Difference between revisions of "Mormon cult"

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(needs some hefty editing, I think -- a little too, erm, passionate)
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What about the [[Mormon cult]]?
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Critics of the Mormon Church ([[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]) sometimes refer to it as a [[Mormonism cult|"cult."]] The term is meant to be both derogatory and accusatory and is offensive to members of the Church.
  
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Critics of the Mormon Church ([[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]) like to tell people terrible things about the so-called [[Mormonism cult|Mormon cult]]. They use this expression to try to scare away people from seriously investigating the teachings of the Church.
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==What is a Cult?==
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The [http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?cult Merriam-Webster dictionary online] presents five definitions for the word ''cult:''
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*formal religious veneration
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*a system of religious beliefs and ritual; ''also'': its body of adherents
 +
*a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious
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*a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator (as in "health cults")
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*a great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work
  
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But what is a "cult"? In many dictionaries cult is a synonymous with "religious organization", but this is not the meaning usually attached by [[Anti-Mormon|anti-Mormons]] when they talk about the Mormon cult.
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These definitions provide ''denotations'' of the word "cult"—literal meanings devoid of emotional content. The ''connotations,'' or emotional definitions of the word [http://www.religio.de/cudef.html "cult"] may include the following:
 +
*any group which deviates from orthodox or historical Christianity.
 +
*a group which claims to be in conformity with Biblical truth, but which deviates from it[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cult]
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*a group with an authoritarian, charismatic leader who has an exceptional hold upon his or her followers
 +
*a group which claims to be the only way to God
 +
*a group which uses intimidation or manipulation to gain and keep members
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*a group which lays claim to the financial resources of its members
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*a group which monopolizes the time and thoughts of its members, leading them to avoid other contacts and activities
 +
*a group which compromises the individual's ability to make free choices without the approval or advice of the leader(s)
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*a religion or sect considered by the general society to be extremist, dangerous, or unorthodox
  
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Similarly early Christianity also was denounced as a "sect" and a "cult" by its critics. When other Christians label the Mormon Church as a cult, they create their own special definition of what a cult is. However, most who use this specialized definition do not seem to realize that nearly all of these definitions would similarly include Christ and the early Christians in the group of the “evil and suspicious cultists”.
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Often, new religious movements are branded by society as cults. These new religions either fade away into obscurity, or gain members and become more accepted, thereby shedding the stigma assigned to them at their origin. For instance, the first followers of Jesus were viewed as apostate Jews, or Jews trying to establish a cult around Jesus, a charismatic leader. As Christianity spread to the Gentiles, it was viewed as a cult by the pagan societies into which it was introduced. It took hundreds of years to establish a Christian orthodoxy. Cultism (as far as Christians are concerned) is now defined in relationship to that orthodoxy.  
  
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The early Church was strongly persecuted and the Bible reports that it was called a "sect" (Acts 28:22). People thought they were serving God by persecuting and even killing its leaders.  
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--It should be noted that in British English, the definitions for the words ''cult'' and ''sect'' are opposite those of American English. Americans generally view a ''sect'' as a branch or division of a larger religious group, and a ''cult'' as an extreme or unorthodox group. The British define a ''cult'' as a branch or division of a larger religious group, and a ''sect'' as an extreme or unorthodox group.
  
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Similarly, in our days, several anti-Mormon organizations operate in the United States and in other countries. In the 1987 Directory of Cult Research Organizations we can find more than a hundred anti-Mormon listings. These groups distribute anti-Mormon literature, provide lectures that attack the Church publicly, and even proselytize Mormons. For most of them Mormonism is a cult.
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==Is Mormonism a Cult by Literal Definition?==
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The first literal definition for the word ''cult''—"a formal religious veneration"—defines every religious group on earth. Mormonism is a religion and a church. It is also a system of religious beliefs and ritual, conforming to the second definition, as do all churches.  
  
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One of their favorite themes is to assert that Mormons are not [[Mormonism vs. Christianity|Christians]]. The main basis for this classification is that the Mormon belief in the Christian [[Godhead]] is different from the traditional Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity. The anti-cultists proclaim that Mormons worship a "different Jesus" and that their scriptures (e.g. the [[Book of Mormon]]) are contrary to the Bible.  
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*Is Mormonism unorthodox? The answer to this question depends on one's point of view. Christian orthodoxy dates back to councils making decisions on doctrine after the death of the Apostles. Protestant orthodoxy dates back to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformation Protestant Reformation], which began with Martin Luther in 1517. If one measures Mormon doctrine against these orthodoxies, then Mormonism is unorthodox. However, Mormons believe that the Lord taught true doctrine to Adam and to every prophet after Adam, and that orthodoxy itself is an [http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/basic-beliefs/the-restoration-of-truth/the-great-apostasy apostasy] from true doctrine established with Adam and all the prophets. Mormonism, then, is a [http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/basic-beliefs/the-restoration-of-truth/the-restoration-of-the-gospel restoration] of the Lord's established doctrines, and all other sects of Christianity could be viewed as unorthodox.
  
