Why would Mormon books be categorized under the “occult?”
Question
Gramps,
I was recently visiting in a Christian book store in California and there was quite a bit of material on Mormons under the “occult.” Can you tell me why non-members would categorize it under that particular section?
Lori
Answer
Dear Lori,
Of course there is no valid reason to label the Mormon Church as an occult organization. The word “occult” comes from the Latin “oculere” meaning to cover up, so an occult organization would be a secret organization. Since there is nothing secret about the Church or its activities, the name is obviously a misnomer, and only bespeaks the ignorance of those who would use it this context.
Gramps
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Gramps,
I am just commenting on the occult letter that you got. I think that many people do not understand our religion and because they “think” we have “secret” as opposed
to “sacred” ceremonies in the temple, they think that we are an “occult”
religion. Of course, we are not. When I joined the LDS church at 14 years
old, my parents thought I was joining an “occult” religion. It didn’t help
their feelings about it when I married in the temple and they could not be
there.
Years later, my mother told me that she realized it was a good thing that I
joined the LDS church. She was afraid of it, but saw what it did for my life
and started to have different feelings. So, “by their fruits ye shall know them.”
I think many people haven’t been exposed to the “fruits” yet!