Can cults become mainstream religions?
Posted in Mormons, Brethren at 10:04 am by Rick Ross Mormonism may have once arguably fallen within the category of a “cult.” It certainly began as a personality-driven group defined by a totalitarian charismatic leader, Joseph Smith. Smith eventually exercised absolute control over his followers in Illinois, where they lived within a largely self-contained community called Nauvoo. He was head of the church, its “prophet,” “revelator,” “seer,” the mayor of Nauvoo and a militia general. The people of Illinois came to fear Smith’s power, which ultimately led to his arrest and death. Then came Brigham Young. Unlike Smith’s son and designated heir Young had a new vision for the Mormons, which included a “Promised Land.” That land is now known as Utah. In the beginning Utah was a theocracy ruled over by Young. But through a series of pragmatic “revelations” and succeeding church presidents, the religious state would become one of the United States of America. First, it was necessary to give
Related Questions
- Many non-Christian religions and cults profess a rejection of everything worldly, of pleasures, of attachments. Isnt this what the Orthodox Church teaches as well?
- Don some groups once seen as "cults" often move more into the mainstream, becoming generally respected sects or religions?
- What was said about The Local Church in the Introduction of The Encyclopedia of Cults and New Religions?
