WHAT IS A CULT? Mormons
Don Veinot wrote this synopsis of What is a Cult for Campus Life Magazine. Don is president of Midwest Christian Outreach (MCO)-- an organization that provides resources and seminars on detecting cults and on defending you Christian faith. For more information see www.midwestoutreach.org or call (630) 627-9028
I asked Don if I could use his synopsis and show examples of what the cults believe and teach. You may be surprised! (Used by Permission)
While the specifics vary from group to group, here are some general characteristics of religious cults that distinguish them from being genuine Christian beliefs:
All-knowing leadership-An individual or group of people claims to be sent by God to "rule" the one true religion-- which only includes members of that particular cult.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Mormon church started in 1820 by Joseph Smith after his claims that God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. He claimed further revelation and appearances from an angel named Moroni. Smith also claims that John the Baptist appeared and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood. Thus the Mormon church claims to be the true church and have the only God given authority to perform baptism, (very important to the Mormon church) temple marriage and sealing along with other church governing procedures.
No room for difference-Cult members must believe exactly the same way and in exactly the same things; there is no room for disagreeing with the cult's rules and doctrines.
The Mormon church has Articles of Faith that all members are required to adhere to. The prospective member must go through a series of lessons and meetings before he or she can be baptized and confirmed.
If a member stops attending the Mormon church for a time, it is called disengagement. It is estimated that about 75% of lifelong members will disengage for a year or more.
The Mormon church appoints Bishops to judge and discipline their members. Those found to be "hostile apostates" and "unrepentant predators" along with criminals may be excommunicated.
Down on Christian doctrines-Cults often depict basic Christian doctrines and beliefs (like trinity, deity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith) as "full of holes" and completely illogical.
The Mormon church teaches that God the Father is the One true God. Jesus is the Son of God and our Brother and the Holy Spirit is a spirit son of God. Active Mormons have the chance to become a god too. They include three extra books in their canon and claim to be the true church by divine revelation.
A new and better way-Cults often claim they've been given a "special revelation" from God that's superior to the Bible, or explains what the Bible is REALLY trying to say.
Anytime an organization adds books to the Bible, you have a cult. In the case of the Mormons it the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. The Mormons cannot prove their theology without adding the additional books. Joseph Smith claimed appearances and revelation by God the Father, Jesus Christ, John the Baptist and an angel named Moroni.
Scriptures get an added twist-Bible verses are often taken out of context or twisted to mean something very different from what was originally intended.
Some Mormon Scripture Twisting:
Ecclesiastes 12:7, John 9:2-3, Acts 17:29 to try to prove that we existed as spirits in the presence of God before our birth.
Genesis 14:18 to establish the Melchizedek Priesthood and through a little twisting, claim that it was reestablished and given to Smith. This twisting gives the LDS complete authority as the true church.
Hebrews 1:2; 3:1, Mark 9:37; John 8:16-19 to reestablish the 12 apostles, apparently ignoring the criteria set in the Acts 1:22.
Genesis 3:22, Psalm 82:6, Matthew 5:48 1, John 3:2, to teach that we will become gods, and that Jesus had to attain His Deity. They don't like what Psalm 82:7 says about that.
John 3:1-5 to prove that baptism is necessary for salvation.
Numbers 16:22, Romans 8:16-18, Hebrews 12:9 to suggest that God the father is married, and we have a "heavenly mother".
"Christians are wrong"-cult members believe that God has given their group the job of pointing out "heretical and evil" teachings of Christianity.
Mormon claim appearances and revelations by God the Father, Jesus Christ, John the Baptist and angels. They use three additional books added to the Bible ignoring Proverbs 30:5-6.
Works prove faith-Cult members often claim their good works are superior to those performed by Christians, and they say their works prove their religion is the one-and-only truth.
Although the Mormons will deny that works are necessary for Celestial Kingdom salvation, anything less is considered damnation. Listed are the steps to Celestial Kingdom salvation:
1. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Repentance
3. Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. They will tell your outright that "Jesus taught that baptism is necessary for salvation".
4. Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. Endure to the end. (Following all the Mormon rules, tithing)
Salvation is a big unknown-Since cults often teach that salvation is based on performance, cult members can never know if they've done everything necessary to get to heaven.
The Mormon church teaches three levels of heaven: Celestial Kingdom, Terrestrial Kingdom, and Telestial Kingdom. Celestial is tops and only for Mormons, Terrestrial is for the average good person and Telestial for the murders, thieves, etc. The Mormon has expectations to keep up with while active in the church. Any slip ups can cause a less glorious paradise. There is no absolute assurance of paradise. However, they will tell you that Joseph Smith taught that David is in hell for his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah.
No exit-Leaving the cult is not an option, and intimidation if often used to keep cult members from even thinking about getting out.
It is not easy to voluntarily leave the Mormon church. Those leaving are believed to be headed to eternal damnation. One ex member filed a lawsuit against the church so he could voluntarily leave. The Mormon church also filed a lawsuit against a Christian ministry for showing people how to remove their names from church membership. Ex members are shunned by family, friends, church members and even Mormon employers.
There's more! What's with the Dudes at the Door? by Kevin Johnson and James White (Bethany house) is packed with information and details about various popular cults. Look for it at your local Christian book store, or purchase online at amazon.com
Jehovah's Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe?
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