What It’s Like Being in a “Mormon Cult”

It’s not uncommon to hear someone online or in casual conversation dismiss The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a “cult.” The term itself carries an emotional punch. It brings to mind images of manipulation, secrecy, and blind obedience—images that don’t remotely resemble the daily lives of real Latter-day Saints. But where does that label come from, and what’s life actually like for those who live this faith day to day? Here is Mormonism explained.

The Weight of a Label

Calling any faith a “cult” is a powerful rhetorical move. The word is rarely used neutrally—it’s often intended to frighten or alienate. Historically, “cult” has simply meant any system of religious worship or devotion, but in modern use, it’s usually shorthand for something deviant and dangerous. Scholars of religion have long noted that this shift says more about the speaker’s bias than about the religion itself. As writer Guy Harrison has pointed out, using “cult” in this way functions as a kind of “verbalized bullying,” marking what is a Mormon as inferior or abnormal compared to the cultural mainstream.

Ironically, many of the world’s major religions were once dismissed as “cults.” Early Christians were accused of secret rituals and even cannibalism for their practice of holy communion. Islam, too, was seen as a small “cult” breaking off from established faiths. Over time, as these religions grew and integrated into societies, the label fell away. The story of the Mormon people fits that same historical pattern—a once-persecuted minority faith that’s become a global religious community.

Why People Make the “Cult” Comparison

Decades ago, evangelical critic Walter Martin described certain features he believed defined a “cult”: a strong founding leader, additional scripture, strict moral standards, active missionary work, nonprofessional clergy, belief in continuing revelation, and claims to unique truth. By those criteria, Latter-day Saints would fit the label—but so would the earliest Christian church. The New Testament community was led by charismatic apostles, produced new scripture, evangelized aggressively, and believed God continued to speak through prophets.

What many critics overlook is that these same features—when lived with faith and conscience—are hallmarks of religious vitality, not spiritual danger.

The Reality of Being a Latter-day Saint

If you step inside a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse on a Sunday morning, you won’t find brainwashing or isolation. You’ll find families with strollers, teenagers passing sacrament trays, and a pulpit that rotates speakers each week from among ordinary members. The bishop isn’t a paid Mormon leader but a volunteer—usually someone balancing a full-time job, family life, and Church service. In fact, nearly all local leadership roles are unpaid.

A typical day for a member of the Church often begins and ends with prayer, both individually and as a family. Many members read from the Bible and the Book of Mormon each morning or evening. They live by the “Word of Wisdom,” a health code that encourages wholesome living and prohibits alcohol, coffee, and tobacco. Modesty and simplicity influence how they dress.

Latter-day Saints also set aside time each week for church meetings, volunteer callings, and family-oriented activities. Participation is encouraged, but not forced; people serve because they believe in building a community that reflects Christ’s love.

Family, Faith, and Freedom

Family is at the heart of the Latter-day Saint worldview. Members are taught that the family is the central unit of God’s plan and that relationships can continue after death. This belief fosters deep commitments to marriage, parenting, and intergenerational support.

Critics sometimes see the Church’s strong moral standards as restrictive, but for most Latter-day Saints, they’re a framework for freedom. The Church emphasizes the importance of agency, the God-given right to free will. No one is forced to stay. Those who are less active in the faith might find neighbors or missionaries checking in occasionally, but not with threats or intimidation—more likely with a plate of cookies or an invitation to dinner.

The “Cult” Myths vs the Truth

When people compare what are Mormons to destructive cults, they often overlook some obvious differences. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphasizes openness, education, and service rather than isolation, secrecy, and coercion. Members are encouraged to build friendships in their communities, pursue higher learning, and be good citizens wherever they live.

The Church’s structure is transparent and participatory. Anyone can attend Sunday services or community events; financial audits are published annually; leadership is chosen through a combination of prayer, consultation, and congregational approval. Far from shunning outsiders, missionaries knock on doors hoping to start conversations about faith.

Latter-day Saints are also firmly integrated within modern society. They hold jobs in every field, run businesses, vote in elections, and participate in civic life. Church teachings encourage members to respect government authority and obey the law.

Community and Culture

Across the world, Mormon people form close-knit congregations, whether in Utah, Ghana, Japan, or Brazil. A local congregation, called a “ward” or “branch,” functions almost like an extended family. Members help one another move, bring meals to the sick, and celebrate births and weddings together.

At the same time, the global Church values diversity. Converts are encouraged to retain their national and family traditions while integrating gospel principles. The result is a faith that feels both universal and deeply local: Samoan hymns, Ghanaian dances, and Utah casseroles all find a place in the same spiritual family.

Many of those who no longer actively participate in the faith still describe themselves as “cultural Mormons,” showing how strongly this sense of community endures.

An Invitation to Come and See

Ultimately, whether one views Mormonism explained as a “cult” depends on how one defines the word. Yes, Latter-day Saints have distinctive beliefs, unique scripture, and a disciplined lifestyle. But so did the earliest followers of Jesus. What you’ll actually find in their homes and congregations are families praying together, neighbors helping neighbors, and individuals striving—imperfectly but sincerely—to follow Christ.

For those curious about what this faith is really like, the best approach is the one Jesus himself suggested: “Come and see.” Attend a service. Get to know some Latter-day Saints. What you’ll likely discover is not a shadowy cult, but a vibrant community of people trying to live their religion with humility, joy, and love.

About Mormonism Explained

Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.

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