Are We A Cult?

As Mormons we are often, even now, accused of being a cult. But what does that even mean? Here's the Merriam-Websters definition of the word:

: a small religious group that is not part of a larger and more accepted religion and that has beliefs regarded by many people as extreme or dangerous

: a situation in which people admire and care about something or someone very much or too much

: a small group of very devoted supporters or fans

Full Definition

1:formal religious veneration :worship2:a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also  :its body of adherents
Typically cults venerate and worship their leaders and the way in which some LDS members praise the Apostles and Prophets seems to blur the line between a religion and a cult.But I see the use of the term cult aimed at LDS members as being rather vague and ambiguous. Because to an atheist all religious practices and beliefs are strange and cultish.So how can we properly differentiate between groups like the Heavens Gate Cult or the Jonesboro group and us?By the definition I don't believe we can. I think we need to redefine an incredibly vague word. Because as I see it we aren't accused of being a cult for any other reason than to slander, smear and marginalized us.But we can never win the hearts and minds of everyone. Some will marginalized us regardless of what we say or do.Jesus spoke about preaching to those who will smear and twist whatever light and knowledge you wish to share:"Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you." Matthew 7:6And Jesus told us we are to love our enemies and pray for those who curse us.He also had something to say about being persecuted for our faith.

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." Matthew 5:11-13

One could argue that if we focused more on what Christ taught than on manual after manual after magazine article after news article on what modern prophets have taught that we would be without the accusations of being a cult.

But this I think is untrue. Joseph Smith preached almost exclusively using the Bible and was still persecuted for what differences there were in His interpretation of scripture. So I feel based on that as well as my own experience that if we are to ever be accepted by Christendom as a whole then we must be upfront about our differences but especially the similarities.

The Pope invited Henry B. Eyring as an LDS representative for an interfaith summit at the Vatican. The Pope's awesomeness aside, he sees that we follow Christ as best we can and as best as we understand His message. Which is all that can be asked of anyone regardless of which church they go to.

In time others may see that as well.But that will be on them, not us. 

All we can do is to love others as we are loved by Christ and remember that Christ loves our enemies as much as He loves us and our loved ones.

One bit of scripture that has been used to defame the LDS church and all other restoration groups is found in Matthew 7.

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:15-23

Jesus is saying that His true disciples will be known by their fruits or in other words their works and words. The founding principle of Jesus' teachings is love of God and all His children. If we love one another as Jesus loves us we are fufilling His message.

My point is not the every Mormon or Community of Christ or any other restoration church is a disciple of Christ; my point is that any one of us can be if we show our love of God by loving His children and taking care of His creation.

Thinking that going to the "right" church is what makes you a Christian is like thinking that standing in a garage is what makes you a car.

And I'm not say Catholics and Protestants are not true disciples as John tells us what defines a disciple of Christ is the love we have for one another.

Anyone is capable of being a disciple. Our beliefs don't make us better people, our behavior does.

And maligning others because they belong to a different church is not a Christlike trait or teaching.

It is velvet rope Christianity or keeping some believers in a VIP section and leaving others out in the rain because they believe differently.

All sides and groups do this from time to time. It is a human weakness not a Christlike strength.

So what about the word cult? According to many evangelicals we are a cult but according to some atheists everyone of faith, every church is a cult. The definition is so vague I'd say it's deciding factor is in the eye of the beholder.