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 throu...