Mormonism Not a Cult?

This is what passes for 'proof' that Mormonism isn't a cult in Austrailia:

I am going to quote pieces and then post my responses. My responses will be italisized.

THE Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) is not a cult but a recognised religion with more than 14 million members.

Incorrect! The church 'claims' 14 million members. More than 60% of that number are inactive or no longer attending Mormons. For example, there are large numbers of 'members' that are listed on the church roles, but haven't attended or 'paid tithes' in generations. They for whatever reason are either intimidated (job, family etc.) into staying 'members' or just haven't felt the need to actually have themselves removed from the roles of membership. ALSO, the Church claims ALL people babtized posthumously as 'members'. Not a real accurate accounting there.

 It is not "an 18th century religious scam" but the result of the answer from God to a sincere prayer.

Again Incorrect! Joseph Smith was CONVICTED of "glass looking" (looking for buried treasure in the ground through a 'glass') when no treasure was ever found, he would claim that it "slipped away". The folks he scammed were quite justifiably irritated. Incidentally, the same 'glass' he used to look for buried treasure is the same 'glass' he used to 'translate' the BOM. Yes, folks the Urum and Thumum! Also, the BOM was first published as FICTION and when Joseph Smith FAILED to sell it "by Joseph Smith" he concocted the "religion" of Mormonism to 'sell his book'.

The church did not forbid African Americans from joining, although for a time African Americans were not able to receive the priesthood.

Partially true. The churh did not forbid African Americans from joining, it did however, forbid them from holding the priesthood or leadership roles in the church until the 1970's when the church was pressured by the US Govt. to change it's policies or LOSE it's Non-Profit status. African Americans were ONLY allowed to hold the priesthood for economic reasons INSIDE the church, NOT because God "felt that they were ready" etc. but so that the church could continue to draw MILLIONS in profits from it's followers and PAY nothing in taxes etc.

Matter of fact, in the first edition of the Journals of Discourses, then president Brigham Young stated that: "No Negroe shall ever hold the priesthood in Gods restored kingdom". Really brother Brigham? Really? Hmm. Guess God changed his mind, he does need that $$ afterall.

Isn't it great how this passes for 'proof' that mormonism isn't a cult?

Let's list some definitions of a cult and see if the LDS Church isn't one? The checklist I am using can be found here:

The group displays excessively zealous and unquestioning commitment to its leader and (whether he is alive or dead) regards his belief system, ideology, and practices as the Truth, as law.

Check!

Questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or even punished.

Check! Try questioning the Church with a member and see what happens.

Mind-altering practices (such as meditation, chanting, speaking in tongues, denunciation sessions, and debilitating work routines) are used in excess and serve to suppress doubts about the group and its leader(s).


Ever go to Sacrament meeting? Ever have to do your "volunteer work"? How about the 'sessions' in the Temple? .... CHECK!

The leadership dictates, sometimes in great detail, how members should think, act, and feel (for example, members must get permission to date, change jobs, marry—or leaders prescribe what types of clothes to wear, where to live, whether or not to have children, how to discipline children, and so forth).


Let's see... WOW, General Conference (earrings prophesy) Every meeting you attend as a Mormon? CHECK!

The group is elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its leader(s) and members (for example, the leader is considered the Messiah, a special being, an avatar—or the group and/or the leader is on a special mission to save humanity).

Know what? I don't even have to say anything here. If you know anything about the Church, this one sticks out like a sore thumb! CHECK!

 The group has a polarized us-versus-them mentality, which may cause conflict with the wider society.

Just read the post above again and see if you don't see it for yourself?

The leader is not accountable to any authorities (unlike, for example, teachers, military commanders or ministers, priests, monks, and rabbis of mainstream religious denominations).

Joseph Smith, Brigham Young? Ummm. CHECK!

The group teaches or implies that its supposedly exalted ends justify whatever means it deems necessary. This may result in members' participating in behaviors or activities they would have considered reprehensible or unethical before joining the group (for example, lying to family or friends, or collecting money for bogus charities).

Mountain Meadows Massacre anyone? Bishops interviews? Fast offerings? CHECK!

The leadership induces feelings of shame and/or guilt iin order to influence and/or control members. Often, this is done through peer pressure and subtle forms of persuasion.

If you were ever Mormon you know this one ALL TOO WELL. The entire life of a 'member' is built on guilt and peer pressure. As a Mormon, you do EVERYTHING possible to appear the way you are told to, to the members and your Bishop.

Subservience to the leader or group requires members to cut ties with family and friends, and radically alter the personal goals and activities they had before joining the group.

If you are a member, leave the church and tell your family you are doing so and see what happens. You will find yourself ostrasized and left out. I KNOW I have done this and many other former mormons have done this.

The group is preoccupied with bringing in new members.

Missionaries? Every Sunday you hear about how "every member is a missionary" and consistently you are told to go out and find new members to bring into the church.

The group is preoccupied with making money.

This one is obvious. Just try NOT paying your tithing and see what happens with the Bishop. You will LOSE your Temple Rights and of course be called into the Bishop's office to discuss YOUR personal financial situation with someone that just wants your 10%. My own sister in law was told to pay her tithing EVEN though that would cause her to get BEHIND on her mortgage. The church would rather it's members were homeless than lose 10% from one member!

Members are expected to devote inordinate amounts of time to the group and group-related activities.


Oh, it's all 'volunteer' work but you will be expected to spend the bulk of your free time NOT with your family but doing 'work' for the church!

Members are encouraged or required to live and/or socialize only with other group members.


This is true, UNLESS you are out proselyting for new members, then it is acceptable.

The most loyal members (the “true believers”) feel there can be no life outside the context of the group. They believe there is no other way to be, and often fear reprisals to themselves or others if they leave (or even consider leaving) the group.


Again, try leaving and see what happens. I have known people that when they left the church, lost their jobs, their homes and in several cases their spouses and children to the CHURCH.

By my count, it SURE looks like the Mormon Church qualifies as a cult! If you can disprove this, please feel free to. IF you agree with me, feel free to repost this EVERYWHERE. (A little credit would be nice though).

We all need to fight to expose this cult for what it is. A family ruining, money sucking group of fakes and frauds stealing from hard working people the world over. Expose them for what they are!

If you are considering joining them, DON'T do it. Stay away, you will be happier in the long run.