SHOWNOTES

In this podcast, we will 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 / perjorative tone
• LDS take it as an insult
• 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.