Mormon Church = Cult? B.I.T.E. Model Breakdown (Full Series)

[@mikegipson6996]

If you have served a mormon mission then the bite model applies even more. They control your speech, name, sleep, reading, clothes , hair cut, your free time which is about 7 hours a week. They control your ability to communicate with family. Mormon missions are insane

[@kristinab1078]

By this very same standard, this could also be said of Buddhist monks or Catholic missionaries. Perhaps it's "insane" or perhaps it's just a high level of discipline for two years for these Mormon missionaries. The Buddhist monks of Thailand and Nepal do it for a lifetime.

[@cindys9491]

@@kristinab1078 hmm. Are everyone in Buddhism highly pressured by parents and society to be monks for two years?

[@imoutbye]

Agreed. That’s when the damage started.

[@susanwilliams70]

Yes, the bite model fits the Mormon missionary life exactly! Been there, did that...

[@laurao8099]

That is exactly why I will ALWAYS invite them in if they knock on my door. I would offer food and something to drink (non alcohol or non caffeinated of course LOL) not because I think I need to hear what they have to say but because I have heard how they are constantly hungry lacking sleep and being so controlled. I would listen to them just so they could have a break. I have heard how they get mistreated and get things thrown at them by people on the street. I'm not Mormon but I do believe in God and there is just no way people should be treated missionaries get treated.

[@JayEmElle8]

I just love when I'm debating a mormon about this and they parry with, "well, all religions are technically cults". Agreed. How is this supposed to support your argument for the church? 🤣

[@lolawilson1027]

Or they say their doctrine is a misinterpretation 🤣

[@hannahyoung274]

i read an article from like fair mormon or something and their whole argument as to why it’s not a cult is “see, some christian sects do it too!!” unbelievable. plus they were reaching on so many of the christian points and holding back on the lds ones🤗

[@katemorgan4690]

Some people like the structure rules you find arbitrary gives them. If they rape fewer minors and provide for them, it’s technically civilization preserving/building activity as long as it’s voluntary. If you provide obscured information that would make someone leave voluntarily that is ok. Raphael Warnock just gotta elected to congress by the Left, however, so we might need a right religious push to undo “Founded a summer camp where urine is thrown on little boys as punishment and openly abuses his wife on camera” as the new “godly man.” So I’m not picking on voluntarily comfortable Molly Mormon too much. My father is exmo. I’m post-mo. I know the parts that have a historical purpose or make sense in some framework.

[@katemorgan4690]

If you have too many questions in Seminary and don’t feel Athiest, find a theological library and a Unitarian Universalist church.

[@freudba1578]

Government is cult

[@haleyherrera2037]

“Forbid you from speaking with ex members and critics” “If you’re mormon and you’re here, that’s naughty” MY FAVORITE PART😂😂

[@josephcasperson317]

Me watching this oops 😬😂😂

[@robertpearson6760]

As far as sleep deprivation... that definitely occurs from attending early morning seminary. Also, sleep deprivation has occurred for Mormon missionaries in the MTC. My dad used to talk about it. I don't know whether or not it still happens.

[@corrypeterson868]

I have experience sleep deprivation first hand. One of the young elders that was my roommate in the MTC had very intense dreams where he would yell and swear during his sleep. "YOU MOTHER ... ASKHOLD! SUNNY BEACH! FRACK YOU!" Hardly got any sleep.

[@maksgarden2010]

My roommate says I'm going to the wrong places for answers, and when I told her I didn't want to solely take from the church website because it was bias she claimed that the church is going to be the least bias. Gah! It's hard to believe I thought the same way at one point!

[@overatourhouse4026]

😳Yikes! Totally brainwashed

[@sunshinewaters5335]

I was told I would never happy outside the church. When I realized I happier without the church, I never went back.

[@jonnyhilljackson5788]

there is happiness only on outside.

[@kc7tcb]

The only part I disagree with is your take on if the church actively promotes feelings of guilt. I believe that it does. When you hammer teachings and expectations that are impossible to achieve and tell people that they should be able to achieve them, it’s hard to see it as anything else. Great video!

[@cultfiction6864]

Mormonism is less draconian Than some religions. It still celebrates all the pagan festivities such as Christmas, Easter and even Halloween. The reality is that if it was Christ’s church they wouldn’t be celebrating these pagan festivals. Especially Halloween which is 100% pagan with every occult link imaginable associated with it. Any Christian religion celebrating it you can absolutely write off. They are sharing in something ungodly. How could they be the church of Jesus? I mean, come on give me a break

[@angelacosta466]

I told them I wasn't interested and they reached out again a few weeks later to see if I changed my mind lol

[@mylesmarkson1686]

Tell them "Yeah, I changed my mind. I used to think that you were just another cult, but now I see that you are a relentless cult who refuses to take 'no' for an anwser!"

