I am merely proposing this question for discussion. I am interested in hearing your observations.
Of course, an acceptable definition must first be agreed upon about what constitutes a cult. The "free dictionary" (i.e., The American Heritage Dictionary online) defines cult as "a religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader."
It also adds "Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing."
If we agree on the above as acceptable definitions of a cult, then was/is the Mormon Church a cult?
Was it not so extreme in its views back in the 1800s that it had to establish itself remotely from virtually all other folks in Utah?
Did not its members follow its charismatic leaders of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young in an unconventional manner? Joseph Smith had 34 wives and allegedly had sex with 14 year old girls. Brigham Young had 55 wives and endorsed the doctrine of "blood atonement", that is, the religious doctrine of justifying the murder of adulterers, thieves, murderers, and apostates of the Church.
Blood atonement remains an important doctrine within Mormon fundamentalism. Within mainstream Mormonism, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has informally opined, since 1978, that the doctrine is no longer in force. LDS apostle Bruce R. McConkie, claiming to reflect the view of church leadership, wrote in 1978 that while he still believed that certain sins are beyond the atoning power of the blood of Christ, the doctrine of blood atonement is only applicable in a theocracy. Nevertheless, given its long history, the doctrine still plays a role in some Utah death penalty trials
If Joseph Smith and Brigham Young are still revered by the Mormon Church, and a candidate running for political office has not renounced the teachings and writings of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young but reveres them, should this be of any concern to voters?
Do cults pose any danger to outsiders? Should members of a cult be given a free pass to run for office without any scrutiny of their religious beliefs on the grounds of freedom of religion?