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2021-05-12T18:56:57Z

AmberRothamer: /* God and the Godhead */

{{Articles FAIR copyright}}

<div class="row">
<div class="col-4">
====Scriptures====
* [[Latter-day Saint scripture|Latter-day Saint Scripture]]
* [[Mormonism and the Bible|Mormonism and the Holy Bible]]
* [[Book of Mormon|Book of Mormon]]
* [[Doctrine and Covenants|Doctrine and Covenants]]
* Pearl of Great Price
** [[Book of Abraham|Book of Abraham]]
** [[Book of Moses|Book of Moses]]
** [[Articles of Faith|Articles of Faith]]
** [[First Vision|Joseph Smith History]]


====Non-canonical works====
* [[Lectures on Faith|Lectures on Faith]]
* [[Journal of Discourses|Journal of Discourses]]

====God and the Godhead====
* [[Latter-day Saint doctrine and the nature of God|God and the nature of God]]
* [[Jesus Christ|Jesus Christ]]
* [[Holy Ghost|Holy Ghost]]

====Joseph Smith====
* [[Joseph Smith|Joseph Smith]]
* [[Moroni's visit|Moroni's visit]]
* [[Joseph Smith's First Vision|First Vision]]
* [[Joseph Smith/Polygamy|Joseph Smith and polygamy]]

====Doctrine and priesthood====
* [[Apostasy|Apostasy]]
* [[Mormonism and agency|Mormonism and agency]]
* [[Mormonism and Christianity|Mormonism and Christianity]]
* [[Mormonism and doctrine|Mormonism and doctrine]]
* [[Mormon teachings|Mormon teachings]]
* [[Mormon ordinances|Mormon ordinances]]
* [[Mormonism and priesthood|Mormonism and priesthood]]
* [[Mormonism and prophets|Mormonism and prophets]]
* [[The Mormon understanding of Satan|Mormon understanding of Satan]]
* [[Word of Wisdom|Word of Wisdom]]
* [[Mormon view of the creation]]
* [[Testimony of the gospel|Testimony of the gospel]]
</div>
<div class="col-4">

====Temples====
* [[Mormonism and temples|Mormonism and temples]]
* [[Plan of salvation|Plan of salvation]]
* [[Mormonism and Freemasonry|Freemasonry]]
* [[Marriage|Marriage]]

====History====
* [[Mormonism and history|Mormonism and history]]
**[[Mormonism and history/Gospel Topics essays|Gospel Topics essays]]
* [[Brigham Young|Brigham Young]]
* [[Emma Smith|Emma Smith]]
* [[Lucy Mack Smith|Lucy Mack Smith]]
* [[City of Nauvoo|Nauvoo period]]
* [[Utah|Utah period]]
* [[Mormon Reformation|Mormon Reformation]]
* [[Forgeries related to Mormonism|Forgeries related to Mormonism]]

====Polygamy====
* [[Mormonism and polygamy|Mormonism and polygamy]]
* [[Joseph Smith/Polygamy|Joseph Smith and polygamy]]
* [[Polygamy book|Book draft chapters on polygamy]]

====Social and cultural issues====
* [[Mormonism and the internet|Mormonism and the internet]]
* [[Mormonism and culture|Mormonism and culture]]
* [[Mormonism and other religions|Mormonism and other religions]]
* [[Mormonism and church finances|Mormonism and church finances]]
* [[Mormonism and education|Mormonism and education]]
*[[Mormonism and government|Mormonism and government]]
* [[Mormonism and gender issues]]
** [[Mormonism and gender issues/Women|Women]]
** [[Mormonism and gender issues/Same-sex attraction|Homosexuality and same-sex attraction]]
* [[Mormonism and politics|Mormonism and politics]]
* [[Mormonism and racial issues|Mormonism and racial issues]]
* [[Mormonism and science|Mormonism and science]]
* [[Utah]]
** [[Utah/Statistical claims|Statistical claims regarding Utah]]
</div>
<div class="col-4">
====Criticism of Mormonism====
* [[Mormon responses to atheism|Mormon responses to atheism]]
* [[Mormonism and persecution|Mormonism and persecution]]
* [[Mormonism and church integrity|Mormonism and church integrity]]
* [[Mormonism and Church discipline|Mormonism and Church discipline]]
* [[Mormonism and apologetics]]
* [[Mormon Gnosticism]]
* [[Quote mining|Quote Mining by Critics of Mormonism]]

====Specific critical works====
* [[Website reviews|Website reviews]]
* [[Mormonism and Wikipedia|Mormonism and Wikipedia]]
* [[Mormonism and popular media|Mormonism and popular media]]
* [[Countercult ministries|Countercult ministries]]
* [[Evangelical witnessing to Mormons|Evangelical witnessing to Mormons]]
* [[Criticism of Mormonism/Books|Books critical of Mormonism]]
* [[Criticism of Mormonism/Video|Videos and films critical of Mormonism]]

====Structure of the Church====
*[[Mormonism and church organization]]
*[[Mormonism and church leadership]]

====Other====
* [[Introduction to apologetics|Introduction to apologetics]]
* [[FairMormon Study Aids]]
* [[Mormon urban legends or folklore|Mormon urban legends or folklore]]
* [[Non-existent quotes|Non-existent quotes]]
* [[Primary sources|Primary sources]]
** [[Journal_of_Discourses|Journal of Discourses]]
**[[The Evening and the Morning Star]]
**[[Messenger and Advocate]]
**[[Elder's Journal|Elder's Journal]]
**[[Times and Seasons]]
* [[Logical_fallacies|Logical fallacies]]
*[[Firesides|Firesides]]
* [[FAIR Errata|FairMormon Errata]]
</div>
</div>

<div class="color-subdued font-smaller">
[[Special:AllPages|View an alphabetical list of all articles]]
</div>


[[de:Hauptseite]]
[[en:Main Page]]
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[[fi:Etusivu]]
[[fr:Accueil]]
[[it:Pagina principale]]
[[pt:Página principal]]

Mormonism and the nature of God

2021-05-12T18:52:30Z

AmberRothamer:

{{FairMormon}}
<onlyinclude>
{{H1
|L=Latter-day Saint doctrines and the nature of God
|H=Latter-day Saint doctrines and the Nature of God
|S=
|L1=Latter-day Saint beliefs regarding the characteristics of God
|L2=Early teachings about God in the Book of Mormon, from Joseph Smith, and among Church members
|L3=Latter-day Saint belief in the deification of Man
|L4=Latter-day Saint views of the Trinity
|L5=Theodicy: The Problem of Evil
|L6=How Latter-day Saints worship God
|L7=Latter-day Saint doctrines and the multiplicity of gods
|L8=Man's interaction with God
|L9=Latter-day Saint belief in a female divine "Heavenly Mother"
}}
{{:Latter-day Saint doctrines and the nature of God/Characteristics of God}}
{{:Latter-day Saint doctrines and the nature of God/Early teachings}}
{{:Latter-day Saint doctrines and the nature of God/Deification of man}}
{{:Latter-day Saint doctrines and the nature of God/Trinity}}
{{:Latter-day Saint doctrines and the nature of God/Theodicy}}
{{:Latter-day Saint doctrines and the nature of God/Worship of God}}
{{:Latter-day Saint doctrines and the nature of God/Multiplicity of Gods}}
{{:Latter-day Saint doctrines and the nature of God/Interaction with God}}
{{:Latter-day Saint doctrines and the nature of God/Heavenly Mother}}
</onlyinclude>
{{endnotes sources}}


[[de:Mormonismus und die Natur Gottes]]
[[es:El Mormonismo y la naturaleza de Dios]]
[[pt:Mormonismo e da natureza de Deus]]

Question: Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "cult"?