[@pepernst]

There is definitely a subset of kids on the streets in Salt Lake City who were shunned for being gay or lesbian. So shunning happens, it just depends on what the issue is.

[@MashAllahMari]

Also other church members who are “friends” shun you when you leave

[@phrawgboislim9409]

2:04 - They ABSOLUTELY do this. Remember seminary? Teenagers don’t even start getting tired until like 10 or 11, yet we had to be up at 4 or 5 every morning to get an extra hour of church during those crucial years for physical and mental growth. I called it scuminary. I hated that shit

[@darynflentje]

A lot of Mormon kids are sleep deprived due to early morning seminary. Getting up early is not bad in an of itself but when a teenager has a ton of homework and is usually up late at night, getting up at 4:30 or 5 AM is not worth it to be at a class for cult indoctrination two hours before school starts.

[@healthhollow7218]

I completely agree! I was raised Mormon (whoops can’t use that word anymore...I mean LDS 😂) and having to get up at 5 to get ready for seminary, then after seminary I had jazz band practice, after school was band practice, then dance in the evening, then trying to fit homework in and have friends or a social life fit in somewhere in the mix? It was exhausting! Not counting girls camp or temple trips or church dances. Oh also family home evenings! I had some sort of church every single day of the week. It is absolutely a cult! They want your life to be centered around their church! I am a devout Christian but no longer a Mormon. I stopped going 20 years ago but was so brainwashed that I struggled for years thinking my soul was in jeopardy. After studying things that the church did not tell us I realized so many things were wrong with the church. I knew 100% it was NOT true and that the only thing I needed was to be saved by Jesus Christ. Dying on the cross is the gift he gave to all of us. Not something that needs to be earned to get a spot in heaven. I also need to mention that several of my friends and family are still LDS and they are very good people! They just don’t have the whole truth (which is what they would say to me) ironic isn’t it!

[@phrawgboislim9409]

@@healthhollow7218 had me in the first half, not gonna lie.

[@hulagirldeedee]

Deprive us of sleep?? If you live outside of Utah and had early morning seminary-you know this is true!

[@MashAllahMari]

True I had to wake up at like 6 am

[@hulagirldeedee]

I had to wake up at 4:15 am to make it to 6:00 am seminary. I was picked up at 5:25 am by someone in the ward.

[@emmajeanne1900]

in utah and idaho there is an option to take it, which i did, and i never showed up because it was so early

[@janellbeach8616]

Some things you said "no" or "not so much" to you might view differently the longer you're out of mormonism. 31 year ex-mormon here. Your view, opinions and knowledge will grow and change as time goes by. Take a look back some day. You'll be glad you did. Thank you for having the integrity and bravery to share your truth.

[@eileenantrobus2897]

I am 18 and I left the church at 14. Hardest thing ever cause the rest of my family stayed Mormon, and it’s for SUREEEE a cult omfg. Proud of everyone who makes it out:)

[@greenguyinpfp6565]

how did you leave so young? I’m a teenager (older than 14, but nonetheless), and my family is heavily mormon. Any tips?

[@rosengrenj9]

@@greenguyinpfp6565 honestly I don't know 😂 I'm a teenager still living with my family who are devout Mormons, and don't totally know what to do about it. Idk if you've come out about it yet, but for me that caused some fights and I want to avoid talking with them about it. So maybe if you want to avoid all the talks and fights, don't bring it up to them. But keeping it all hidden really sucks too, and it could make you depressed too I think. So I think the best thing to do might just be to find someone who agrees with you that you can talk to about it

[@HelloThere-xx1ct]

Awesome stuff! Please keep posting your Tik Toks on KZbin. I don't think I'm ever going to get TikTok lol, but ya never know.

[@UlexiteTVStoneLexite]

Tik Tok is a pain in the butt to use

[@mylesmarkson1686]

@@UlexiteTVStoneLexite Too true Ratite. And how did she get this entire video on there if they have a 2-minute maximum?

[@poppyshock]

@@mylesmarkson1686 She mentions at the beginning that it was a series she did on TikTok.

[@mylesmarkson1686]

@@poppyshock Oh, thanks Rowan. So I guess you have to watch it in parts.

[@jlamothe2]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Two things though: 1) Regarding controlling who you can live with: I kind of moved in with my wife before we were married. Hadn't really planned on it, it just kind of happened. This was a scandal. 2) Regarding shunning: they don't publicly shun, but when you're being "privately" disciplined, be it anything from probation through excommunication, you can't partake of the sacrament. People see this. The end result is similar (although admittedly not as extreme).

