The LDS church is cult-like

Reasons to agree

1. Historical Practices: The Church previously required members to make extreme covenants, including symbolic gestures related to life and death. Critics argue these practices were unsettling and indicative of cult-like behavior. The Church used to have you promise to slit your throat if you broke your covenants. This is pretty messed up. 

Reasons to disagree

1. Evolution of Practices: The Church no longer includes such extreme promises in its rituals, reflecting a shift away from controversial practices.
2. Shared Christian Beliefs: Mormons follow Christ's teachings as presented in the New Testament and strive to live according to its principles.
3. Dismissive Labeling: Calling the LDS Church a cult dismisses the faith and humanity of its members, reducing them to stereotypes rather than recognizing them as individuals with complex beliefs and experiences.
4. Personal Testimonies: Many members, like the writer’s mother, exemplify compassion, morality, and love, challenging the notion that all adherents are misguided or manipulated.
5. Perspective on "Weirdness": All religions have unique or controversial elements, but focusing solely on these aspects while ignoring the good is inherently biased.
6. Fair Assessment: Mormons contribute positively to society in ways that non-Mormon traditions may not, and it is unfair to disregard these contributions when evaluating the faith.

Scriptures that might agree

1. Matthew 7:15 – “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
1. Critics may interpret this to suggest caution against organizations they perceive as deceptive or overly controlling.
2. Galatians 1:8 – “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.”
1. Some might argue this warns against groups like the LDS Church, which introduces additional scriptures like the Book of Mormon.
3. 1 Timothy 4:1 – “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.”
1. Critics could cite this as a warning against doctrines they see as divergent from mainstream Christianity.

Scriptures that might disagree

1.  John 7:24 – “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”
1. This encourages fair and nuanced judgment, which aligns with avoiding oversimplified or dismissive labels like "cult."
2. Matthew 7:1-2 – “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”
1. This could be used to advocate against labeling others' beliefs harshly, emphasizing humility and empathy.
3. Romans 14:4 – “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls.
1. This supports the idea that each person is accountable to God alone, not to the judgment of others.
4. John 13:34-35 – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
1. This aligns with treating others, including Mormons, with love and respect regardless of disagreements.
5. James 1:27 – “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
1. Many argue that the LDS Church exemplifies this type of devotion through its humanitarian work and focus on moral living.

Score:

# of reasons to agree: 1

# of reasons to disagree: -7

# of reasons to agree with reasons to decide: 0

# of reasons to agree with reasons to disagree: -0

Total Idea Score: -6

Images That agree

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Images That disagree

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The interest of those who agree: +

1. Highlighting historical practices or controversial aspects to critique or harm the Church.

The interest of those who disagree: -

1. Defending the Church's practices, teachings, and members from what they perceive as unjust or biased criticism.

Common Interest:

1. Promoting understanding, fairness, and constructive dialogue about the Church and its societal role.

Opposing Interest:

1. Maintaining contrasting narratives: one seeking to expose flaws and another aiming to protect the Church's reputation.

Videos That agree

1.  Documentaries or interviews highlighting controversial Church practices or critical viewpoints.
2. Videos featuring testimonies from former members or critics.

Videos That disagree

1. Church-produced media defending its teachings or addressing criticisms.
2. Testimonies of members sharing positive personal experiences and the Church’s impact on their lives.

Website that agrees

1. Blogs or articles detailing critiques of the Church’s history, teachings, or practices.
2. Advocacy sites for former members or whistleblowers.

Websites that disagree

1. Official Church websites explain doctrines and dispel myths.
2. Apologetic platforms address criticisms with counterarguments and evidence.

Related arguments:


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