Getting back to the OP’s question, I think aspirant’s plea to define what a cult is is fundamental. The one he offered above is interesting, and the LDS church would seem to fit at least points 1 and 2. I also like the one I posted a few pages ago:
“
As distinct from a religion, a cult is a group that claims to be part of the religion, yet denies essential truth(s) of that religion. A Christian cult is a group that denies one or more of the fundamental truths of Christianity, while still claiming to be Christian.”
gotquestions.org/cult-definition.html
If Mormons didn’t claim to be Christians, they couldn’t be a Christian cult; but they do say they are Christians. This leads to the question, what are the essential truths of Christianity. Most Christians–Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, and the majority of Protestants–accept the Nicene Creed. Mormons don’t. Is that enough to label them as a cult? One definition of Christian that I like is suggested by Smith’s Bible dictionary:
"
This difference [between Christian and non-Christian religions] is constituted by the Christian religion having Jesus Christ, His revelation, and His precepts for the objects of its contemplations and the motive of its actions. The Church, therefore, consists of all who acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ the blessed Savior of mankind, who give credit to His gospel, and who hold His sacraments, the seals of eternal life, in honor."
By that definition, I’m not so sure Mormons don’t qualify as being Christian. Even though I left the church, I definitely considered myself a Christian while a part of it, and I don’t see my continuing Mormon friends as non-Christian just because they are still LDS. Another round of Kumbaya, anyone?