[@annaxoats6479]

going off what you said about you and your wife, my boyfriends mormon family would constantly bring up and shame his older brother living with his girlfriend. ALL the time. we will probably have to deal with that from both of our families if/when we move into together.

[@jlamothe2]

@@annaxoats6479 Fortunately, my family weren't members... well, my father was, but he was on his way out already. I had to keep it hidden from my bishop. He gave me the gears for even visiting her apartment unattended. We were watching conference together, for crying out loud.

[@QueenStaceyCox]

I think it’s a yes for depriving its members of sleep, the sheer amount of church things throughout the week is insane, especially for the youth that have early morning seminary. I was so sleep deprived in high school having to go to early morning seminary, school and I was a high school athlete with practice everyday, then add in Wednesday night mutual, visiting teaching, and FHE, that’s not even including extra church activities on the weekends, or personal scripture study and SO much more the church expects it’s members to do. My mom was also SUPER Mormon so we would do scripture study BEFORE I left for seminary, and my senior year I did competition dance including being part of my high school dance team... I truly do not know how I did everything, I was lucky if I got even 5 hours of sleep.

[@kelleren4840]

10/10 as always lex. Cheers, and rock on girl :)

[@mnshorten]

Today is the one year anniversary of me watching this video and having my shelf completely shatter! Thank you so much for your videos and hard work to bring the truth to light. You're an amazing woman! Thank you for helping me find out the truth! ❤️

[@katraylor]

The sleep deprivation isn't deliberate, but if you were to actually checklist your way through every single one of the things you're expected to do on a daily/weekly basis, I think it would happen in most cases. My chronic sleep deprivation started during early morning seminary.

[@vanillaquarantine1443]

YES! Early morning seminary is insane

[@mylesmarkson1686]

@@vanillaquarantine1443 And if you-guys had seminary teachers that were anything like mine, they were even more insane!

[@bubbles1366]

Ooof Honestly almost forgot about Seminary 😬 *shudders* that shit was wack....I was the "Jack Mormon" lol the teacher would always look at me when she asked a question hoping Id answer....I never said a word in those classes and then I just stopped going XD

[@darynflentje]

This video does a wonderful job at explaining how the Mormon church meets about every single bench mark to being a cult. It meets those bench marks because it is a cult. I was a member for 31 years and I agree with every single point you make in this video. You are not exaggerating one single bit. When I was a member of the Mormon church I didn’t think I was in a cult, but stepping back since I have resigned I see 10000% it is a cult.

[@jonnyhilljackson5788]

come on not like they cintrolled your food and dress

[@veronicahaney6005]

Dress: your underwear (garments) Food: word of wisdom

[@jackandwanita]

Threaten friends and family- yes. "Empty chair"

[@codyswan4918]

The Cult of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[@starguy2718]

Truth in advertising!

[@cocoscorner4526]

The sleep one I would say yes, seminary caused me severe lack of sleep. I was an athlete, and so many times I wouldn’t get home until midnight or 1 AM after an away game. My parents would still make me go to seminary no matter what. My dog died unexpectedly and I found out at 1 AM, and my dad still made me go to seminary the next morning. I had sleep issues and most of the time couldn’t fall asleep till beyond 1 AM even if I was home in bed, and no matter what… Seminary. Because health of their children did not matter as much as obeying and abiding and looking good to the other church members.

[@pj2330]

Love your stuff! I actually have a really good example on the “sleep deprivation” bullet under behavior control; SEMINARY! god I had to get up so early every single morning

[@corrypeterson868]

I'm very thankful that we don't have the "whittling and whistling brigade" in modern times. In the early days of the church, if you didn't show up to worship, you might find the whittling and whistling brigade surrounding your house. The whittling and whistling brigade was most often the Deacon's quorum. Unlike today, where the Deacons are young teens 12 to 14 years old, in the early church the quorum could consist of men of any age. Imagine one Sunday after not attending church, you find 20 to 30 men encircling your little cabin, whistling what every tune they chose (possibly a hymn) and just passing the time whittling on a piece of wood. Yep, twenty or so male members of your ward with knives drawn surrounding your house. The message sent was crystal clear. Yeah, we think you'll be attending next week, huh? If they were still doing that today, I'd have enough wood shavings to redo the local playground!

[@darynflentje]

Yep, this was a pure form of intimidation. The whittling and whistling brigade did exist. It is a part of the history of the church... especially in Nauvoo, IL.