2021-05-04T21:59:02Z

AmberRothamer: /* Question: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "Cult"? */

{{FairMormon}}
<onlyinclude>
==Question: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "cult"?==
===Modern Definitions===

[[Image:Cult protest 1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|An anti-Mormon protester at Temple Square during the April 2003 LDS General Conference.]]
Dictionary.com defines cult as:

- ''a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies.''

- ''an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, especially as manifested by a body of admirers:
the object of such devotion.''

- ''a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.'' <ref> https://www.dictionary.com/browse/cult?s=t</ref>

By modern definitions, the term cult encompasses a group of people sharing the same belief, as well as that of worship; or forms of ceremony. In the past, the word cult held a derogatory connotation by common language speakers. Thus, because the Jews revere Moses, Lutherans revere Martin Luther, Seventh-day Adventists are devoted to the teachings of Ellen G. White, and Christians revere Jesus Christ, all these groups could be considered "cults" by this definition. However, it would seem that even historical usage of the word may have been incorrect.

===Historical Usage===

[[Image:Ask about mormon cult.jpg|left|thumb|200 px|An anti-Mormon protester at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.]]

The word “cult” as some speakers have used the term with reference to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka “Mormons”) may be understood as more of an opinionated label implying a dislike, misunderstanding, or disagreement with particular religious practices or ideas.

For example, when early Christians were unpopular, uncommon, and powerless they too were labeled as a cult. However, when they later came into common practice and acceptance, they in turn began applying the same label in return to religions with whom they disagreed.

The advantage of common speakers or those opposed to a particular religious sect or idea using the term "cult", is that it tends to have a negative connotation. When the general public hears the term "cult," they do not simply think, "religious group devoted to some person or ideal." Nor, usually, do they think, "religion that has deviated from the beliefs of a parent religion." To many, a "cult" implies a fanatical, probably dangerous, religious group—and it is this image which critics seek to exploit. This is primarily because The term cult as it is sometimes used, often suggests extreme beliefs and bizarre behavior.

===Conclusion===

By definition, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a “cult” because it is a specific system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and concepts deity and because it is a sect of Christianity devoted to such a system. The same conclusion can be drawn to any other Christian faith as well as many non-Christian ones. Is the Church a “cult” with regards to extreme beliefs and bizarre behavior? As an organizational whole, no. But extremism tends to exist within many facets of belief.

<blockquote>
This new Jewish-Christian party in the eyes of the religious leaders of the time was, at the worst, simply regarded as guilty of ''minuth'' (cultism), namely, a variety of Jewish heresy, or rather, Jewish sectarianism...early passages in the Talmud still contain hostile references to the ''minim'' (cults), among whom were numbered the Jewish Christians... <ref>Herbert Danbys, "The Jew and Christianity," p. 8.</ref>
</blockquote>

Pliny, an early Roman leader also said that Christians were a “superstition, a foreign
cult,” and this characterization was re-iterated by two more Roman writers, Tacitus, and Suetonius. Tacitus explained the attacks on Christians as being due to their 'cult' status, and also because “of their hatred toward mankind”. Tacitus also said that they were “an enemy to mankind”, and a “deadly superstition”. Suetonius called the Christians a “mischievous superstition” or, in other words, a cult. <ref>Robert Louis Wilken, ''The Christians as the Romans Saw Them'' (Yale University Press; 2nd edition, 2003), 22, 49–50, 66. ISBN 0300098391.</ref>

Families sometimes worry when a family member shows an interest in the Church. This worry can stem from fear of indoctrination which could lead to extremism. They can be reassured that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints puts a high value on maintaining and strengthening family relationships. The Church will not baptize children or youth under the age of eighteen without their parents' permission.

</onlyinclude>
{{endnotes sources}}
[[Category:One Nation Under Gods]]

Question: Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "cult"?

2021-05-04T21:54:27Z

AmberRothamer: /* Question: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "Cult"? */

{{FairMormon}}
<onlyinclude>
==Question: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "Cult"?==
===Modern Definitions===

[[Image:Cult protest 1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|An anti-Mormon protester at Temple Square during the April 2003 LDS General Conference.]]
Dictionary.com defines cult as:

- ''a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies.''

- ''an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, especially as manifested by a body of admirers:
the object of such devotion.''

- ''a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.'' <ref> https://www.dictionary.com/browse/cult?s=t</ref>

By modern definitions, the term cult encompasses a group of people sharing the same belief, as well as that of worship; or forms of ceremony. In the past, the word cult held a derogatory connotation by common language speakers. Thus, because the Jews revere Moses, Lutherans revere Martin Luther, Seventh-day Adventists are devoted to the teachings of Ellen G. White, and Christians revere Jesus Christ, all these groups could be considered "cults" by this definition. However, it would seem that even historical usage of the word may have been incorrect.

===Historical Usage===

[[Image:Ask about mormon cult.jpg|left|thumb|200 px|An anti-Mormon protester at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.]]

The word “cult” as some speakers have used the term with reference to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka “Mormons”) may be understood as more of an opinionated label implying a dislike, misunderstanding, or disagreement with particular religious practices or ideas.

For example, when early Christians were unpopular, uncommon, and powerless they too were labeled as a cult. However, when they later came into common practice and acceptance, they in turn began applying the same label in return to religions with whom they disagreed.

The advantage of common speakers or those opposed to a particular religious sect or idea using the term "cult", is that it tends to have a negative connotation. When the general public hears the term "cult," they do not simply think, "religious group devoted to some person or ideal." Nor, usually, do they think, "religion that has deviated from the beliefs of a parent religion." To many, a "cult" implies a fanatical, probably dangerous, religious group—and it is this image which critics seek to exploit. This is primarily because The term cult as it is sometimes used, often suggests extreme beliefs and bizarre behavior.

===Conclusion===

By definition, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a “cult” because it is a specific system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and concepts deity and because it is a sect of Christianity devoted to such a system. The same conclusion can be drawn to any other Christian faith as well as many non-Christian ones. Is the Church a “cult” with regards to extreme beliefs and bizarre behavior? As an organizational whole, no. But extremism tends to exist within many facets of belief.

<blockquote>
This new Jewish-Christian party in the eyes of the religious leaders of the time was, at the worst, simply regarded as guilty of ''minuth'' (cultism), namely, a variety of Jewish heresy, or rather, Jewish sectarianism...early passages in the Talmud still contain hostile references to the ''minim'' (cults), among whom were numbered the Jewish Christians... <ref>Herbert Danbys, "The Jew and Christianity," p. 8.</ref>
</blockquote>

Pliny, an early Roman leader also said that Christians were a “superstition, a foreign
cult,” and this characterization was re-iterated by two more Roman writers, Tacitus, and Suetonius. Tacitus explained the attacks on Christians as being due to their 'cult' status, and also because “of their hatred toward mankind”. Tacitus also said that they were “an enemy to mankind”, and a “deadly superstition”. Suetonius called the Christians a “mischievous superstition” or, in other words, a cult. <ref>Robert Louis Wilken, ''The Christians as the Romans Saw Them'' (Yale University Press; 2nd edition, 2003), 22, 49–50, 66. ISBN 0300098391.</ref>

Families sometimes worry when a family member shows an interest in the Church. This worry can stem from fear of indoctrination which could lead to extremism. They can be reassured that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints puts a high value on maintaining and strengthening family relationships. The Church will not baptize children or youth under the age of eighteen without their parents' permission.

