Mormon Dilemma 80
According to the LDS Church What is a Cult?
In Mormon Doctrine, pp. 174 & 699, Bruce McConkie defined a cult as “sects”.
Under the sects section it says; “See APOSTASY, CHRISTIANITY, CREEDS, FIRST VISION, HARLOTS. Division and dissension, contention, confusion and discord — these are among the prevailing characteristics of the sects of Christendom.”
John 15:17-18 “These things I command you, that ye love one another.18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.”
So is Smith’s first vision part of a cult? Why would you call Christianity a cult if you claim to be Christian?
When I go to church each Sunday I don’t see the things Mr. McConkie is alleging. Can there be differences between people who attend a Christian church? Of course, but as Jesus commanded us to do, we love each other and treat each other with respect.
When I was a Mormon the thought of stepping inside another church horrified me and looking back on it now I can clearly see how I carried on that tradition far too long.
We were so busy calling ourselves Christians while shunning and looking down our noses at the true Christian churches that we didn’t notice we were doing the very thing Jesus told us not to do.
Isn’t the whole “first vision” narrative based on seeking the “truth”??? Please don’t ever let the church stop you from seeking the truth. If you have the truth it stands up to scrutiny, right? Nothing would be labeled “anti-mormon” ⬅️🚩. The church would have no reason to hide it’s history/doctrines/$…it would and should be completely transparent. If it was okay for Joesph Smith to search for the truth, then it’s okay for you.
If you feel ashamed for having questions/concerns/doubts…then you should want to know why. I’ve heard many pastors over the years say something like “don’t just take my word for it”. We’re encouraged to grow and learn. Truth is truth.