Why Are We Called A Cult?

[teddyaware]

I wouldn't have a vote at all since callings are inspired, aren't they? Shouldn't the bishop/stake president be alerted to any improprieties by the Spirit? Seriously, even if I knew of some issue, I wouldn't feel it was my place to intercede in a decision made by those in authority. I would assume that the issue had been resolved.

I was simply struck by what looked like a "rigged election." I now understand that it's not really an election but rather akin to the minister at a wedding asking, "If anyone knows of any reason why this couple shouldn't be married, speak now ..." The only difference is that the rest of the audience members aren't asked to give a "sustaining vote" for the marriage.

Once again, it's not to unusual to me now, but the idea of a vote that is, say, 100-0, is unusual for many of us, for example, if you put a poll on the Internet asking for whether people supported a law that made it illegal to punch babies in the throat, there would be AT LEAST 2% opposed (possibly up to 4% if the responders are all parents).

Aside from the reasons for sustaining votes I already set forth, there are more reasons why we vote to sustain. One is to publicly manifest our unity as a community of saints ("if ye are not one, ye are not mine"). Another is that our sustaining votes are also a public demonstration of a commitment on each member's part to pray for, uplift, help and encourage those who have been called to serve. In addition, sustaining votes are also publicly displayed promises that we're not going to knock, ridicule, undermine or be disloyal to those leaders behind their backs.    

Edited March 26, 2014 by teddyaware

[mormonnewb]

In addition, sustaining votes are also publicly displayed promises that we're not going to knock, ridicule, undermine or be disloyal to those leaders behind their backs.

What about to their faces?

[teddyaware]

What about to their faces?

Much better to bring your reasons for disapproval straight to their faces rather than doing it behind their backs. Jesus said,

15 Moreover if thy brother (even a bishop or stake president) shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. (Matt 18)

Edited March 26, 2014 by teddyaware

[Garden Girl]

  Another is that our sustaining votes are also a public demonstration of a commitment on each member's part to pray for, uplift, help and encourage those who have been called to serve. In addition, sustaining votes are also publicly displayed promises that we're not going to knock, ridicule, undermine or be disloyal to those leaders behind their backs.    

 

This is my understanding of the main purpose for the sustaining vote... where we are able to raise our hand that we will do our part to help the individuals called to do theirs. 

 

GG

[stemelbow]

Because calling us a potato would be inappropriate and downright offensive. 

[thatjimguy]

How come other religions are never called cults, but Mormonism is always called a cult? I don't see what about the church is cultish. Is it the sacred temple ceremonies?

 

I would think that from the top, we are not a cult. I do not think our leaders would not promote that kind of thinkning.

 

However, from the bottom up, I think we may be socially.

Edited March 26, 2014 by thatjimguy

[Gervin]

I agree that generally a "cult" is any group that doesn't worship and believe exactly like you do. However, in common parlance, people often associate the word with groups like the Branch Davidians, Jonestown, and the Hale Bopp Comet cults, groups where members separate themselves from society in general under the direction of a charismatic leader. In that vain, the current LDS Church is not even remotely a cult although we do have somewhat "cultish" history. The move to Utah in search of Zion under the direction of BY does fit the pattern (obviously, without the catastrophic results).

It's probably worth exploring whether Jos. Smith had any kind of charismatic qualities that drew people to the church.  I wouldn't know.

 

Re the organizations listed, many fall into "cult-like" categories based on tendencies that have been observed in common between such organizations.  One trait I recall is that the membership is not allowed to see the financial books of the organization.