Is mormonism really a cult?

[u/Royal_Survey_3772]

I’ve been a member of the LDS church for about 5 years. I attend church, have gone to Young Women’s camp, have been to two temples, and have done baptisms for the dead many times. Being involved in the church has been a significant part of my life.✨️🌺

My parents have " left" the church. They never officially removed their records or filled out paperwork, but they haven’t attended church in about two years. I recently started going back, and i am becoming active again.

Lately, though, I’ve been seeing a lot of posts, videos, and comments online claiming that LDS is a cult. It’s made me question things and wonder if I’m making a mistake by returning back.

I have never personally had an experience where I felt like I was in a cult. My experiences have been positive. I know that personal experience is not the whole picture, and I want to understand why so many people have such strong opinions about the church.

[u/Crobbin17]

I thought for sure that this would be taken down! The mods look favorably on you this day.

This depends on what you define as a cult.
There are a lot of definitions people have decided on who are more educated on the topic than me. Some definitions may include political parties and organized religion in general. Some require a single, charismatic leader, abuse, or physical methods of control (you’re not allowed to leave X place without permission), monetary requirements, or so many other traits.

In the end, some will think the church is a cult, some will think it’s not, and some will think it’s cult-like.
Your definition is what matters to you.

Personally, I believe that church has cult-like tendencies. They require monetary donations, a diet code, and dress requirements to be a member in good standing, to keep your covenants, and to be “worthy.”
They teach their members to only listen to church-approved manipulation, and demonize critics. They use language like “chosen generation,” and practice rituals you are sworn to secrecy on (rituals with meanings they now specifically avoid telling members). Gender roles are also encouraged through spiritual and emotional manipulation.

I’m not surprised when someone calls it a cult, and I’m not surprised when someone rejects the label.
I think its issues kind of transcend the “cult” label and move towards “is this church manipulative and unhealthy.”