</onlyinclude>
{{endnotes sources}}
[[Category:One Nation Under Gods]]

Question: Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "cult"?

2021-05-04T21:34:04Z

AmberRothamer: /* Question: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "Cult"? */

{{FairMormon}}
<onlyinclude>
==Question: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "Cult"?==
===Modern Definitions===

[[Image:Cult protest 1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|An anti-Mormon protester at Temple Square during the April 2003 LDS General Conference.]]
Dictionary.com defines cult as
a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies.
an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, especially as manifested by a body of admirers:
the object of such devotion.
a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.

By modern definitions, the term cult encompasses a group of people sharing the same belief, as well as that of worship; or forms of ceremony. In the past, the word cult held a derogatory connotation by common language speakers. Thus, because the Jews revere Moses, Lutherans revere Martin Luther, Seventh-day Adventists are devoted to the teachings of Ellen G. White, and Christians revere Jesus Christ, all these groups could be considered "cults" by this definition. However, it would seem that even historical usage of the word may have been incorrect.

===Historical Usage===

[[Image:Ask about mormon cult.jpg|left|thumb|200 px|An anti-Mormon protester at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.]]

The word “cult” as some speakers have used the term with reference to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka “Mormons”) may be understood as more of an opinionated label implying a dislike, misunderstanding, or disagreement with particular religious practices or ideas.

For example, when early Christians were unpopular, uncommon, and powerless they too were labeled as a cult. However, when they later came into common practice and acceptance, they in turn began applying the same label in return to religions with whom they disagreed.

The advantage of common speakers or those opposed to a particular religious sect or idea using the term "cult", is that it tends to have a negative connotation. When the general public hears the term "cult," they do not simply think, "religious group devoted to some person or ideal." Nor, usually, do they think, "religion that has deviated from the beliefs of a parent religion." To many, a "cult" implies a fanatical, probably dangerous, religious group—and it is this image which critics seek to exploit. This is primarily because The term cult as it is sometimes used, often suggests extreme beliefs and bizarre behavior.

===Clearly, such linguistic games become rather pointless===

It should not surprise us that the Church is so labeled—new religious groups, when considered 'strange' or 'heretical', and still in the minority, have often been labeled as "cults" to keep people away from them, or to justify poor treatment of them. Unsurprisingly, the early Christians had the same experience:

<blockquote>
This new Jewish-Christian party in the eyes of the religious leaders of the time was, at the worst, simply regarded as guilty of ''minuth'' (cultism), namely, a variety of Jewish heresy, or rather, Jewish sectarianism...early passages in the Talmud still contain hostile references to the ''minim'' (cults), among whom were numbered the Jewish Christians... <ref>Herbert Danbys, "The Jew and Christianity," p. 8.</ref>
</blockquote>

Pliny, an early Roman leader also said that Christians were a “superstition, a foreign
cult,” and this characterization was re-iterated by two more Roman writers, Tacitus, and Suetonius. Tacitus explained the attacks on Christians as being due to their 'cult' status, and also because “of their hatred toward mankind”. Tacitus also said that they were “an enemy to mankind”, and a “deadly superstition”. Suetonius called the Christians a “mischievous superstition” or, in other words, a cult. <ref>Robert Louis Wilken, ''The Christians as the Romans Saw Them'' (Yale University Press; 2nd edition, 2003), 22, 49–50, 66. ISBN 0300098391.</ref>

Families sometimes worry when a family member shows an interest in the Church. They can be reassured that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints puts a high value on maintaining and strengthening family relationships. The Church will not baptize children or youth under the age of eighteen without their parents' permission.
</onlyinclude>
{{endnotes sources}}
[[Category:One Nation Under Gods]]

Question: Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "cult"?

2021-05-04T21:33:09Z

AmberRothamer: /* Question: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "Cult"? */

{{FairMormon}}
<onlyinclude>
==Question: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "Cult"?==
===Modern Definitions===

[[Image:Cult protest 1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|An anti-Mormon protester at Temple Square during the April 2003 LDS General Conference.]]
Dictionary.com defines cult as
a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies.
an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, especially as manifested by a body of admirers:
the object of such devotion.
a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.

By modern definitions, the term cult encompasses a group of people sharing the same belief, as well as that of worship; or forms of ceremony. In the past, the word cult held a derogatory connotation by common language speakers. Thus, because the Jews revere Moses, Lutherans revere Martin Luther, Seventh-day Adventists are devoted to the teachings of Ellen G. White, and Christians revere Jesus Christ, all these groups could be considered "cults" by this definition. However, it would seem that even historical usage of the word may have been incorrect.

===Historical Usage===

[[Image:Ask about mormon cult.jpg|left|thumb|200 px|An anti-Mormon protester at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.]]

So, because the Jews revere Moses, Lutherans revere Martin Luther, Seventh-day Adventists are devoted to the teachings of Ellen G. White, and Christians reverence Jesus Christ, all these groups could be considered "cults" by this definition.

Alan Gomes, who teaches at BIOLA University’s Talbot school of Theology and applies the label to Mormons, among others, admits that “our English word ''cult'' comes from the Latin word ''cultus'', which is a form of the verb ''colere'', meaning ‘to worship or give reverence to a deity.” <ref>{{CriticalWork:Gomes:Unmasking the Cults|pages=7}} {{ia}}</ref>

Yet, this is not simply what sectarian critics of the Church mean when they call it a "cult." Gomes writes that his "preferred definition" of cult is "a group that deviates doctrinally from a ''parent'' or ''host'' religion; that is, cults grow out of and deviate from a previously established religion." <ref>''Ibid.''</ref>

But, if Gomes wishes to adopt this definition, would he be content to call Christianity "a Jewish cult"? Christianity certainly grew out of Judaism, and it certainly deviates doctrinally from Judaism. Is Gomes content to label his own faith "a cult"? One suspects not.

The advantage of the term "cult," for critics, is that it has a negative connotation. When the public hears the term "cult," they do not simply think, "religious group devoted to some person or ideal." Nor, usually, do they think, "religion that has deviated from the beliefs of a parent religion." A "cult" implies a fanatical, probably dangerous, religious group—and it is this image which critics seek to exploit. Hence Gomes' desire, for example, to "unmask" cults (who must have something to hide) and the necessity of a chapter on "Keeping People Out of Cults."

If the "cult" is a Jewish cult (i.e. Christianity) then presumably Gomes would not want to keep them out. Thus, "cult" is clearly intended to communicate something additional.

Gomes also insists there are other criteria for being "a cult," such as "den[ying] (either explicitly or implicitly) one or more of the central doctrines of the Christian faith." <ref>''Ibid.'', 10.</ref> Gomes considers these to include "the Trinity," yet this creates problems for his definition, since the first century Christians clearly had no doctrine of [[Godhead_and_the_Trinity|creedal Trinitarianism]] as Gomes' present denomination does. By Gomes' definition, ''he'' would then be part of a Christian cult, since he's altered the doctrines of the "parent" religion, early Christianity.