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A current example of distortion of Mormon beliefs comes from Edward Decker, an excommunicated Mormon and cofounder of Ex-Mormons for Jesus. While professing love for the Saints, Edward Decker has waged an attack on their beliefs. His film and book, both entitled The Godmakers, are a gross misrepresentation of Mormon beliefs, especially when it relates to [[Inside Mormon temples| temple ordinances]].
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*Is Mormonism spurious? Mormons believe that God alone can answer that question, and that He is willing to answer that question for anyone who asks Him in sincerity: "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.  And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." ([http://scriptures.lds.org/en/moro/10 Moroni 10:4-5)]
  
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Though criticisms, misrepresentations, and falsehoods are offensive to Mormons, Church leadership has counseled members not to react to or debate but keep their responses "in the form of a positive explanation of the doctrines and practices of the Church" (Church News, Dec. 18, 1983, p. 2).  
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*Is Mormonism a health cult? No. Nor is Mormonism a substitute for health care. Mormons seek medical assistance when they are sick or injured, as well as divine help through prayer or [[Priesthood Blessings]].
  
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Two other prolific anti-Mormon researchers, who like to define the Mormon Church as a cult, are Jerald and Sandra Tanner. Their main strategy is to try to demonstrate discrepancies between current and past Church teachings. They operate and publish under the name of the Utah Lighthouse Ministry, Inc.  
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*Do Mormons show great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work? Mormons are devoted to Christ.
  
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But why all these people spend so much time attacking the Mormon Church and saying that it is a cult? Probably there are many reasons. Some of these people may even be sincere in their beliefs and perhaps they think they are “protecting” people from being deceived by the Mormon cult (think of Saul before becoming Paul in the New Testament). Others, however, are motivated by contempt or anger and clearly act with the purpose of damaging the Mormon Church. In short, they are not showing the true Christian spirit in their attitudes and behaviors.  
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==Is Mormonism a Cult by Emotional Definition?==
 +
*Does Mormonism deviate from orthodox or historical Christianity? Yes, but not from original Christianity as it was given to Adam and all the prophets since Adam.
 +
*Does Mormonism claim to conform to Biblical truth but deviate from it? Mormonism conforms to Biblical truth exactly. Some examples:
 +
      1. The Bible says Christ was resurrected. Mormons believe he is still a
 +
          resurrected being.
 +
      2. The Apostle Paul talks about baptism for the dead, an ordinance now found only in
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          the Mormon Church. ([http://scriptures.lds.org/en/1_cor/15 1 Corinthians 15:29)]
 +
      3. Christ prayed to God the Father. Mormons still believe they are two separate beings.
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          (John 14:16)
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      4. Christ was baptized by immersion. It is the only acceptable form of baptism for
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          Mormons.
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*Does Mormonism have a charismatic, authoritarian leader who has a remarkable hold over the Church's constituents? Those who accuse Mormonism of being a cult feel that Joseph Smith fills this role. Joseph Smith is honored for being the first prophet of the latter-days and for standing for his testimony with unwavering courage. He was indeed charismatic, in that he saw visions, communed with God and angels, and exercised spiritual gifts, such as prophecy and healing (as do all prophets). However, it is Christ whom Mormons truly venerate, and Christ governs with a gentle hand, always guaranteeing free agency to His followers.
 +
*Does Mormonism claim to be the only way to God? Mormons believe that the only way to God is through Christ. There is, however, no condemnation of those without knowledge. God looks upon the heart when He judges Mankind.
 +
*Does the Mormon Church use intimidation or manipulation to gain and keep members? No. When missionaries teach investigators, they very quickly ask them to pray in order to find out the truth for themselves. Free Agency and inspiration from above are central to the workings of the Church. It is true that only worthy members may enter the [[Mormon temples|temple]]. A critic could say that the withholding of temple blessings is a form of intimidation. Simply, the temple is the House of God and no unclean thing may enter it.
 +
*Does the Mormon Church lay claim to the financial resources of its members? The Mormon Church has no paid clergy. The Church condemns "priestcraft," that is, the practice of religion for profit, and it has no ministers who preach in order to make money. Dedicated Church members pay [[tithing]]—ten percent of one's income. There is also the opportunity to donate to missionary work and humanitarian aid.
 +
*Does the Mormon Church monopolize the time and thoughts of its members, leading them to avoid other contacts and activities? Mormons are free to donate as much time as they like to Church service. Mormons are counseled to refuse invitations to serve when such service encroaches on family time. Programs are so organized so as ''not'' to encroach on family time. Sometimes, when a person first converts to the Church, family members and friends revile and abandon him. The Church counsels patience and loving communication. As time goes by, friends and family usually soften and find that familial relationships can still be carried on as they were before.
 +
*Does the Mormon Church compromise the individual's ability to make free choices without the approval or advice of the leader(s)? Leaders serve in organizational, teaching, and advising capacities. In the process of repentance, members of the Church may seek counsel from a [[Bishop]] or [[Stake President]]. Everything in the Church is done on a voluntary basis. Choices are personal and members are counseled to seek inspiration from the Holy Ghost on personal matters.
 +
*Is Mormonism considered by the general society to be extremist, dangerous, or unorthodox? Yes. That is, until the society gets to know them. Mormons earn the respect of their families, neighbors, communities, and countries through their responsible behavior, honesty, and general good conduct. The twelfth and thirteenth [[Articles of Faith]] summarize the orientation of Mormon behavior: 
  
