Isn’t your church a cult?

People use “cult” in two ways. Sometimes it means a controlling group that isolates people and hides its teachings. Sometimes it’s used by other churches to mean “not our version of Christianity.”

On the first meaning, look at the facts. Sunday meetings are open to anyone. The Church publishes its scriptures, manuals, its General Handbook and essays on hard history topics where anyone can read them. Members are encouraged to get an education, to ask questions, and to gain their own testimony through prayer rather than just trusting a leader. For the Strength of Youth even says that “having questions is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith.”

On the second meaning, see “Are you guys even Christian?” The best response to “cult” is usually not an argument. It’s an invitation, like Jesus’s own: “Come and see” (John 1:39).