Here’s an accurate discription of why Mormonism is considered a cult and why mainstream Christianity sees them as that.
What is a cult?
According to Janja Lalich, Ph.D., and Michael Langone, Ph.D. of the non-profit research network...” International Cultic Studies Association”
‘A cult is characterized by the following patterns’ ....ALL of which apply to Mormonism:
Summary:
> “The group displays excessively zealous and unquestioning commitment to its leader, whether he is alive or dead, regards his belief system, ideology, and practices as the Truth, as law.”
> “Questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or even punished.”
> “Mind-altering practices such as : 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).”
> “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.”
> “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.”
> “The group has a polarized us-versus-them mentality, which may cause conflict with the wider society.”
> “The leader is not accountable to any authorities unlike, for example: teachers, military commanders or ministers, priests, monks, and rabbis of mainstream religious denominations.”
> “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.”
> “The leadership induces feelings of shame and/or guilt in order to influence and/or control members. Often, this is done through peer pressure and subtle forms of persuasion.
> “ 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.”
> “The group is preoccupied with bringing in new members.”
> “The group is preoccupied with making money.”
> “Members are expected to devote inordinate amounts of time to the group and group-related activities.”
> “Members are encouraged or required to live and/or socialize only with other group members.”
> “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.”
Would’t you agree that Mitt Romney’s devotion to the Mormon faith is a salient factor in his ability to lead the United States of America?
What would happen if Mitt Romney had to make an important decision, say, about nuclear war. How do you think he would decide?
He would decide the same way that the Book of Mormon commanders-in-chief decided: ......He would ask the Mormon Prophet/President what God wanted him to do......... The U.S. President will be following the orders of the Mormon President. ......After all, Romney has already sworn on his life to obey his Priesthood leaders, especially the Mormon President, ....who supposedly holds God-given authority over the entire population of the Earth.
Is that who you want in charge of pushing the red button?
I thought you were going to describe Mormonism specifically, but many of these could equally describe several religions, including Catholicism.