When Does a Religion Become a Cult? - Wall Street Journal

[_The Mormon Report]

For your consideration:

When Does a Religion Become a Cult? - WSJ.com

[_Polygamy-Porter]

Many academics and observers of cult phenomena, such as psychologist Philip G. Zimbardo of Stanford, agree on four criteria to define a cult.
- The first is behavior control, i.e., monitoring of where you go and what you do.
- The second is information control, such as discouraging members from reading criticism of the group.
- The third is thought control, placing sharp limits on doctrinal questioning.
- The fourth is emotional control—using humiliation or guilt.

Yet at times these traits can also be detected within mainstream faiths. So I would add two more categories: financial control and extreme leadership

[_Dwight Frye]

As opposed to a cult, a religious culture ought to be as simple to enter or exit, for members or observers, as any free nation. Members should experience no impediment to relationships, ideas or travel, and the group's finances should be reasonably transparent. Its doctrine need not be conventional—but it should be knowable to outsiders. Absent those qualities, an unorthodox religion can descend into something darker.

[_sock puppet]

Guess what I'm thinking looks, talks and walks like a duck but tries passing itself off as a swan?

If you guessed the Mormon Church, you are very perceptive and correct.

[_Fiannan]

Many academics and observers of cult phenomena, such as psychologist Philip G. Zimbardo of Stanford, agree on four criteria to define a cult.
- The first is behavior control, i.e., monitoring of where you go and what you do.
- The second is information control, such as discouraging members from reading criticism of the group.
- The third is thought control, placing sharp limits on doctrinal questioning.
- The fourth is emotional control—using humiliation or guilt.

Yet at times these traits can also be detected within mainstream faiths. So I would add two more categories: financial control and extreme leadership

Sounds more like the Democratic Party than the LDS Church.

[_Dad of a Mormon]

Sounds more like the Democratic Party than the LDS Church.

Good throwaway line.

[_JAK]

For your consideration:

When Does a Religion Become a Cult? - WSJ.com

The answer to your question is more complex than it might first appear.

Consider the extensive analysis here.

The WSJ you cite is a partial discussion of definition of “cult.”

There is often a general attitude that: If it’s my belief, it’s a good religion. If it’s beliefs with which I disagree or seem strange to me, it’s a cult.

Historically, small secretive religious groups were looked upon as cults. However, as they grew in size and became more generally accepted, they were looked upon as a religion. We have, presently, more than a thousand groups which call themselves Christian. At the same time, we have other groups who single out specific religious groups and regard them as cults. Hence, this is in no small way a matter of understanding and application of words like “cult” and “religion.”

JAK

[_Kishkumen]

In my view, the question looks more like this:

Given the fact that the LDS Church does not want to be viewed as a cult, and I think there is nothing wrong with that, why does it not actually do more to avoid appearing like one? In other words, I really don't care to accuse the LDS Church of being a cult, and I don't think it is a cult, but they don't seem very serious about avoiding the charge other than fulminating or whining about it when someone levels it.

It is a simple fact that the LDS Church is not open with investigators about all of its doctrines and practices up front. It is also a simple fact that the Church takes in billions of dollars, holds billions in property and investments, and yet the average tithe-paying member is simply told that INTERNAL accountants have checked it all out and everything is on the up and up!

So, cult? No. But really, guys, you can't see why it looks "off" to outsiders and questioning insiders? A culture of secrecy veiled in a mask of sanctity is a fine recipe for corruption. If you don't want to be called a cult, then the answer is very simple: don't do what other people believe looks "cultish."

Feel free to whine and rave about the unfairness of being labelled a cult, but that won't likely solve the problem.

[_Simon Belmont]

the Mormon Church

There is no such church.

[_MCB]

Linguistics, Kish. If it walks like a cult, quacks like a cult, and thinks like a cult, it is a cult, according to those who use that definition of a cult.

Similar to an IQ test tests what an IQ test tests. Item content and the authors' definition of IQ determine what IQ the person achieves.