[@metalandy]

When I was a visitor, they impose various rules on me. They treated me like a slave even though they continued to treat me nice. That was so temporary. Glad I left and never returned. My friend's husband's sister is a Mormon and they don't talk cuz ever since, she acts so differently since she joined her new religion / cult and is very controlling ever since. Scary.

[@graceandersen1394]

Thank you for putting all of these together as I find it difficult to find series especially on tictok

[@user-zj8cf3fq8e]

Wow, It does have the major prerequisites and elements to be categorized as such.... wow, unreal.

[@dannypalmer3429]

I remember being in Sunday school as an 11 or 12 year old and our teacher taught us that Joseph Smith taught that if we were to see one second glimpse of the telestial Kingdom we would commit suicide to go there. it affected me negatively in my life for 20 years and i didnt progress in life very well. and whenever I would present it to somebody that was more than they would tell me I heard it wrong. or they never heard that

[@poppyshock]

You didn't hear it wrong; I remember the same quote.

[@overatourhouse4026]

I remember that too! Ugh🙄

[@paigesandler8883]

Why the telestial kingdom? Isn’t that the lowest kingdom of heaven. You’d think it would be about the celestial kingdom... idk.

[@heather.falter]

I heard it too!

[@cindys9491]

Sheesh. Yeah, that's super dangerous to tell minors, even though I'm sure they didn't intend to put ideas in their head. Any depressed kid might think "well, if I'm going to a better place..."

[@dodgerdave777channel]

Hi Lexie, I'm about two minutes into the video at this point and as usual you're doing a great job sharing a lot of information in a very concise and accurate manner however I'm going to differ with you on the particular point or were you quickly dismissed the church as being a cult that tends to deprive people of 7 to 9 hours of sleep as I believe that as we think about the routines that the church gets a sandwich can be very time-consuming and particularly for none Utah Mormons which you may not have had a great deal of experience with growing up Sin City Utah Mormons don't need to get up at 5 in the morning or possibly four if you're a girl to get your makeup on before attending 6 a.m. Seminary or be a parent making sure that this happens and taking your children to Seminary waiting for an hour in the parking lot and then rushing to the next task which for many people involves giving them to a school outside of their home run for me I did it on top of homeschooling as well as picking up other people's kids. Additionally after all the preparation for our church callings some of which you realize can be very time-consuming weather at Seminary teacher Bishop or assisting with the brainwashing and mind control practices in the primary young women's and young men's organization or the administration of these various auxiliaries as they are called within the church we also have to note the fact that in pain that 10% text of the church we are depriving our families of the time that it takes turn the extra money as well as the expense required etc etc the added pressure I'm living on less money and the self-perpetuating downward spiral caused by one effect after another associated with this tax on our time and means and emotional mental and physical strength not to mention all the guilt keep dip on Mormons for normal sexual development and behavior All In All any of these things deprive people of sleep and the benefits of that reduced amount and that we do get

[@AzimuthAviation]

I've been watching your videos as one popped up in the feed of a cult survivor's group I help administrate. I've have a few LDS friends both current and former I'll tell about the minivan mom. You might search former "JW" KZbinr "TellTale" as he has several looks at the BITE model and an interview with Hassan. Keep up the good efforts!

[@shawnbradford2243]

Telltale is pretty good and can be funny, great art too!

[@unluckyone1655]

Oh my, here come the warriors of Helaman

[@starguy2718]

The stripling warriors?

[@kerstinklenovsky239]

When the prophet speaks, the thinking is done. 😱👀

[@marklaymon6698]

Yep. So much for agency.

[@Thundersnowy]

Guilt and shame... I was shamed nearly to death.

[@jy285]

Definitely a cult. Nicest people ever, but they’re in a cult just as I was and almost raised my children to be.

[@mylesmarkson1686]

Yep, that's their whole shtick... Put on fake smiles and act like they have a monopoly on happiness because they're so blessed by God for being in The One True Church. It's such a crock that I don't know how people continue to fall for it.

[@kristinab1078]

@@mylesmarkson1686So much hypocrisy and judgement on these "ex" type videos. One minute Mormons are judged as being cold and unwelcoming to nonmembers and the next they are being judged as having "fake" smiles and "acting" happy. It seems there's no win. It's a good thing though that you have the ability to read the hearts and minds of people and know when they are sincere and whether they are really happy.

[@mylesmarkson1686]

@@kristinab1078 Yep, it's a good thing. It's really not that hard though. If you've seen one Mormon, you've seen them all!

[@tammyg8031]

Jehovah's Witnesses are a cult. Very close to what jws do. So glad so many are leaving these cults. ALL RELIGION ARE CULTS IN MY OPINION. YOU DON'T NEED RELIGION TO WORSHIP GOD OR TO BE A SPIRITUAL PERSON.

