Is Mormonism properly defined as a cult?

TL;DR:

Mormonism, or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), claims Christian roots but contradicts core biblical teachings, making it a theological cult, by definition. Mormonism denies the Bible’s sufficiency, rejects the true nature of God and Jesus, and promotes a works-based salvation.

what does the bible say?

The Bible offers a clear and complete framework for understanding God, Jesus, salvation, and the afterlife. Mormonism diverges from these biblical truths in critical ways:

The Nature of God: Mormons believe God was once a man, who became a deity, a concept directly opposed by Scripture, which teaches that God is eternal and unchanging (Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 43:10). The Trinity, according to Mormonism, consists of three separate beings, while the Bible reveals one God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19; John 10:30).

Jesus’s Identity: Mormonism teaches that Jesus is an exalted human and the literal offspring of God and a woman, not fully divine. However, the Bible presents Jesus as fully God and fully man, eternally existent and one with the Father (John 1:1, 14; Colossians 1:15–20).

Salvation: LDS doctrine combines faith and works for salvation, with the ultimate goal being to achieve godhood. In contrast, the Bible teaches that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9). Good works are the result of salvation, not the means to it (Titus 3:5–7).

The Afterlife: Mormonism teaches there are four levels of the afterlife, including celestial godhood for the most faithful. The Bible describes only two eternal destinations: heaven for those reconciled to God through faith in Jesus, and hell for those who reject Him (Matthew 25:46; John 14:6; Hebrews 9:27).

from the old testament

Psalm 90:2: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." God is eternal and unchanging, contradicting Mormonism’s belief that God was once a man.
Isaiah 43:10: "Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me." The Bible denies the possibility of humans becoming gods, refuting Mormon theology.

from the new testament

John 1:1: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Jesus is eternally God, not a created being, as Mormonism claims.
Ephesians 2:8–9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, not something earned through good deeds or religious rituals.
John 14:6: "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" Jesus is the exclusive way to God, opposing Mormonism’s view of multiple paths, or eternal destinations, within its theology.

implications for today

According to Britannica: “The term cult is often applied to a religious movement that exists in some degree of tension with the dominant religious or cultural inclination of a society. In recent years, the word cult has been most commonly used as a pejorative term for a religious group that falls outside the mainstream and, by implication, engages in questionable activities” (www.britannica.com/topic/cult, accessed 4/29/2025). While Mormonism fits the theological definition of a cult, using the term "cult" in conversations can alienate its members and shut down meaningful dialogue. The focus should instead be on lovingly sharing the truth of the gospel. Many Mormons sincerely desire to follow God but have been led astray by false doctrine. Christians are called to approach Mormons with compassion, pointing them to the sufficiency of the Bible and the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. By emphasizing the grace of God and the assurance of eternal life through faith, believers can offer hope and clarity that contrasts with the uncertainty of Mormon teachings.

understand

Mormonism teaches God was once a man, while the Bible says God is eternal and unchanging.
Mormonism views Jesus as a created being, while the Bible affirms Jesus as fully God and fully man.
Mormonism combines faith and works for salvation and teaches multiple afterlife levels, while the Bible teaches salvation by grace alone and two eternal destinations—heaven and hell.

reflect

How does understanding the biblical teaching of God’s unchanging nature influence your view of the doctrines taught by Mormonism?
How does the belief in salvation by grace alone, through faith in Jesus, impact your daily life and relationship with God?
How can you lovingly engage with someone from the Mormon faith, while still holding firm to the truths of Scripture?

engage

How do we reconcile the importance of grace and faith in salvation with the concept of works in other religious systems, like Mormonism?
What do we think are the most effective ways to address the differences between Mormonism and biblical Christianity in conversations with Mormons?
How can we support others in understanding and defending the core doctrines of the Bible, especially when faced with differing beliefs?