Is Mormonism considered a cult?

Definition of “Cult”

A “cult” is commonly defined by many Christian researchers as a religious group claiming to be Christian yet departing from key biblical doctrines historically upheld by the church. These doctrines include the belief in one eternal God (Isaiah 43:10), the sufficiency of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16), and salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9). Groups that diverge from these foundational points are often labeled “cults” by conservative scholars.

Historical Context of Mormonism

Mormonism, formally known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), originated in the early 19th century under Joseph Smith Jr. Smith claimed to have received special revelations and discovered additional sacred writings called the Book of Mormon. From its inception, the LDS movement introduced doctrines that traditional Christians view as outside of or contradictory to Scripture.

Doctrinal Differences

1. Nature of God

Traditional Christian teaching affirms the eternal nature of God as the one and only uncreated Being (Deuteronomy 6:4). In contrast, Mormon writings and teachings suggest that God was once a man who progressed to godhood, and that humans can also become gods. This concept conflicts with verses like Isaiah 44:6–8 and Isaiah 43:10, where Yahweh declares there is no other God and none formed before or after Him.

2. Authority of Scripture

The LDS Church teaches that the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price hold scriptural authority alongside (and at times superseding) the Bible. Traditional Christianity accepts the Bible alone—recognized through verified manuscripts and historical continuity—as the supreme written authority for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16–17). A significant issue arises from the lack of external archaeological corroboration for Book of Mormon events compared to the extensive archaeological and manuscript support for the Bible (including the Dead Sea Scrolls).

3. Christology

Historic Christianity teaches that Jesus Christ is eternally God the Son, coequal with the Father and the Holy Spirit (John 1:1–3). By contrast, Mormon doctrine typically asserts that Jesus is the spirit-brother of Lucifer and that His divine sonship differs from the coeternal nature traditionally affirmed in Christian creeds. This conflicts with John 1:18 and Colossians 1:16–17, which underscore Christ’s eternal divine status.

4. Salvation and Exaltation

The LDS Church’s teaching on exaltation includes the idea that faithful Mormons can progress to become gods of their own worlds. Traditional Christianity maintains the singular path of salvation: by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9), with no possibility of attaining divine godhood. This sharp difference in salvation theology is central in many Christian evaluations of Mormonism as non-orthodox.

Scriptural Examination

1. God’s Eternity and Uniqueness

Isaiah 43:10 declares: “Before Me no god was formed, and after Me none will come.” This verse emphasizes God’s eternal uniqueness, conflicting with any system that allows for multiple gods or for humans to become gods.

2. Sufficiency of Scripture

Revelation 22:18–19 warns against adding to or subtracting from God’s revealed word. Christian scholars often cite this warning in discussions about the Book of Mormon and other LDS scriptures, maintaining that the Bible stands complete and sufficient for doctrine, reproof, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

3. The Person of Jesus Christ

John 1:1 testifies that the Word (Jesus) “was God,” and Colossians 1:17 states, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” These passages affirm His eternal, uncreated nature, fundamental to Christian belief and often challenged by Mormon teachings that suggest Christ’s progression to deity or creation at some point in time.

Behavioral and Philosophical Considerations

From a behavioral science perspective, the strong communal bonds within Mormonism, the organized missionary programs, and ethical living often mirror Christian external morals. However, the essential question rests on doctrinal fidelity to biblical teaching rather than outward social structures. When evaluating a group by orthodox Christian standards, the internal theology becomes paramount over philanthropic or societal contributions.

Philosophically, consistency with the biblical revelation is central. If a group’s doctrines about God, Scripture, and salvation conflict with the core teachings of the Bible, the group sits outside historic Christian belief. As Jesus states in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me,” emphasizing an exclusive path to salvation that depends upon accepting His eternal deity.

Archaeological and Historical Evidence

Christian scholars use archaeological findings—such as discoveries related to ancient Near Eastern civilizations, verified chronologies from genealogical tables, and the Dead Sea Scrolls’ manuscript evidence—to confirm the reliability of the Old and New Testaments. These scrolls align closely with later-text manuscripts, showcasing the Bible’s faithful transmission over centuries.

By contrast, the Book of Mormon has limited verifiable archaeological support. Repeated investigations and attempts to find evidence of advanced ancient civilizations in the geographical locations proposed by Mormon texts have not produced widely accepted results. This discrepancy supports many Christians’ assessment that Mormonism’s additional scriptures and claims lack the evidential foundation that bolsters the Bible.

Conclusion on the Question

From a strictly conservative Christian standpoint—relying on the Bible as the final authority—Mormonism diverges on critical doctrines about God, Christ, and salvation. As a result, many Christian theologians, pastors, and apologetic researchers classify Mormonism as a “cult” in the sense that it claims Christian identity but deviates from essential biblical teachings.

Those examining this question are encouraged to weigh the evidence, compare LDS teachings with the text of Scripture, and evaluate historical and archaeological data. For readers seeking a comprehensive understanding, the Bible remains the measuring rod (Acts 17:11), and all additional claims should be tested against its inspired words.