[@charlottegarrett7087]

they’re not even nice they’re so fake lmao

[@dan9948]

This is an excellent and concise synopsis! I'll be referring people here, if they want to know.

[@zethcrownett2946]

For a temple recommend, a leader responded with confusion at me not struggling with sexual things. I never thought much on it, but its cause I'm ace. Whoo.

[@bonniea.1941]

Weird. I just remembered that as a young girl (12 or 13 maybe?) I told something to my parents about another young woman (not a Mormon) my friends were SO ANGRY with me (justifiably!) but I never thought about WHY I did that until watching this video. 😬 Of COURSE I had been taught to rat out my friends! 😬 Gross!!! And TERRIBLE for relationships!

[@rheapierre2279]

I've asked questions before, and was told to ask God when I get to Heaven

[@rmhutchins7]

Very Helpful Video. Thank you!

[@lisawyatt1671]

The shunning is so subtle but 100% there.Very similar to the way Joseph Smith made dishonesty look like honesty. Being around "family" that thinks you're lost, lacking the "truth,"treating you differently after leaving the cult is shunning. The music, the "reverence," not being able to show certain emotions like anger keeps you in a state of mind that is very similar to the frequency of when you are just about ready to fall asleep or just beginning to wake up. They keep you in an extremely lulled state of mind. This is the state of mind that humans are most vulnerable to influence or in the Mormon church.. brainwashing.

[@laurao8099]

So I am not Mormon I have never been to a meeting but I have heard a lot of ex-mormon people talk about what they went through and even though they were never deprived of their seven to nine hours of sleep directly I do remember them being run ragged to the point where they were exhausted all the time because they constantly had to live to the church standard and be helping other people all the time to the point where it was sacrificing their sleep and health.

[@williamexmormon3792]

I'm an ex-mormon too they keep saying let's go get lunch and we can talk about what's going on maybe we can help you they don't want to help me they just want to keep me in the religion and I'm getting frustrated with it so do a video and explain how I can stop this cuz it's getting annoying and I'm getting really pissed with this please do a video to help I'm begging you

[@MashAllahMari]

When I left the church I wanted to stay friends with my friends from the single wards But unfortunately except for maybe two people everyone else only would see me or talk to me with the motivation of trying to reactivate me. They couldn’t see me for even 30 minutes without having to talk about me going to church. It got so annoying even though I clearly asked them to stop if they wanted to be my friend and they would not so I had to stop seeing these people. If only they leave the church and they want to be my friend I will 100% be there for them

[@PrincessJamiG]

I moved to where people didn't know me. Eventually, I had to "remove my name from the records." Does this help? I'm sorry they're doing this to you. Ugh.

[@tea_de_tae5222]

The living yes. You can’t live with a partner before marriage and not suppose to be living with the opposite gender

[@lisa-janehawkins5421]

Having being bought up from age of 7 in the Mormon church, baptised age of 8,then baptised in the temple for many dead people,I can remember feeling privileged.I now feel numb,who were these people? did they want it, does it actually mean anything? did I just waste my time ? Those moments after of euphoria made me feel special...Now I have no idea what these people did to me as a child..Semenary school before school,denied me of friends, and even my own excommunicated father....Im still on the fence, this is how much they indoctrinate .....Im 50 years old left when I was 17, yet still feel under the spell, sing all the hymns, feel guilty every time I dont bless my food or say a prayer at bed time,even give anyone a firm hand shake coz thats what Mormons do !!!

[@Officialalmate]

Great content as usual!

[@fargo007]

Brilliantly presented.

[@shawnaroberson2181]

Im a ex mo turned Catholic but i remember those stupid hearts on the door. I was always sick and they never cared

[@aces.9738]

I have asked this qx on another site but didn't get an answer. Are mormon missionaries not allowed to contact their families and friends while on their mission? I know this was true a long time ago . . . wondering if this is still true.

[@jong9173]

Thank you for sharing your tiktok content. I don't have tiktok and don't plan on getting it.

[@mylesmarkson1686]

I tried once to get TikTok on my Roku-TV, but I had no luck. When trying to research why, I find out that it's because Trump banned it because it came from China (if I'm understanding it correctly).

[@en3rgy187]

You might be a good candidate for Self Realization Fellowship (SRF).