===Clearly, such linguistic games become rather pointless===

It should not surprise us that the Church is so labeled—new religious groups, when considered 'strange' or 'heretical', and still in the minority, have often been labeled as "cults" to keep people away from them, or to justify poor treatment of them. Unsurprisingly, the early Christians had the same experience:

<blockquote>
This new Jewish-Christian party in the eyes of the religious leaders of the time was, at the worst, simply regarded as guilty of ''minuth'' (cultism), namely, a variety of Jewish heresy, or rather, Jewish sectarianism...early passages in the Talmud still contain hostile references to the ''minim'' (cults), among whom were numbered the Jewish Christians... <ref>Herbert Danbys, "The Jew and Christianity," p. 8.</ref>
</blockquote>

Pliny, an early Roman leader also said that Christians were a “superstition, a foreign
cult,” and this characterization was re-iterated by two more Roman writers, Tacitus, and Suetonius. Tacitus explained the attacks on Christians as being due to their 'cult' status, and also because “of their hatred toward mankind”. Tacitus also said that they were “an enemy to mankind”, and a “deadly superstition”. Suetonius called the Christians a “mischievous superstition” or, in other words, a cult. <ref>Robert Louis Wilken, ''The Christians as the Romans Saw Them'' (Yale University Press; 2nd edition, 2003), 22, 49–50, 66. ISBN 0300098391.</ref>

Families sometimes worry when a family member shows an interest in the Church. They can be reassured that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints puts a high value on maintaining and strengthening family relationships. The Church will not baptize children or youth under the age of eighteen without their parents' permission.
</onlyinclude>
{{endnotes sources}}
[[Category:One Nation Under Gods]]

Question: Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "cult"?

2021-05-04T21:31:05Z

AmberRothamer: /* Question: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "Cult"? */

{{FairMormon}}
<onlyinclude>
==Question: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "Cult"?==
===Modern Definitions===

[[Image:Cult protest 1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|An anti-Mormon protester at Temple Square during the April 2003 LDS General Conference.]]
Dictionary.com defines cult as
a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies.
an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, especially as manifested by a body of admirers:
the object of such devotion.
a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.

By modern definitions, the term cult encompasses a group of people sharing the same belief, as well as that of worship; or forms of ceremony. In the past, the word cult held a derogatory connotation by common language speakers. Thus, because the Jews revere Moses, Lutherans revere Martin Luther, Seventh-day Adventists are devoted to the teachings of Ellen G. White, and Christians revere Jesus Christ, all these groups could be considered "cults" by this definition. However, it would seem that even historical usage of the word may have been incorrect.

[[Image:Ask about mormon cult.jpg|left|thumb|200 px|An anti-Mormon protester at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.]]

===Historical Usage===

So, because the Jews revere Moses, Lutherans revere Martin Luther, Seventh-day Adventists are devoted to the teachings of Ellen G. White, and Christians reverence Jesus Christ, all these groups could be considered "cults" by this definition.

Alan Gomes, who teaches at BIOLA University’s Talbot school of Theology and applies the label to Mormons, among others, admits that “our English word ''cult'' comes from the Latin word ''cultus'', which is a form of the verb ''colere'', meaning ‘to worship or give reverence to a deity.” <ref>{{CriticalWork:Gomes:Unmasking the Cults|pages=7}} {{ia}}</ref>

Yet, this is not simply what sectarian critics of the Church mean when they call it a "cult." Gomes writes that his "preferred definition" of cult is "a group that deviates doctrinally from a ''parent'' or ''host'' religion; that is, cults grow out of and deviate from a previously established religion." <ref>''Ibid.''</ref>

But, if Gomes wishes to adopt this definition, would he be content to call Christianity "a Jewish cult"? Christianity certainly grew out of Judaism, and it certainly deviates doctrinally from Judaism. Is Gomes content to label his own faith "a cult"? One suspects not.

The advantage of the term "cult," for critics, is that it has a negative connotation. When the public hears the term "cult," they do not simply think, "religious group devoted to some person or ideal." Nor, usually, do they think, "religion that has deviated from the beliefs of a parent religion." A "cult" implies a fanatical, probably dangerous, religious group—and it is this image which critics seek to exploit. Hence Gomes' desire, for example, to "unmask" cults (who must have something to hide) and the necessity of a chapter on "Keeping People Out of Cults."

If the "cult" is a Jewish cult (i.e. Christianity) then presumably Gomes would not want to keep them out. Thus, "cult" is clearly intended to communicate something additional.

Gomes also insists there are other criteria for being "a cult," such as "den[ying] (either explicitly or implicitly) one or more of the central doctrines of the Christian faith." <ref>''Ibid.'', 10.</ref> Gomes considers these to include "the Trinity," yet this creates problems for his definition, since the first century Christians clearly had no doctrine of [[Godhead_and_the_Trinity|creedal Trinitarianism]] as Gomes' present denomination does. By Gomes' definition, ''he'' would then be part of a Christian cult, since he's altered the doctrines of the "parent" religion, early Christianity.

===Clearly, such linguistic games become rather pointless===

It should not surprise us that the Church is so labeled—new religious groups, when considered 'strange' or 'heretical', and still in the minority, have often been labeled as "cults" to keep people away from them, or to justify poor treatment of them. Unsurprisingly, the early Christians had the same experience:

<blockquote>
This new Jewish-Christian party in the eyes of the religious leaders of the time was, at the worst, simply regarded as guilty of ''minuth'' (cultism), namely, a variety of Jewish heresy, or rather, Jewish sectarianism...early passages in the Talmud still contain hostile references to the ''minim'' (cults), among whom were numbered the Jewish Christians... <ref>Herbert Danbys, "The Jew and Christianity," p. 8.</ref>
</blockquote>

Pliny, an early Roman leader also said that Christians were a “superstition, a foreign
cult,” and this characterization was re-iterated by two more Roman writers, Tacitus, and Suetonius. Tacitus explained the attacks on Christians as being due to their 'cult' status, and also because “of their hatred toward mankind”. Tacitus also said that they were “an enemy to mankind”, and a “deadly superstition”. Suetonius called the Christians a “mischievous superstition” or, in other words, a cult. <ref>Robert Louis Wilken, ''The Christians as the Romans Saw Them'' (Yale University Press; 2nd edition, 2003), 22, 49–50, 66. ISBN 0300098391.</ref>

Families sometimes worry when a family member shows an interest in the Church. They can be reassured that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints puts a high value on maintaining and strengthening family relationships. The Church will not baptize children or youth under the age of eighteen without their parents' permission.
</onlyinclude>
{{endnotes sources}}
[[Category:One Nation Under Gods]]

Question: Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "cult"?

2021-05-04T21:30:16Z

AmberRothamer: /* Webster's Dictionary defines cult as a “great devotion to a person, idea, or thing” */

{{FairMormon}}
<onlyinclude>
==Question: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "Cult"?==
===Modern Definitions===

[[Image:Cult protest 1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|An anti-Mormon protester at Temple Square during the April 2003 LDS General Conference.]]
Dictionary.com defines cult as
a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies.
an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, especially as manifested by a body of admirers:
the object of such devotion.
a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.

By modern definitions, the term cult encompasses a group of people sharing the same belief, as well as that of worship; or forms of ceremony. In the past, the word cult held a derogatory connotation by common language speakers. Thus, because the Jews revere Moses, Lutherans revere Martin Luther, Seventh-day Adventists are devoted to the teachings of Ellen G. White, and Christians revere Jesus Christ, all these groups could be considered "cults" by this definition. However, it would seem that even historical usage of the word may have been incorrect.

[[Image:Ask about mormon cult.jpg|left|thumb|200 px|An anti-Mormon protester at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.]] This claim is a good example of anti-Mormon attempts to use loaded language and emotionally charged words to attack.

===Historical Usage===

So, because the Jews revere Moses, Lutherans revere Martin Luther, Seventh-day Adventists are devoted to the teachings of Ellen G. White, and Christians reverence Jesus Christ, all these groups could be considered "cults" by this definition.

