilty, or under the influence of Satan. Fear of losing community, salvation, or even family is used to discourage dissent. Strict disciplinary procedures and disfellowship keep members in line.
“Doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith.” (Dieter Uchtdorf, General Conference)
Salvation by Works
In Mormonism, eternal life is attained only through faithfulness and obedience to church leaders and Mormon rules and rituals. The Mormon system is one of earning salvation through temple ordinances, serving in church offices, missionary service, and other religious deeds.
“It is our faithful keeping of the commandments that will secure our joy here and hereafter.” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, p. 292)
Based on examining Mormonism under the lens of cult-defining characteristics, there is a reasonably compelling case to be made that it fits the criteria from an evangelical Christian perspective.
What Does the Bible Say?
Scripture instructs us to be vigilant in testing all teachings against God’s Word (1 John 4:1). The Bible is our plumb line for evaluating truth claims and exposing counterfeit gospels (Galatians 1:8). Scripture also warns of false prophets and teachers who secretly introduce destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1). Based on key biblical criteria, Mormonism appears to follow an unsound, unorthodox theology.
Other Gods and Scripture
The Bible teaches there is only one true and living God (Isaiah 43:10), yet Mormonism claims multiple Gods. Scripture affirms the sufficiency and supremacy of the Bible as our authority (2 Timothy 3:16), yet Mormons claim other scriptures and prophets. These core discrepancies clearly contradict biblical doctrine.
The Person and Work of Jesus
Mormons reject foundational biblical tenets regarding the person and work of Jesus Christ. They deny original sin, teach Jesus and Lucifer were spirit brothers, promote works-based salvation, and believe Jesus is a separate god from the Father. This strays widely from orthodox, historical Christianity grounded in the Bible.
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” (Galatians 1:8)
False Prophecies
Deuteronomy 18 lays out strict criteria for testing a prophet’s legitimacy – 100% accuracy is required. Yet early Mormon prophets made several predictions that did not come to pass, exposing them as false prophets (Deuteronomy 18:20–22). The Bible implores believers to reject false prophets and their teachings, no matter how appealing.
“By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:20)
Scripture makes it clear that the foundational doctrines of Mormonism directly conflict with the truths revealed in God’s Word. Thus, classifying it as a cult from an evangelical Christian perspective is reasonable based on biblical analysis.
A Cult of Christianity
Given its veneration of Joseph Smith, use of additional scriptures, radically divergent Christology, works-based soteriology, and controlling authoritarian structure, Mormonism aligns with accepted definitions of a theological cult group. However, it is important to note that Mormonism identifies itself as a Christian movement. This distinguishes it from cults completely outside of Christianity.
Many theologians describe Mormonism as a “cult of Christianity” – meaning that while claiming to be Christian, it actually strays outside the boundaries of historic Christian orthodoxy into doctrinal falsehoods, just as biblical warnings predicted would happen.
“For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you.” (Jude 1:4)
Speaking the Truth in Love
Christians should avoid being sensationalist or inflammatory when describing cult groups. However, calling a spade a spade and contending for sound doctrine does not equate to being unloving (Jude 1:3). Members of groups like Mormonism are often sincere, moral people who love God. We should be willing to have gentle, humble dialogue while standing firm on biblical truth and pray for their salvation.
In the end, Mormons deserve hearing a gracious gospel witness rooted in Scripture. Christians should defend the essentials of the historic Christian faith while exposing the falsehoods of Mormonism. We must speak the truth – but always in a spirit of love, patience and grace toward the lost.