How do TBMs define a "cult" ? Which well-known groups or denominations do current TBMs consider cults?

General Discussion

I know the word "cult" can be very controversial when talking to current and former members of the church and when posting in online forums such as Reddit, but I would really like to hear everyone's perspective on this. For me several years ago I would have boiled the definition of a cult down to groups that brainwash their members. I would have called the FLDS a cult. Now that I have learned more I would also label some groups "cult-like" (i.e., having some but not all of the characteristics of a cult, or not having all of the characteristics of a cult to an extreme degree.)

I'm curious to learn what groups current "mainstream" LDS members label as cults. For example, do mainstream LDS consider the Jehovah's Witnesses a cult? Or are current LDS not really very familiar with the teachings of other religious groups?

Posted Feb 21, 2026, 5:31 PM UTC

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