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At the end, we know that all people will have to face their God and respond for their actions. We also know that nobody will be able to stop the work of the Lord that - unfortunately for our anti-cult friend - is moving forward through the efforts of what they call a cult, the Mormon Church.  
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    12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates,
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        in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
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    13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good
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        to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul--We believe
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        all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able
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        to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or
 +
        praiseworthy, we seek after these things.  
  
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We invite all people to examine the [[Book of Mormon]] and put it to the test as explained by [[Angel Moroni|Moroni]], last prophet in the Book of Mormon:
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==How Mormons Respond==
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Mormons invite those who incite controversy to preach the truth rather than falsehoods about the Church. Mormons invite uninformed people to gain knowledge about Mormons and Mormonism. Though criticisms, misrepresentations, and falsehoods are offensive to Mormons, Church leadership has counseled members not to react to or debate but keep their responses "in the form of a positive explanation of the doctrines and practices of the Church" (Church News, Dec. 18, 1983, p. 2).
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“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:4-5).
 
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We invite all people to investigate the teachings and practices of the Mormon Church (or Mormon cult, if you prefer, it doesn't really matter how you want to call it) and discover all the good things that they can bring to their life. Intelligent people always try to discover by themselves what is true and what is not, and don’t allow anybody to stop them from knowing it, including those who like to scare away people from the “terrible” Mormon cult.
 
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''See also [[Mormonism cult]]''
 
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'''For More Information''
 
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[http://www.hotpepper.ca/lds/articles/cult.shtml Is Mormonism a Cult?]
 
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[[Category:Controversial Topics]]
 

Revision as of 16:33, 12 December 2007

Critics of the Mormon Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) sometimes refer to it as a "cult." The term is meant to be both derogatory and accusatory and is offensive to members of the Church.

What is a Cult?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary online presents five definitions for the word cult:

  • formal religious veneration
  • a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also: its body of adherents
  • a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious
  • a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator (as in "health cults")
  • a great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work

These definitions provide denotations of the word "cult"—literal meanings devoid of emotional content. The connotations, or emotional definitions of the word "cult" may include the following:

  • any group which deviates from orthodox or historical Christianity.
  • a group which claims to be in conformity with Biblical truth, but which deviates from it[1]
  • a group with an authoritarian, charismatic leader who has an exceptional hold upon his or her followers
  • a group which claims to be the only way to God
  • a group which uses intimidation or manipulation to gain and keep members
  • a group which lays claim to the financial resources of its members
  • a group which monopolizes the time and thoughts of its members, leading them to avoid other contacts and activities
  • a group which compromises the individual's ability to make free choices without the approval or advice of the leader(s)
  • a religion or sect considered by the general society to be extremist, dangerous, or unorthodox

Often, new religious movements are branded by society as cults. These new religions either fade away into obscurity, or gain members and become more accepted, thereby shedding the stigma assigned to them at their origin. For instance, the first followers of Jesus were viewed as apostate Jews, or Jews trying to establish a cult around Jesus, a charismatic leader. As Christianity spread to the Gentiles, it was viewed as a cult by the pagan societies into which it was introduced. It took hundreds of years to establish a Christian orthodoxy. Cultism (as far as Christians are concerned) is now defined in relationship to that orthodoxy.

--It should be noted that in British English, the definitions for the words cult and sect are opposite those of American English. Americans generally view a sect as a branch or division of a larger religious group, and a cult as an extreme or unorthodox group. The British define a cult as a branch or division of a larger religious group, and a sect as an extreme or unorthodox group.

Is Mormonism a Cult by Literal Definition?

The first literal definition for the word cult—"a formal religious veneration"—defines every religious group on earth. Mormonism is a religion and a church. It is also a system of religious beliefs and ritual, conforming to the second definition, as do all churches.

