Until I read this:
link: http://www.csj.org/infoserv_cult101/checklis.htm
Characteristics Associated with Cultic Groups - Revised
Janja Lalich, Ph.D. & Michael D. Langone, Ph.D.
Concerted efforts at influence and control lie at the core of cultic groups, programs, and relationships. Many members, former members, and supporters of cults are not fully aware of the extent to which members may have been manipulated, exploited, even abused. The following list of social-structural, social-psychological, and interpersonal behavioral patterns commonly found in cultic environments may be helpful in assessing a particular group or relationship.
Compare these patterns to the situation you were in (or in which you, a family member, or friend is currently involved). This list may help you determine if there is cause for concern. Bear in mind that this list is not meant to be a “cult scale” or a definitive checklist to determine if a specific group is a cult. This is not so much a diagnostic instrument as it is an analytical tool.
The group displays excessively zealous and unquestioning commitment to its leader and (whether he is alive or dead) regards his belief system, ideology, and practices as the Truth, as law.
Absolutely true of Mormonism.
Questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or even punished.
True. Punished by excommunication if you are vocal enough. Punished by family and friends if you tell them your true thoughts and feelings.
Mind-altering practices (such as meditation, chanting, speaking in tongues, denunciation sessions, and debilitating work routines) are used in excess and serve to suppress doubts about the group and its leader(s).
I don't know about "mind-altering." Perhaps "indoctrination is a better word. Temple ceremony -- weird.
The leadership dictates, sometimes in great detail, how members should think, act, and feel (for example, members must get permission to date, change jobs, marry—or leaders prescribe what types of clothes to wear, where to live, whether or not to have children, how to discipline children, and so forth).
True.
The group is elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its leader(s) and members (for example, the leader is considered the Messiah, a special being, an avatar—or the group and/or the leader is on a special mission to save humanity).
True. "The only true and living church on the face of the earth." Joseph Smith is considered "the best blood of the 19th century." We are on a special mission to save humanity (missionary work, baptisms for dead, etc.)
The group has a polarized us-versus-them mentality, which may cause conflict with the wider society.
True. You can really see this in the attitudes toward critics or "apostates."
How many times have you heard the phrase "She/he is not a member of the church, but they are a really nice person."
The leader is not accountable to any authorities (unlike, for example, teachers, military commanders or ministers, priests, monks, and rabbis of mainstream religious denominations).
I don't think this one applies.
The group teaches or implies that its supposedly exalted ends justify whatever means it deems necessary. This may result in members' participating in behaviors or activities they would have considered reprehensible or unethical before joining the group (for example, lying to family or friends, or collecting money for bogus charities).
Lying for the Lord, whitewashed history, meat before milk. Somewhat deceptive, but perhaps not as bad as in other cults.
The leadership induces feelings of shame and/or guilt iin order to influence and/or control members. Often, this is done through peer pressure and subtle forms of persuasion.
True. Peer pressure may be stronger than that of leaders, if you come from a TBM family.
Subservience to the leader or group requires members to cut ties with family and friends, and radically alter the personal goals and activities they had before joining the group.
Cut ties with friends who are a "bad influence." You shouldn't marry a non-member, or divorce your spouse who has lost his/her testimony.
The group is preoccupied with bringing in new members.
Absolutely true.
The group is preoccupied with making money.
10% of your pre-tax income.
Members are expected to devote inordinate amounts of time to the group and group-related activities.
True.
Members are encouraged or required to live and/or socialize only with other group members.
Not necessarily true, but it often works out this way if you live in the Mormon corridor.
The most loyal members (the “true believers”) feel there can be no life outside the context of the group. They believe there is no other way to be, and often fear reprisals to themselves or others if they leave (or even consider leaving) the group.
SOOOOO true.
Here's an excellent article I found from the Washington Post. Same story.... just different details.
link: http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2009/04/generation_cult.html
Leaving a Cult
By Jayanti Tamm
author, teacher
I was born and raised in a cult. For over 25 years my life was strategically designed to cement my faith and deter all distractions from the one and only focus -- the guru himself.
In the 1960s, during the swell of America's fourth Great Awakening--the version that imported teachings from the East--ambitious yogis, swamis, and gurus draped in flowing robes arrived to fill a void in the emerging spiritual market. They understood that thousands of Americans' needs were not being met. Importing a lineage of teachings that could be traced back before recorded history, these skillful leaders repackaged the luster of an ancient hoary tradition to new consumers. They instantly offered a viable option to the dogmatic religions of square parents in small town subdivisions. My mother--born and raised Catholic--and father--born and raised Lutheran--were among the throngs of sincere aspirants actively seeking an alternative to mainstream religion.
In 1968 my mother discovered the lower-east side tenement of the guru Sri Chinmoy. The newly arrived Bengali spiritual leader beckoned her to follow him. He appeared humble, luminous and wise, everything she had always imagined. Sri Chinmoy ushered her into the crowded, incense-flooded room and instructed her to sit on the floor beside a barefoot, long-haired man. The serenity was palpable, a rich communal spirit filled the space. At the end of the evening's meditation, Sri Chinmoy informed my mother that in order to advance exponentially in her spiritual life, the guru would wed her to the young hippie in a "Divine Marriage." She agreed.
I think I've heard similar stories to this before....somewhere...
Cults are designed to keep a clear separation between those inside and outside. The more faithful a follower, the more reliant the person is on the group. It becomes everything--family, friends, church, home, work, dwelling, community. Extracting oneself from that after decades is difficult, and sometimes impossible. It is both terrifying and isolating.
That's how I feel.
What's your opinion? Is the church a cult??