Alan Gomes, who teaches at BIOLA University’s Talbot school of Theology and applies the label to Mormons, among others, admits that “our English word ''cult'' comes from the Latin word ''cultus'', which is a form of the verb ''colere'', meaning ‘to worship or give reverence to a deity.” <ref>{{CriticalWork:Gomes:Unmasking the Cults|pages=7}} {{ia}}</ref>

Yet, this is not simply what sectarian critics of the Church mean when they call it a "cult." Gomes writes that his "preferred definition" of cult is "a group that deviates doctrinally from a ''parent'' or ''host'' religion; that is, cults grow out of and deviate from a previously established religion." <ref>''Ibid.''</ref>

But, if Gomes wishes to adopt this definition, would he be content to call Christianity "a Jewish cult"? Christianity certainly grew out of Judaism, and it certainly deviates doctrinally from Judaism. Is Gomes content to label his own faith "a cult"? One suspects not.

The advantage of the term "cult," for critics, is that it has a negative connotation. When the public hears the term "cult," they do not simply think, "religious group devoted to some person or ideal." Nor, usually, do they think, "religion that has deviated from the beliefs of a parent religion." A "cult" implies a fanatical, probably dangerous, religious group—and it is this image which critics seek to exploit. Hence Gomes' desire, for example, to "unmask" cults (who must have something to hide) and the necessity of a chapter on "Keeping People Out of Cults."

If the "cult" is a Jewish cult (i.e. Christianity) then presumably Gomes would not want to keep them out. Thus, "cult" is clearly intended to communicate something additional.

Gomes also insists there are other criteria for being "a cult," such as "den[ying] (either explicitly or implicitly) one or more of the central doctrines of the Christian faith." <ref>''Ibid.'', 10.</ref> Gomes considers these to include "the Trinity," yet this creates problems for his definition, since the first century Christians clearly had no doctrine of [[Godhead_and_the_Trinity|creedal Trinitarianism]] as Gomes' present denomination does. By Gomes' definition, ''he'' would then be part of a Christian cult, since he's altered the doctrines of the "parent" religion, early Christianity.

===Clearly, such linguistic games become rather pointless===

It should not surprise us that the Church is so labeled—new religious groups, when considered 'strange' or 'heretical', and still in the minority, have often been labeled as "cults" to keep people away from them, or to justify poor treatment of them. Unsurprisingly, the early Christians had the same experience:

<blockquote>
This new Jewish-Christian party in the eyes of the religious leaders of the time was, at the worst, simply regarded as guilty of ''minuth'' (cultism), namely, a variety of Jewish heresy, or rather, Jewish sectarianism...early passages in the Talmud still contain hostile references to the ''minim'' (cults), among whom were numbered the Jewish Christians... <ref>Herbert Danbys, "The Jew and Christianity," p. 8.</ref>
</blockquote>

Pliny, an early Roman leader also said that Christians were a “superstition, a foreign
cult,” and this characterization was re-iterated by two more Roman writers, Tacitus, and Suetonius. Tacitus explained the attacks on Christians as being due to their 'cult' status, and also because “of their hatred toward mankind”. Tacitus also said that they were “an enemy to mankind”, and a “deadly superstition”. Suetonius called the Christians a “mischievous superstition” or, in other words, a cult. <ref>Robert Louis Wilken, ''The Christians as the Romans Saw Them'' (Yale University Press; 2nd edition, 2003), 22, 49–50, 66. ISBN 0300098391.</ref>

Families sometimes worry when a family member shows an interest in the Church. They can be reassured that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints puts a high value on maintaining and strengthening family relationships. The Church will not baptize children or youth under the age of eighteen without their parents' permission.
</onlyinclude>
{{endnotes sources}}
[[Category:One Nation Under Gods]]

Question: Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "cult"?

2021-05-04T21:29:32Z

AmberRothamer: /* Question: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "Cult"? */

{{FairMormon}}
<onlyinclude>
==Question: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "Cult"?==
===Modern Definitions===

[[Image:Cult protest 1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|An anti-Mormon protester at Temple Square during the April 2003 LDS General Conference.]]
Dictionary.com defines cult as
a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies.
an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, especially as manifested by a body of admirers:
the object of such devotion.
a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.

By modern definitions, the term cult encompasses a group of people sharing the same belief, as well as that of worship; or forms of ceremony. In the past, the word cult held a derogatory connotation by common language speakers. Thus, because the Jews revere Moses, Lutherans revere Martin Luther, Seventh-day Adventists are devoted to the teachings of Ellen G. White, and Christians revere Jesus Christ, all these groups could be considered "cults" by this definition. However, it would seem that even historical usage of the word may have been incorrect.

[[Image:Ask about mormon cult.jpg|left|thumb|200 px|An anti-Mormon protester at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.]] This claim is a good example of anti-Mormon attempts to use loaded language and emotionally charged words to attack.

===''Webster's Dictionary'' defines cult as a “great devotion to a person, idea, or thing”===

So, because the Jews revere Moses, Lutherans revere Martin Luther, Seventh-day Adventists are devoted to the teachings of Ellen G. White, and Christians reverence Jesus Christ, all these groups could be considered "cults" by this definition.

Alan Gomes, who teaches at BIOLA University’s Talbot school of Theology and applies the label to Mormons, among others, admits that “our English word ''cult'' comes from the Latin word ''cultus'', which is a form of the verb ''colere'', meaning ‘to worship or give reverence to a deity.” <ref>{{CriticalWork:Gomes:Unmasking the Cults|pages=7}} {{ia}}</ref>

Yet, this is not simply what sectarian critics of the Church mean when they call it a "cult." Gomes writes that his "preferred definition" of cult is "a group that deviates doctrinally from a ''parent'' or ''host'' religion; that is, cults grow out of and deviate from a previously established religion." <ref>''Ibid.''</ref>

But, if Gomes wishes to adopt this definition, would he be content to call Christianity "a Jewish cult"? Christianity certainly grew out of Judaism, and it certainly deviates doctrinally from Judaism. Is Gomes content to label his own faith "a cult"? One suspects not.

The advantage of the term "cult," for critics, is that it has a negative connotation. When the public hears the term "cult," they do not simply think, "religious group devoted to some person or ideal." Nor, usually, do they think, "religion that has deviated from the beliefs of a parent religion." A "cult" implies a fanatical, probably dangerous, religious group—and it is this image which critics seek to exploit. Hence Gomes' desire, for example, to "unmask" cults (who must have something to hide) and the necessity of a chapter on "Keeping People Out of Cults."

If the "cult" is a Jewish cult (i.e. Christianity) then presumably Gomes would not want to keep them out. Thus, "cult" is clearly intended to communicate something additional.

Gomes also insists there are other criteria for being "a cult," such as "den[ying] (either explicitly or implicitly) one or more of the central doctrines of the Christian faith." <ref>''Ibid.'', 10.</ref> Gomes considers these to include "the Trinity," yet this creates problems for his definition, since the first century Christians clearly had no doctrine of [[Godhead_and_the_Trinity|creedal Trinitarianism]] as Gomes' present denomination does. By Gomes' definition, ''he'' would then be part of a Christian cult, since he's altered the doctrines of the "parent" religion, early Christianity.

