Why Scholars and Critics Call It a Cult


By now, you’ve probably noticed a pattern in Mormonism: secret rituals, authoritarian leadership, social control, and doctrines that deviate from biblical teaching. These are exactly the reasons scholars and critics classify it as a cult rather than a traditional Christian denomination.

A key factor is authoritarian control. The top leaders—the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—hold nearly absolute power over doctrine, finances, and member behavior. Members are expected to obey without question, and dissent is often discouraged. This mirrors the classic characteristics of high-demand religious groups described by sociologists and religious scholars.

Another reason is exclusive claims to truth. Mormons believe that salvation and exaltation depend on temple rituals, secret ordinances, and adherence to church authority. This places the church, rather than Christ alone, at the center of salvation—a major departure from biblical teaching that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9, NLT).

Secrecy also contributes to the classification. Temple rituals and teachings are hidden from outsiders, and members are warned not to discuss these practices. In Christian churches, teaching and sacraments are public, with the goal of edifying the body of believers. Secrecy in Mormonism fosters dependence on leaders rather than Christ.

Historically, these features evolved as the church sought to survive persecution and maintain cohesion. While understandable in the 19th century, these same structures today enforce conformity, control behavior, and limit critical thinking. Former members frequently report feeling trapped, emotionally manipulated, or spiritually confused until they leave and return to Christ-centered faith.

From a biblical perspective, God’s truth is accessible to all through Scripture, and believers are encouraged to test teachings against His Word (1 John 4:1, NLT). Any system that replaces God’s authority with human authority and secrecy is spiritually dangerous.

In short, Mormonism’s combination of authoritarian leadership, secret rituals, doctrinal exclusivity, and social control are hallmarks of a cult. Scholars, former members, and Christian critics all point to these patterns as evidence that it is not aligned with biblical Christianity. Understanding these elements is essential for anyone evaluating the faith today.

Sources
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. 

NPR. “Why Some Scholars Call Mormonism a Cult.” NPR, 12 Oct. 2018. 





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