[@perinoid1506]

Lex, I know you may never see this, but I just wanted to say a few things. I am a 21 year old who is pretty active in the Church. I have never had any doubts about my testimony or a bad experience with the leadership, but I know that isn't the same experience everyone has. I really can't understand how you feel, but I want you to know that although you must have faced some pretty negative experiences, God still loves you, and in a very inadequate and shallow way (as I have never truly met you) I love you because we are all family. I am sad to see you have such a hostile feeling towards the Church of Jesus Christ, but I respect you tried to do what you felt was best for your family. I just want to ask you to take a bit and think on, even (especially I would suggest) pray about if God wants you in this Church. Or if you struggle with the idea of Him being there, pray and ask if He is there and if He loves you. I can't ever deny the miracles that have occurred in my life, and so I know He answers prayers, and loves His children. You are a precious daughter, and anyone who belittles you or tries to bring you down is not representing what your Savior, Jesus Christ wants for you. Hope you do well. I will say a prayer for you and your family. Everyone deserves happiness.

[@griffinrichmond3442]

Lds is a cult. I escaped good luck

[@griffinrichmond3442]

Not to be rude but ur comment genuinely makes me sad I hope you can free your mind.

[@KiteDoodle]

Steven Hassan features in 'Seduced: Inside the NXIVM Cult'; Keith Raniere, the NXIVM leader has strong Joseph Smith vibes but his followers, if there are any left, would write a different history. Unrelated but 'The Speed Cubers' is far more uplifting and very good if you get a chance to see it; a 41 min documentary about competitive speed cubing sounds a bit niche, but it has universal messages about friendship, building an uplifting community (something religion tries to do more rigidly, with good and bad consequences), parenting and it's how you play the game (which is a refreshing message in a sometimes selfish world).

[@aaronbindrup]

Great video spot on

[@davidk349]

People like Mormons have a ways to go to being perfect or even kind enough. If you stay with a religion and there's no life after death, you won't have any regrets. On the other hand, if there is life after death, then if you stay with the religion you most believe in, you will likely be glad you did. I can really relate to things happening in the LDS church that hurt people emotionally, that happened to me a lot.

[@unicorntamer2207]

Sleep deportation... Exhibit A: Teens in early morning seminary.

[@laurablack8700]

100% a cult. Thanks for this

[@blackmber]

I'm questioning whether this model provides a useful metric, given that there are so many organizations where these happen: school, military, families, etc. It's a list of things many humans do to control each other, deliberately or accidentally. The long list of items gives the impression of objectivity, but subjectivity is inevitable in evaluating whether controls occur in a harmful measure. I don't think this can determine whether something is a cult in black and white. However I'm willing to believe it was developed with good intentions. It could be used to compare similar organizations, or see how an organization changes over time, as well as helping an individual explore their own experiences.

[@cultfiction6864]

Sometimes I’m not sure if any religion could not fit many of the definitions of a “cult” I’m not sure who decides exactly what constitutes a “cult” by definition and what doesn’t. Somebody at some point has made this determination. Or they may have modified the original determination of what is necessary to qualify as been a “cult” My personal definition would have been something in which a man is followed almost like a god, and venerated as a great master. Many religions like Mormonism claim to follow God and worship God rather than Jospeh Smith for example. That is why I’m not sure about it qualifying as been a cult. Although whether it’s a cult or not, Jospeh Smith is almost certainly a false teacher. When the evidence about him is considered in an academically honest way, the possibility of him been a true prophet of God is absolutely minuscule. Even the Mormon understanding of the Genesis garden of Eden story is totally turned on it’s head. And if you misunderstand the story in the garden of Eden you will misunderstand the entire rest of the bible since it all ultimately ties in with that very first account of the earliest human life. Also the first ever rebellious angel that challenges Gods right to rule over mankind. Mormonism gets this wrong. Hence their entire doctrine falls flat.

[@apostatelizzy6836]

The hymn “Praise to the Man” is literally praising Joseph Smith. The “prophet” (past and current) is regarded as almost equal to god, since he is supposedly his mouthpiece here on earth. They may claim to only worship god, but their actions speak louder than their words.

[@jlamothe2]

Cult isn't really a binary thing. It's more of a spectrum. The LDS church is less culty then, say, Scientology, but moreso than a typical Christian church.

[@cultfiction6864]

@@jlamothe2 most probably true

[@kristinab1078]

@@apostatelizzy6836 "Praise" and "worship" are two different things. Do LDS members pray to Joseph Smith? No. Do they believe he is the Savior? No. Do they believe he is without fault or perfect? No. Do they talk about him a lot? Yes.

[@stewartmatthews1551]

That is good to know lady I had a feeling that was a cult

[@bsanders1]

"When the prophet speaks the thinking is done..." yep.