  • Is Mormonism unorthodox? The answer to this question depends on one's point of view. Christian orthodoxy dates back to councils making decisions on doctrine after the death of the Apostles. Protestant orthodoxy dates back to the Protestant Reformation, which began with Martin Luther in 1517. If one measures Mormon doctrine against these orthodoxies, then Mormonism is unorthodox. However, Mormons believe that the Lord taught true doctrine to Adam and to every prophet after Adam, and that orthodoxy itself is an apostasy from true doctrine established with Adam and all the prophets. Mormonism, then, is a restoration of the Lord's established doctrines, and all other sects of Christianity could be viewed as unorthodox.
  • Is Mormonism spurious? Mormons believe that God alone can answer that question, and that He is willing to answer that question for anyone who asks Him in sincerity: "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." (Moroni 10:4-5)
  • Is Mormonism a health cult? No. Nor is Mormonism a substitute for health care. Mormons seek medical assistance when they are sick or injured, as well as divine help through prayer or Priesthood Blessings.
  • Do Mormons show great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work? Mormons are devoted to Christ.

Is Mormonism a Cult by Emotional Definition?

  • Does Mormonism deviate from orthodox or historical Christianity? Yes, but not from original Christianity as it was given to Adam and all the prophets since Adam.
  • Does Mormonism claim to conform to Biblical truth but deviate from it? Mormonism conforms to Biblical truth exactly. Some examples:
      1. The Bible says Christ was resurrected. Mormons believe he is still a
         resurrected being.
      2. The Apostle Paul talks about baptism for the dead, an ordinance now found only in
         the Mormon Church. (1 Corinthians 15:29)
      3. Christ prayed to God the Father. Mormons still believe they are two separate beings.
         (John 14:16)
      4. Christ was baptized by immersion. It is the only acceptable form of baptism for
         Mormons.
  • Does Mormonism have a charismatic, authoritarian leader who has a remarkable hold over the Church's constituents? Those who accuse Mormonism of being a cult feel that Joseph Smith fills this role. Joseph Smith is honored for being the first prophet of the latter-days and for standing for his testimony with unwavering courage. He was indeed charismatic, in that he saw visions, communed with God and angels, and exercised spiritual gifts, such as prophecy and healing (as do all prophets). However, it is Christ whom Mormons truly venerate, and Christ governs with a gentle hand, always guaranteeing free agency to His followers.
  • Does Mormonism claim to be the only way to God? Mormons believe that the only way to God is through Christ. There is, however, no condemnation of those without knowledge. God looks upon the heart when He judges Mankind.
  • Does the Mormon Church use intimidation or manipulation to gain and keep members? No. When missionaries teach investigators, they very quickly ask them to pray in order to find out the truth for themselves. Free Agency and inspiration from above are central to the workings of the Church. It is true that only worthy members may enter the temple. A critic could say that the withholding of temple blessings is a form of intimidation. Simply, the temple is the House of God and no unclean thing may enter it.
  • Does the Mormon Church lay claim to the financial resources of its members? The Mormon Church has no paid clergy. The Church condemns "priestcraft," that is, the practice of religion for profit, and it has no ministers who preach in order to make money. Dedicated Church members pay tithing—ten percent of one's income. There is also the opportunity to donate to missionary work and humanitarian aid.
  • Does the Mormon Church monopolize the time and thoughts of its members, leading them to avoid other contacts and activities? Mormons are free to donate as much time as they like to Church service. Mormons are counseled to refuse invitations to serve when such service encroaches on family time. Programs are so organized so as not to encroach on family time. Sometimes, when a person first converts to the Church, family members and friends revile and abandon him. The Church counsels patience and loving communication. As time goes by, friends and family usually soften and find that familial relationships can still be carried on as they were before.
  • Does the Mormon Church compromise the individual's ability to make free choices without the approval or advice of the leader(s)? Leaders serve in organizational, teaching, and advising capacities. In the process of repentance, members of the Church may seek counsel from a Bishop or Stake President. Everything in the Church is done on a voluntary basis. Choices are personal and members are counseled to seek inspiration from the Holy Ghost on personal matters.
  • Is Mormonism considered by the general society to be extremist, dangerous, or unorthodox? Yes. That is, until the society gets to know them. Mormons earn the respect of their families, neighbors, communities, and countries through their responsible behavior, honesty, and general good conduct. The twelfth and thirteenth Articles of Faith summarize the orientation of Mormon behavior: 
    12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates,
        in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
    13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good
        to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul--We believe 
        all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able
        to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or
        praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

How Mormons Respond

Mormons invite those who incite controversy to preach the truth rather than falsehoods about the Church. Mormons invite uninformed people to gain knowledge about Mormons and Mormonism. Though criticisms, misrepresentations, and falsehoods are offensive to Mormons, Church leadership has counseled members not to react to or debate but keep their responses "in the form of a positive explanation of the doctrines and practices of the Church" (Church News, Dec. 18, 1983, p. 2).

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