Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a Cult?

Some people think The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a cult. I don't know about you, but doesn't the word "cult" sound scary? I think of crazed charismatic leaders who mind control their followers to make them do horrible things. I associate things like kidnapping, abuse, and mass suicide with cults. I certainly wouldn't want to be a part of a group like that!

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are known throughout the world as great humanitarians. We are some of the first people there to help after disasters and the last to leave. How could such a church with over 15 million members around the world be considered a "cult"?