| Definition of "Cult"
Hello everyone.
Rightfully, a question with this title belongs in the religion board, or perhaps the psychology board. However, recent dialogue between Huckabee and Romney have brought this issue to the forefront.
Romney's people have questioned Huckabee as to whether Huckabee believes that Mormonism is a cult. Huckabee has refused to answer the question, saying instead something along the lines of not wanting to speak about other people's religions, only his own. The Romney people are accusing Huckabee of calling Mormonism a cult and are decrying his refusal to answer the question.
So, since this topic is now a front-page political issue, it belongs here.
My questions:
1) What is your definition of a cult?
2) Does Mormonism fit that definition?
Here's my definition of a cult:
A Cult is a pseudo-religious organization that has a living leader who is worshipped either as a deity or the representative of that deity. In order to qualify as a cult, the organization or leader must control all aspects of the daily lives of the followers, to the point of punishing (physically or emotionally) those members who do not submit to that control. Also a cult demands that its members give up all worldly wealth to the organization, with that wealth accruing to the leader of the organization.
Based on this definition of cult, Mormonism does NOT fit the bill. It does not have any specific single leader figure, but rather an organized clergy. It's members, while choosing to submit to a highly regulated set of laws, are free to leave the fold and are not punished by the leadership for transgressions. And while donations to the church are welcome, wealth remains the property of the members. Therefore, Mormonism does not fall into the category of "cult".
Contrast that with the Branch Davidians of Waco, TX. In that organization, David Koresh was an absolute leader, revered as a Messiah figure, a representative of G-d on Earth. He set up a situation wherein he became the sole object of procreation... all married women had to disolve their marriages and women could have sex only with him. He also had sex with several minors with whom Koresh claimed to have fathered children. When Childrens' Protective Services tried to investigate these charges, they found that the women and children wee being prevented from speaking to them. Koresh was in control of their lives. And anyone who wanted to leave the fold had to give up everything they owned... which is the same thing as saying that the organization owned everything they had. The Branch Davidians of Waco, Tx do fall into the category of cult.
What is your opinion on how to define what a cult is, and whether Mormonism is a cult?
Elliot
 | 
My son entered the covenant of Avinu Avraham on his eighth day. I'd be glad to accommodate this subject on the Judaism board. Unless there is going to be major surprise campaign announcement I don't think Romney or Huchabee converted. Imagine two politicians heehawing over their privates. Wait it minute! Considering ex-Pres Clinton's Oval office adventures and the recent Sen. Craig's out of the closet airport experience, that would be more information than I care to know about. I can only handle so many news revelations in a lifetime. 
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