Authoritarian Structure and Control



When you look at the Mormon Church today, one of the things that stands out is its highly centralized authority. From a Christian perspective, this structure raises concerns because it puts immense power in the hands of a few leaders rather than emphasizing God’s guidance through Scripture and the Holy Spirit.

At the top of the hierarchy are the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. These leaders make decisions that affect doctrine, daily life, finances, and discipline for millions of members worldwide. Local congregations have little autonomy, and members are expected to follow instructions without question. This structure reinforces loyalty and obedience to human authority over personal discernment in light of biblical teaching.

The church also exercises strict discipline through excommunication and shunning. Members who question doctrine, leadership, or policies can be formally disciplined, and in some cases, ostracized from their community. This type of social control can be deeply isolating and mirrors patterns seen in other high-demand religious groups.

Historically, this authoritarian structure developed as the church faced external persecution and internal dissent. Leaders like Joseph Smith and later Brigham Young centralized power to maintain unity and survival. While this may have helped the church grow and protect itself in the 19th century, it also created a system where questioning authority was discouraged, and obedience was prioritized above personal spiritual discernment.

From a biblical standpoint, Christians are called to test teachings against Scripture and follow Christ as the ultimate authority (Acts 17:11, NLT). Any structure that encourages unquestioning obedience to human leaders over God’s Word can be spiritually dangerous. By centralizing authority and enforcing strict conformity, the church cultivates dependence on leaders rather than fostering a personal relationship with Christ.

Understanding the Mormon Church’s authoritarian framework helps explain why critics—including mainstream Christians—classify it as a cult. It’s not just a matter of disagreement over doctrine; it’s about the way authority is exercised and how it affects the spiritual, social, and emotional life of its members.

Sources (MLA Format with Web Links)
Bushman, Richard Lyman. Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005. 

Quinn, D. Michael. The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1994. 

“Mormonism: Church Government.” Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Brigham Young University, 1992. 

Acts 17:11 (NLT). 


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