===Clearly, such linguistic games become rather pointless===

It should not surprise us that the Church is so labeled—new religious groups, when considered 'strange' or 'heretical', and still in the minority, have often been labeled as "cults" to keep people away from them, or to justify poor treatment of them. Unsurprisingly, the early Christians had the same experience:

<blockquote>
This new Jewish-Christian party in the eyes of the religious leaders of the time was, at the worst, simply regarded as guilty of ''minuth'' (cultism), namely, a variety of Jewish heresy, or rather, Jewish sectarianism...early passages in the Talmud still contain hostile references to the ''minim'' (cults), among whom were numbered the Jewish Christians... <ref>Herbert Danbys, "The Jew and Christianity," p. 8.</ref>
</blockquote>

Pliny, an early Roman leader also said that Christians were a “superstition, a foreign
cult,” and this characterization was re-iterated by two more Roman writers, Tacitus, and Suetonius. Tacitus explained the attacks on Christians as being due to their 'cult' status, and also because “of their hatred toward mankind”. Tacitus also said that they were “an enemy to mankind”, and a “deadly superstition”. Suetonius called the Christians a “mischievous superstition” or, in other words, a cult. <ref>Robert Louis Wilken, ''The Christians as the Romans Saw Them'' (Yale University Press; 2nd edition, 2003), 22, 49–50, 66. ISBN 0300098391.</ref>

Families sometimes worry when a family member shows an interest in the Church. They can be reassured that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints puts a high value on maintaining and strengthening family relationships. The Church will not baptize children or youth under the age of eighteen without their parents' permission.
</onlyinclude>
{{endnotes sources}}
[[Category:One Nation Under Gods]]

Question: Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "cult"?

2021-05-04T21:28:29Z

AmberRothamer: /* = */

{{FairMormon}}
<onlyinclude>
==Question: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "Cult"?==
===Modern Definitions===

[[Image:Cult protest 1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|An anti-Mormon protester at Temple Square during the April 2003 LDS General Conference.]]
Some claim that the Church is "a cult."

Simply put, "cult" is simply a label that implies "religion I don't like" or "religion that I disagree with." When the early Christians were unpopular, uncommon, and powerless, they were labeled a "cult." When they reached prominence and power, they began applying the label in turn to religions with whom they disagreed.

A book-length treatment of these issues has been written, and no cogent response to its arguments has been forthcoming. <ref>{{Offenders1|start=1}}</ref> "Cult" is not a useful term, since it merely expresses the speaker's prejudices, but tells us nothing useful about the religion being considered. It is likely impossible for sectarian critics of the Church to formulate a definition for "cult" that would include the present-day Church of Jesus Christ but ''not include'' the first century Christian Church. The usefulness of the label "cult," is therefore questionable—except as a short-hand for bigotry or prejudice.

[[Image:Ask about mormon cult.jpg|left|thumb|200 px|An anti-Mormon protester at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.]] This claim is a good example of anti-Mormon attempts to use loaded language and emotionally charged words to attack.

===''Webster's Dictionary'' defines cult as a “great devotion to a person, idea, or thing”===

So, because the Jews revere Moses, Lutherans revere Martin Luther, Seventh-day Adventists are devoted to the teachings of Ellen G. White, and Christians reverence Jesus Christ, all these groups could be considered "cults" by this definition.

Alan Gomes, who teaches at BIOLA University’s Talbot school of Theology and applies the label to Mormons, among others, admits that “our English word ''cult'' comes from the Latin word ''cultus'', which is a form of the verb ''colere'', meaning ‘to worship or give reverence to a deity.” <ref>{{CriticalWork:Gomes:Unmasking the Cults|pages=7}} {{ia}}</ref>

Yet, this is not simply what sectarian critics of the Church mean when they call it a "cult." Gomes writes that his "preferred definition" of cult is "a group that deviates doctrinally from a ''parent'' or ''host'' religion; that is, cults grow out of and deviate from a previously established religion." <ref>''Ibid.''</ref>

But, if Gomes wishes to adopt this definition, would he be content to call Christianity "a Jewish cult"? Christianity certainly grew out of Judaism, and it certainly deviates doctrinally from Judaism. Is Gomes content to label his own faith "a cult"? One suspects not.

The advantage of the term "cult," for critics, is that it has a negative connotation. When the public hears the term "cult," they do not simply think, "religious group devoted to some person or ideal." Nor, usually, do they think, "religion that has deviated from the beliefs of a parent religion." A "cult" implies a fanatical, probably dangerous, religious group—and it is this image which critics seek to exploit. Hence Gomes' desire, for example, to "unmask" cults (who must have something to hide) and the necessity of a chapter on "Keeping People Out of Cults."

If the "cult" is a Jewish cult (i.e. Christianity) then presumably Gomes would not want to keep them out. Thus, "cult" is clearly intended to communicate something additional.

Gomes also insists there are other criteria for being "a cult," such as "den[ying] (either explicitly or implicitly) one or more of the central doctrines of the Christian faith." <ref>''Ibid.'', 10.</ref> Gomes considers these to include "the Trinity," yet this creates problems for his definition, since the first century Christians clearly had no doctrine of [[Godhead_and_the_Trinity|creedal Trinitarianism]] as Gomes' present denomination does. By Gomes' definition, ''he'' would then be part of a Christian cult, since he's altered the doctrines of the "parent" religion, early Christianity.

===Clearly, such linguistic games become rather pointless===

It should not surprise us that the Church is so labeled—new religious groups, when considered 'strange' or 'heretical', and still in the minority, have often been labeled as "cults" to keep people away from them, or to justify poor treatment of them. Unsurprisingly, the early Christians had the same experience:

<blockquote>
This new Jewish-Christian party in the eyes of the religious leaders of the time was, at the worst, simply regarded as guilty of ''minuth'' (cultism), namely, a variety of Jewish heresy, or rather, Jewish sectarianism...early passages in the Talmud still contain hostile references to the ''minim'' (cults), among whom were numbered the Jewish Christians... <ref>Herbert Danbys, "The Jew and Christianity," p. 8.</ref>
</blockquote>

Pliny, an early Roman leader also said that Christians were a “superstition, a foreign
cult,” and this characterization was re-iterated by two more Roman writers, Tacitus, and Suetonius. Tacitus explained the attacks on Christians as being due to their 'cult' status, and also because “of their hatred toward mankind”. Tacitus also said that they were “an enemy to mankind”, and a “deadly superstition”. Suetonius called the Christians a “mischievous superstition” or, in other words, a cult. <ref>Robert Louis Wilken, ''The Christians as the Romans Saw Them'' (Yale University Press; 2nd edition, 2003), 22, 49–50, 66. ISBN 0300098391.</ref>

Families sometimes worry when a family member shows an interest in the Church. They can be reassured that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints puts a high value on maintaining and strengthening family relationships. The Church will not baptize children or youth under the age of eighteen without their parents' permission.
</onlyinclude>
{{endnotes sources}}
[[Category:One Nation Under Gods]]

Question: Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "cult"?

2021-05-04T21:28:12Z

AmberRothamer: /* Question: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "Cult"? */

{{FairMormon}}
<onlyinclude>
==Question: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "Cult"?==
===Modern Definitions===

===

[[Image:Cult protest 1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|An anti-Mormon protester at Temple Square during the April 2003 LDS General Conference.]]
Some claim that the Church is "a cult."

Simply put, "cult" is simply a label that implies "religion I don't like" or "religion that I disagree with." When the early Christians were unpopular, uncommon, and powerless, they were labeled a "cult." When they reached prominence and power, they began applying the label in turn to religions with whom they disagreed.

A book-length treatment of these issues has been written, and no cogent response to its arguments has been forthcoming. <ref>{{Offenders1|start=1}}</ref> "Cult" is not a useful term, since it merely expresses the speaker's prejudices, but tells us nothing useful about the religion being considered. It is likely impossible for sectarian critics of the Church to formulate a definition for "cult" that would include the present-day Church of Jesus Christ but ''not include'' the first century Christian Church. The usefulness of the label "cult," is therefore questionable—except as a short-hand for bigotry or prejudice.

