In this topic, we explore how Mormons typically relate to non-Mormons, and vice versa. One of the biggest questions that arises: is Mormonism a cult? We’ll talk about that and other issues about Mormons and non-Mormons that we hope will help you have more insightful & intelligent relationships with the Mormons you encounter.
Most People Have a Low View of Mormons
- Two nationwide studies released recently
- YouGov poll (Nov 2022) explores Americans’ attitudes toward different religious groups & belief systems
- High end: Christianity (general) = +34 favorability rating
- Protestantism is next = +15
- Low end: Satanism & Scientology = -49 rating
- LDS Church = -21
- To break it down: very favorable 6%; somewhat favorable 11%
- Neither favorable or unfavorable 36%; not sure 9%
- Somewhat unfavorable 20%; very unfavorable 19%
- Ppl who say religion is not important to them = -41 rating
- Ppl who say religion is important to them = -11 rating
- Pew Research Center study (Sept 2022) measured sentiments toward several religious groups (self-ratings excluded)
- Jews = +27 favorability
- Mainline Protestants = +20
- Catholics = +5
- Evangelical Xians = -14
- Atheists = -4
- Muslims = -5
- Mormons = -12 → 15% favorable / 25% unfavorable / 59% neither or don’t know
- Unsurprisingly, % of favorable reactions increases for ppl who actually know a member of any of these religious groups
- Interesting! Mormons evaluate evangelical Xians = +43 rating
- Evangelicals evaluate Mormons = -12 rating
- So: what are some reasons for this unfavorability?
- Pew: non-religious people & social liberals have very high unfavorability to LDS, as to other conservative faith groups
- Non-religious affiliated = -26 / (evangelicals – 38)
- Atheists = – 55 / (evangelicals – 76)
- Presumably based on conservative social views / politics
- But what about other people of faith?
Many People See Mormonism as a Cult
- Here’s the question we teased in our title: Is Mormonism a cult?
- Answer to that Q depends on how you define the term
- Also reflects the attitude you have toward others
- The doctrinal definition of a “cult”
- Huge doctrinal differences divide M’ism from historic, biblical Xianity
- As explored in earlier episodes = the underlying worldview that drives M’sim is radically different at key points from biblical Xian worldview
- In narrow theological definition: that makes M’ism a cult
- (Though from their perspective, WE might be seen as the cult.)
- The sociological definition
- A relatively small group that excessively controls its members
- Mind control / social control / thought-stopping techniques
- Never question leaders / opponents & outsiders vilified
- Avoidance of dissent / difficult to leave
- Share a set of acts & practices that require unwavering devotion
- Considered deviant compared to norms of society
- Typically led by a charismatic leader, often self-appointed
- This definition is irrespective of any particular beliefs
- Though “cult” is often linked with unusual religious / spiritual beliefs
- The cultural assumption
- Most ppl don’t have theology in mind when they use or hear the term “cult”
- Rather, they think of weird / aberrant groups…
- Poison-Kool-Aid-drinking Jim Jones & People’s Temple
- Heaven’s Gate group that committed mass suicide to join aliens
- David Koresh & Branch Davidians fighting it out w/FBI in Waco TX
- IOW: in popular usage, “cult” can mean “a religion I don’t like”
- Result: “cult” carries a strong negative / pejorative tone
- Recent media productions present M’ism in this light
- Under the Banner of Heaven
- Keep Sweet – Pray and Obey
- The Book of Mormon Musical
- Focus on some of the more unattractive aspects of LDS history / culture
- Polygamy is a big one even though LDS Church has sought to distance itself
- If our goal is to share the good news of God’s grace → don’t call ppl names
- Using “cult” framework / terminology cuts off communication
- Both sides end up arguing over mere labels vs talking about real issues
- Xians should find language that communicates the vast belief differences
- Without needlessly insulting the LDS community
- Col 3:12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness,humility, gentleness, and patience.
Mormons Can Be Pretty Clueless About Non-Mormons
- Some of the unfavorability might be → LDS can be insular
- Mormonism creates a tightly knit community
- Result: LDS can be very inwardly focused
- Not usually tuned in to how comes across to neighbors or coworkers
- Wrapped up in LDS world, can be unaware of the lives and experiences of outsiders living around them
- Example: public schools in Utah
- Often run on assumption that everyone is LDS
- This can result in a feeling of isolation for non-Mormons in LDS areas
- Welcomed warmly when first move in
- Until they discover you are not a prospect for conversion
- Sometimes outsiders are resented
- These attitudes vary greatly by community or neighborhood
- Can be heightened if LDS find Xian neighbors distant / unfriendly themselves
- A lot of stereotypes are a work in LDS culture
- “Evangelical Christians aren’t serious about their faith. They abuse grace.”
- “Evangelical Xians hate us”
- It’s more likely = LDS are just can very unaware of what others believe / how they live
- May lump all other Xian groups together → every pastor is a “priest”
- Honestly think that we believe pretty much what they believe
- This is why Mormons are confused and offended when evangelicals don’t regard them as Christians
- We have very different definitions of “Christian” from them
- It’s really 2 questions
- Is Mormonism a Cristian institution?
- Are individuals Mormons Christians?
- These two questions require two different approaches
- Institutions → a doctrinal approach
- Individuals → an experiential approach
- Some elements of evangelical culture are attractive to LDS
- Contemporary Christian music
- Non-denominational Bible study
- Generically Christian media productions, like The Chosen
Mormons See Non-Mormons As Targets For Conversion
- Another reason for unfavorability → Mormonism is a missionary-minded faith
- This is the major point of contention between LDS and Christians
- Mormons confidently & aggressively seek to win converts from Xian churches
- The LDS Church’s stated purpose is “to preach the gospel to the world”
- They deploy some 65K missionaries in 350 regions worldwide
- A 2-year proselytizing mission = important rite of passage for LDS youth
- LDS Church baptizes over 300,000 new converts each year
- Missionaries rely heavily on members to refer their friends
- In response to how Mormons view us, traditional Christians have three options.
-
- We can attack Mormonism, as many have.
- But Mormonism is fueled by a persecution complex.
- When opposed, the Mormon people resist and grow stronger.
- We can agree with Mormonism.
- Not an option if we are committed to biblical truth.
- Or, like Jesus, we can engage with Mormons as real people and point them toward a different kind of relationship with God.
- This is modeled by his interaction with the Samaritan woman in John 4.
- Perhaps one day we will come back to that passage and explore it more fully.