[@starguy2718]

Ezra Taft "ET" Benson

[@perrywashington7061]

What do you think of the RLDS church? Community of Christ doesn’t act like this. If you wanna believe the Book of Mormon is historical, they’re cool with it. If you wanna believe it’s inspirational fiction, they’re cool with that.

[@lisamounts6555]

My job has a lot of those. Maybe my job is a cult😳.. Sounds like our government system as well😳 dang all america is a cult. The house speaker calls the white house a temple😂.. When the government speaks the thinking is done, look at 2019😂...Im leaving🙄

[@celestialsalamander]

Why is it in mirror image?

[@ExmoLex]

It was filmed on TikTok (idk why but that’s how it works)

[@truth.speaker]

Is this test being applied equally to all parts of life? For example, suppose you had a gym teacher who demanded literally the exact same thing, why wouldn't that make him a cult leader?

[@mylesmarkson1686]

Actually, most of the gym teachers I had were cult leaders. Sports is like a religion to a lot of people.

[@truth.speaker]

@@mylesmarkson1686 I think you're right. They hang jerseys on their walls and attend large events where devotion to their idols leads to shouting, and even sometimes violence. They literally call their stars idols. I think the BITE model is flawed if it is only applied to 1 place, religion. When I grew up, we were pressured by teachers and threated with detention if we didn't do our homework. That's definitely a form of coercion. I still remember my teachers saying I'll be a failure if I don't get an education. Essentially "obey us or you will lose out for your whole life". In decades past, they even physically attacked students who didn't do what they were told. This model is extremely flawed because if you apply it to every aspect of life, it flags up too many relationships as being problematic, when actually, there is a level of control in many relationships. I can't imagine how many traditional families from the past were even more controlling than this church. The church may be a liar and a fraud, but a cult it is probably no more than any controlling family But I'm happy to be corrected 😊

[@highlandparkgeneraldetroit7715]

@@mylesmarkson1686 Myles my dude

[@highlandparkgeneraldetroit7715]

@@mylesmarkson1686 Hey did you see the podcast with, oh no I forgotten her name, Stephanie I think?

[@highlandparkgeneraldetroit7715]

@@truth.speaker Oohhh I remember getting beat at school by teacher's for acting up 😳

[@hannahleon4192]

And just like that, the video of the week is Over 😭

[@oldmaninthehousedetroit1963]

Hahaha that was cute

[@gh-ik3jp]

When people go on Mormon missionaries where do they go? Do we have Mormons in Florida I don't believe I've ever seen a Mormon missionary. Maybe they're battling with the Scientologists and things aren't going well.

[@codename495]

They go all over the planet, except for countries where they know their missionaries will be murdered.

[@glennmartin802]

I think you have to distinguish between norms and laws here, I am not nor have i ever been a Mormon. But any religion will have moral rules laid out. and it's typically up to ourselves to enforce them. The church telling someone that their behavior on something like sexuality is contradicting teaching and thus immoral. is a littler different than using force or intimidation to keep a person subordinate to a leader. Like for example If you made a confession and it was threatened to be publicly used against you, that would be more indicative of a cult. in Scientology members are beaten and financially blackmailed, or spied on. JW's are a little better (socially speaking) but their practice of shunning put's them at "cult adjacent" at least IMO. I know the Mormons have plenty of cult hallmarks in their history. But, by all metrics today they have consolidated into a legitimate religious institution (for whatever that means). Another problem here is how many of these points are ambiguous enough that they could be attributed to almost every religion, i think you could even expand some of these to other institutions such as clubs. 1 Because any religion that is new will begin as a "cult" 2 Cults are seeking to imitate established churches so they might transfer charity and authority to themselves. Some of the things you said about reporting children's behavior to adults was told to me verbatim in public school. And modern corporations will utilize some of these tactics on employees as well.

[@giovannibrito7]

Wow

[@williamexmormon3792]

Amen

[@luigidibenedetto338]

what was you secret name Lex?

[@MeToo-py1tq]

I don't need tick talk

[@kurtiswatters8234]

Blah Blah Blah I'm commenting to comment for the sake of commenting, Blah Blah Blah

[@emyrue]

Umm... thanks?

[@Ocean-blvd.]

Almost all of these explains fit into all religions, honestly this comment section makes me sick.