[[Image:Ask about mormon cult.jpg|left|thumb|200 px|An anti-Mormon protester at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.]] This claim is a good example of anti-Mormon attempts to use loaded language and emotionally charged words to attack.

===''Webster's Dictionary'' defines cult as a “great devotion to a person, idea, or thing”===

So, because the Jews revere Moses, Lutherans revere Martin Luther, Seventh-day Adventists are devoted to the teachings of Ellen G. White, and Christians reverence Jesus Christ, all these groups could be considered "cults" by this definition.

Alan Gomes, who teaches at BIOLA University’s Talbot school of Theology and applies the label to Mormons, among others, admits that “our English word ''cult'' comes from the Latin word ''cultus'', which is a form of the verb ''colere'', meaning ‘to worship or give reverence to a deity.” <ref>{{CriticalWork:Gomes:Unmasking the Cults|pages=7}} {{ia}}</ref>

Yet, this is not simply what sectarian critics of the Church mean when they call it a "cult." Gomes writes that his "preferred definition" of cult is "a group that deviates doctrinally from a ''parent'' or ''host'' religion; that is, cults grow out of and deviate from a previously established religion." <ref>''Ibid.''</ref>

But, if Gomes wishes to adopt this definition, would he be content to call Christianity "a Jewish cult"? Christianity certainly grew out of Judaism, and it certainly deviates doctrinally from Judaism. Is Gomes content to label his own faith "a cult"? One suspects not.

The advantage of the term "cult," for critics, is that it has a negative connotation. When the public hears the term "cult," they do not simply think, "religious group devoted to some person or ideal." Nor, usually, do they think, "religion that has deviated from the beliefs of a parent religion." A "cult" implies a fanatical, probably dangerous, religious group—and it is this image which critics seek to exploit. Hence Gomes' desire, for example, to "unmask" cults (who must have something to hide) and the necessity of a chapter on "Keeping People Out of Cults."

If the "cult" is a Jewish cult (i.e. Christianity) then presumably Gomes would not want to keep them out. Thus, "cult" is clearly intended to communicate something additional.

Gomes also insists there are other criteria for being "a cult," such as "den[ying] (either explicitly or implicitly) one or more of the central doctrines of the Christian faith." <ref>''Ibid.'', 10.</ref> Gomes considers these to include "the Trinity," yet this creates problems for his definition, since the first century Christians clearly had no doctrine of [[Godhead_and_the_Trinity|creedal Trinitarianism]] as Gomes' present denomination does. By Gomes' definition, ''he'' would then be part of a Christian cult, since he's altered the doctrines of the "parent" religion, early Christianity.

===Clearly, such linguistic games become rather pointless===

It should not surprise us that the Church is so labeled—new religious groups, when considered 'strange' or 'heretical', and still in the minority, have often been labeled as "cults" to keep people away from them, or to justify poor treatment of them. Unsurprisingly, the early Christians had the same experience:

<blockquote>
This new Jewish-Christian party in the eyes of the religious leaders of the time was, at the worst, simply regarded as guilty of ''minuth'' (cultism), namely, a variety of Jewish heresy, or rather, Jewish sectarianism...early passages in the Talmud still contain hostile references to the ''minim'' (cults), among whom were numbered the Jewish Christians... <ref>Herbert Danbys, "The Jew and Christianity," p. 8.</ref>
</blockquote>

Pliny, an early Roman leader also said that Christians were a “superstition, a foreign
cult,” and this characterization was re-iterated by two more Roman writers, Tacitus, and Suetonius. Tacitus explained the attacks on Christians as being due to their 'cult' status, and also because “of their hatred toward mankind”. Tacitus also said that they were “an enemy to mankind”, and a “deadly superstition”. Suetonius called the Christians a “mischievous superstition” or, in other words, a cult. <ref>Robert Louis Wilken, ''The Christians as the Romans Saw Them'' (Yale University Press; 2nd edition, 2003), 22, 49–50, 66. ISBN 0300098391.</ref>

Families sometimes worry when a family member shows an interest in the Church. They can be reassured that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints puts a high value on maintaining and strengthening family relationships. The Church will not baptize children or youth under the age of eighteen without their parents' permission.
</onlyinclude>
{{endnotes sources}}
[[Category:One Nation Under Gods]]

Question: Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "cult"?

2021-05-04T21:27:36Z

AmberRothamer: /* The word "cult" as it is applied to Mormonism is simply a label that implies "religion I don't like" or "religion that I disagree with" */

{{FairMormon}}
<onlyinclude>
==Question: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "Cult"?==
===Modern Definitions
===

[[Image:Cult protest 1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|An anti-Mormon protester at Temple Square during the April 2003 LDS General Conference.]]
Some claim that the Church is "a cult."

Simply put, "cult" is simply a label that implies "religion I don't like" or "religion that I disagree with." When the early Christians were unpopular, uncommon, and powerless, they were labeled a "cult." When they reached prominence and power, they began applying the label in turn to religions with whom they disagreed.

A book-length treatment of these issues has been written, and no cogent response to its arguments has been forthcoming. <ref>{{Offenders1|start=1}}</ref> "Cult" is not a useful term, since it merely expresses the speaker's prejudices, but tells us nothing useful about the religion being considered. It is likely impossible for sectarian critics of the Church to formulate a definition for "cult" that would include the present-day Church of Jesus Christ but ''not include'' the first century Christian Church. The usefulness of the label "cult," is therefore questionable—except as a short-hand for bigotry or prejudice.

[[Image:Ask about mormon cult.jpg|left|thumb|200 px|An anti-Mormon protester at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.]] This claim is a good example of anti-Mormon attempts to use loaded language and emotionally charged words to attack.

===''Webster's Dictionary'' defines cult as a “great devotion to a person, idea, or thing”===

So, because the Jews revere Moses, Lutherans revere Martin Luther, Seventh-day Adventists are devoted to the teachings of Ellen G. White, and Christians reverence Jesus Christ, all these groups could be considered "cults" by this definition.

Alan Gomes, who teaches at BIOLA University’s Talbot school of Theology and applies the label to Mormons, among others, admits that “our English word ''cult'' comes from the Latin word ''cultus'', which is a form of the verb ''colere'', meaning ‘to worship or give reverence to a deity.” <ref>{{CriticalWork:Gomes:Unmasking the Cults|pages=7}} {{ia}}</ref>

Yet, this is not simply what sectarian critics of the Church mean when they call it a "cult." Gomes writes that his "preferred definition" of cult is "a group that deviates doctrinally from a ''parent'' or ''host'' religion; that is, cults grow out of and deviate from a previously established religion." <ref>''Ibid.''</ref>

But, if Gomes wishes to adopt this definition, would he be content to call Christianity "a Jewish cult"? Christianity certainly grew out of Judaism, and it certainly deviates doctrinally from Judaism. Is Gomes content to label his own faith "a cult"? One suspects not.

The advantage of the term "cult," for critics, is that it has a negative connotation. When the public hears the term "cult," they do not simply think, "religious group devoted to some person or ideal." Nor, usually, do they think, "religion that has deviated from the beliefs of a parent religion." A "cult" implies a fanatical, probably dangerous, religious group—and it is this image which critics seek to exploit. Hence Gomes' desire, for example, to "unmask" cults (who must have something to hide) and the necessity of a chapter on "Keeping People Out of Cults."

If the "cult" is a Jewish cult (i.e. Christianity) then presumably Gomes would not want to keep them out. Thus, "cult" is clearly intended to communicate something additional.

