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"?

My Place in the Culture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- Leavening the Lump

“For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” (Bible, Old Testament - 1 Samuel 16:7)  This poster has a lot of meaning for me.

Yes, I really think there is a higher percentage of traditional people in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, than out of The Church. There are probably more orderly people in most religions and organizations since they are the people who set up and maintain society on the whole. The fact is that about forty-five percent of the American population are these diligent souls. As much as creative people complain about their inflexibility, we need them.  Orderly people are the bulwark of society, but where do we fit in?

Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Traditional?

I like this video where a Church leader calls us to come to the "higher ground".

Some people see The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as just another traditional church where people follow the beliefs only because their parents and grandparents did. Since half of American society is composed of "orderly souls" who work to maintain the good in their society, that is partly a true statement.  Orderly, traditional people are the mainstay of all societies. Though we creative souls complain about their rigidity, they provide order and stability to life. Are they very flexible?  No.  Are they open to new ideas?  Only when it is forced upon them.  Do they ever want anything to change?  Definitely not!  Do they multiply rules on how to implement every Gospel principle? Yes, in endless multiplicity!

You could almost write a code book; for example