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.
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).
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.