Health & Fitness
Is Mormonism a Cult?
Ever since Rev. Robert Jeffress, stated that "Mormonism is a cult", he have been lambasted by the press and was charged by Mitt Romney as using, "poisonous language". So is it a cult?
In asking, "Is Mormonism a cult?" we should first define what we mean by a "cult." The on-line dictionary first defines cult as: "A particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies." That definition can and does apply to all religions including Mormonism. But obviously that is not the definition that is the problem.
I think most people who hear the word 'cult' think of the third definition given by the World English definition: "A quasi-religious organization using devious psychological techniques to gain and control adherents." This may apply to Jim Jones and his "Peoples Temple" and mass suicide in Guyana in 1978, but I don't believe this applies to Mormons. Some may question their "devotion" to their living Prophet, but Mormons I have met seem level-headed, warm and friendly. But I think most people probably felt this was what Jeffress meant.
Webster's dictionary defines 'cult' as: "A religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious." This is the definition which, I believe, applies to Mormonism. It's teachings are very unorthodx to Christianity in many areas, chiefly in Theology Proper (God), Salvation, and source of authority.
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To be continued...