[@highlandparkgeneraldetroit7715]

Spying on equals (snitch) 🤣

[@MegaJohn144]

You mentioned other cults that you were familiar with. What are they? How familiar are you with them? How do they compare to Mormonism? You mentioned hymn singing and temple ordinances as hypnotic. Other churches have hymn singing, too. Do you also consider them cults? You might also consider conference talks as hypnotic. Ever been to a Catholic mass. That's mind-numbingly hypnotic. I consider organized religion of any kind to be cult-like. I was raised in the church and have some very good memories, and I love to sing hymns, but it's a cult. I was also in Scientology for a couple of years. If you have ever watched John Dehlin and Mike Rinder together, comparing notes, there are lots of similarities. That said, there are a lot of great fundamental principles in both Mormonism (actually not in the church, but in the teachings of Christ), and there are a lot of great fundamental principles in Scientology (but you have to go back to the Eastern religions to find them.) The problem is, somebody had a mystic experience at one time, and somebody else came along and codified and monetized it, and turned it into a McReligion. I left both Mormonism and Scientology and actually found God and the realities of life, outside of organized religion. They all have their secrets, and once you discover their secret, you no longer owe them your money or your life.

[@freudba1578]

Sound like u talking about the government

[@funnyjargon3043]

I think that what you say is true. But being from a Baptist then swapping to Mormon, I found that both to fill most check boxes. If you check historically the romans thought Christians were cultists, which they were. The main thing nowadays is we should be able to agree on is that religion is just a form of a cult. Saying the LDS is not real just because it is a cult should not be a used as an argument. Love the videos too

[@helenacm8043]

Nice and sweet people for most of them for sure but the system is a cult for sure!!

[@savannawoods4376]

hello

[@johnsmit5999]

I wonder if you followed a system in which you carefully avoided all of these characteristics, would that system be a cult itself?

[@kristietoone845]

The devil the crazy women.what you believe I. is a cult.

[@fangfang4298]

Does talking badly about the Mormon church make you happier, or living a fulfilled life?

[@fangfang4298]

@tapir rider I was not talking about "if buying and owning a lemon auto will make one happy". I was asking her "if talking badly about something or someone" will make her happy. My point is, by talking badly about the church will not make her happy or having a fulfilled life, because she is blaming, and directing hurt and misery towards someone or something else; whereas those negative emotions reflect her own internal state. Happiness, too, comes from within when one can learn to forgive and move on with life. This is similar to when we break up from a relationship...it doesn't help to keep on talking badly about our ex, or even talking about our ex. What is there do we want to prove to the world? Plus, our negative emotions and experiences are only one side of the story. What about our ex's perspectives and feelings? Just because we no longer choose to be with our ex, it does not mean other people should not choose him or her.

[@fangfang4298]

@tapir rider From her other videos I have learnt that Jessie (Exmo Lex) was a Mormon. "Exmo Lex" also suggested that she was an ex-Mormon...so...I am not sure why you are saying that she was never a member. Regardless if you, Jessie, or I am, was or never a member of the Church, who are we to judge what is and what is not Christianity?

[@oldmaninthehousedetroit1963]

@tapir rider Lol I was worried about myself reading that thread? I pretty sure this lady was down with the Mormons She set a fire to her temple clothes

[@emyrue]

@@fangfang4298 we’re not talking about an ex. We’re talking about a cult. When you’re raised in a cult, it affects you for the rest of your life. The problem is that the church advertises itself as something that works for everyone. It teaches that if the church doesn’t work for you, it’s because there’s something wrong with you. That is the narrative that exmo lex is fighting against by speaking out. She’s saying, “I’m not crazy. I’ve been hurt and it’s not my fault.”

[@TheTruth-kf1tk]

It’s sounds like the light of the world church

[@johnsmit5999]

I agree that most of these characteristics describe a cult but anger and lust are sinful emotions. I have found them so destructive in my own spiritual life. I am so glad I don't have to behave that way and can now walk in the Holy Spirit after getting saved!

[@virnan]

Damn pretty package.

[@ASMRyouVEGANyet]

A lot of things in life are actually a cult. I'm working on a video analysis on carnism ans speciesism. It's interesting...

[@scottbrandon9390]

BITE Model: once again, the LDS church does not fit this description. You don't have to get permission from bishop for cremation. That's the only option in most parts of the world. I'm getting cremated and did not need permission. We are NOT forbidden from speaking with ex-mormons. In fact, when I wrote up letters of excommunication, they were invited back to church the following week. Most got reinstated as members within one year. People with doubts get ex'd primarily due to making those views public on social media (think John Dehlin) and publicly try to defame the church. The church does not shun members. If their family does, their idiots. The churches that may fit almost all of the BITE model are: Moonies, Children of God, Jonestown, David Karesh, and Scientology. Maybe JWs is you stretch it.

[@jonnyhilljackson5788]

never made you cut your hair or control your food and clothing

[@scottbrandon9390]

It's not a cult. The LDS church does not fit the description of a cult found in my six dictionaries.

[@marklaymon6698]

Then you need a new dictionary.