Gomes also insists there are other criteria for being "a cult," such as "den[ying] (either explicitly or implicitly) one or more of the central doctrines of the Christian faith." <ref>''Ibid.'', 10.</ref> Gomes considers these to include "the Trinity," yet this creates problems for his definition, since the first century Christians clearly had no doctrine of [[Godhead_and_the_Trinity|creedal Trinitarianism]] as Gomes' present denomination does. By Gomes' definition, ''he'' would then be part of a Christian cult, since he's altered the doctrines of the "parent" religion, early Christianity.

===Clearly, such linguistic games become rather pointless===

It should not surprise us that the Church is so labeled—new religious groups, when considered 'strange' or 'heretical', and still in the minority, have often been labeled as "cults" to keep people away from them, or to justify poor treatment of them. Unsurprisingly, the early Christians had the same experience:

<blockquote>
This new Jewish-Christian party in the eyes of the religious leaders of the time was, at the worst, simply regarded as guilty of ''minuth'' (cultism), namely, a variety of Jewish heresy, or rather, Jewish sectarianism...early passages in the Talmud still contain hostile references to the ''minim'' (cults), among whom were numbered the Jewish Christians... <ref>Herbert Danbys, "The Jew and Christianity," p. 8.</ref>
</blockquote>

Pliny, an early Roman leader also said that Christians were a “superstition, a foreign
cult,” and this characterization was re-iterated by two more Roman writers, Tacitus, and Suetonius. Tacitus explained the attacks on Christians as being due to their 'cult' status, and also because “of their hatred toward mankind”. Tacitus also said that they were “an enemy to mankind”, and a “deadly superstition”. Suetonius called the Christians a “mischievous superstition” or, in other words, a cult. <ref>Robert Louis Wilken, ''The Christians as the Romans Saw Them'' (Yale University Press; 2nd edition, 2003), 22, 49–50, 66. ISBN 0300098391.</ref>

Families sometimes worry when a family member shows an interest in the Church. They can be reassured that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints puts a high value on maintaining and strengthening family relationships. The Church will not baptize children or youth under the age of eighteen without their parents' permission.
</onlyinclude>
{{endnotes sources}}
[[Category:One Nation Under Gods]]

Question: Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "cult"?

2021-05-04T21:26:57Z

AmberRothamer: /* Question: Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "cult"? */

{{FairMormon}}
<onlyinclude>
==Question: Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "Cult"?==
===The word "cult" as it is applied to Mormonism is simply a label that implies "religion I don't like" or "religion that I disagree with"===

[[Image:Cult protest 1.jpg|right|thumb|300px|An anti-Mormon protester at Temple Square during the April 2003 LDS General Conference.]]
Some claim that the Church is "a cult."

Simply put, "cult" is simply a label that implies "religion I don't like" or "religion that I disagree with." When the early Christians were unpopular, uncommon, and powerless, they were labeled a "cult." When they reached prominence and power, they began applying the label in turn to religions with whom they disagreed.

A book-length treatment of these issues has been written, and no cogent response to its arguments has been forthcoming. <ref>{{Offenders1|start=1}}</ref> "Cult" is not a useful term, since it merely expresses the speaker's prejudices, but tells us nothing useful about the religion being considered. It is likely impossible for sectarian critics of the Church to formulate a definition for "cult" that would include the present-day Church of Jesus Christ but ''not include'' the first century Christian Church. The usefulness of the label "cult," is therefore questionable—except as a short-hand for bigotry or prejudice.

[[Image:Ask about mormon cult.jpg|left|thumb|200 px|An anti-Mormon protester at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.]] This claim is a good example of anti-Mormon attempts to use loaded language and emotionally charged words to attack.

===''Webster's Dictionary'' defines cult as a “great devotion to a person, idea, or thing”===

So, because the Jews revere Moses, Lutherans revere Martin Luther, Seventh-day Adventists are devoted to the teachings of Ellen G. White, and Christians reverence Jesus Christ, all these groups could be considered "cults" by this definition.

Alan Gomes, who teaches at BIOLA University’s Talbot school of Theology and applies the label to Mormons, among others, admits that “our English word ''cult'' comes from the Latin word ''cultus'', which is a form of the verb ''colere'', meaning ‘to worship or give reverence to a deity.” <ref>{{CriticalWork:Gomes:Unmasking the Cults|pages=7}} {{ia}}</ref>

Yet, this is not simply what sectarian critics of the Church mean when they call it a "cult." Gomes writes that his "preferred definition" of cult is "a group that deviates doctrinally from a ''parent'' or ''host'' religion; that is, cults grow out of and deviate from a previously established religion." <ref>''Ibid.''</ref>

But, if Gomes wishes to adopt this definition, would he be content to call Christianity "a Jewish cult"? Christianity certainly grew out of Judaism, and it certainly deviates doctrinally from Judaism. Is Gomes content to label his own faith "a cult"? One suspects not.

The advantage of the term "cult," for critics, is that it has a negative connotation. When the public hears the term "cult," they do not simply think, "religious group devoted to some person or ideal." Nor, usually, do they think, "religion that has deviated from the beliefs of a parent religion." A "cult" implies a fanatical, probably dangerous, religious group—and it is this image which critics seek to exploit. Hence Gomes' desire, for example, to "unmask" cults (who must have something to hide) and the necessity of a chapter on "Keeping People Out of Cults."

If the "cult" is a Jewish cult (i.e. Christianity) then presumably Gomes would not want to keep them out. Thus, "cult" is clearly intended to communicate something additional.

Gomes also insists there are other criteria for being "a cult," such as "den[ying] (either explicitly or implicitly) one or more of the central doctrines of the Christian faith." <ref>''Ibid.'', 10.</ref> Gomes considers these to include "the Trinity," yet this creates problems for his definition, since the first century Christians clearly had no doctrine of [[Godhead_and_the_Trinity|creedal Trinitarianism]] as Gomes' present denomination does. By Gomes' definition, ''he'' would then be part of a Christian cult, since he's altered the doctrines of the "parent" religion, early Christianity.

===Clearly, such linguistic games become rather pointless===

It should not surprise us that the Church is so labeled—new religious groups, when considered 'strange' or 'heretical', and still in the minority, have often been labeled as "cults" to keep people away from them, or to justify poor treatment of them. Unsurprisingly, the early Christians had the same experience:

<blockquote>
This new Jewish-Christian party in the eyes of the religious leaders of the time was, at the worst, simply regarded as guilty of ''minuth'' (cultism), namely, a variety of Jewish heresy, or rather, Jewish sectarianism...early passages in the Talmud still contain hostile references to the ''minim'' (cults), among whom were numbered the Jewish Christians... <ref>Herbert Danbys, "The Jew and Christianity," p. 8.</ref>
</blockquote>

Pliny, an early Roman leader also said that Christians were a “superstition, a foreign
cult,” and this characterization was re-iterated by two more Roman writers, Tacitus, and Suetonius. Tacitus explained the attacks on Christians as being due to their 'cult' status, and also because “of their hatred toward mankind”. Tacitus also said that they were “an enemy to mankind”, and a “deadly superstition”. Suetonius called the Christians a “mischievous superstition” or, in other words, a cult. <ref>Robert Louis Wilken, ''The Christians as the Romans Saw Them'' (Yale University Press; 2nd edition, 2003), 22, 49–50, 66. ISBN 0300098391.</ref>

Families sometimes worry when a family member shows an interest in the Church. They can be reassured that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints puts a high value on maintaining and strengthening family relationships. The Church will not baptize children or youth under the age of eighteen without their parents' permission.
</onlyinclude>
{{endnotes sources}}
[[Category:One Nation Under Gods]]