Your comment is interesting, even though I do disagree about her connecting ‘cult’ with culture.
There are three definitions of ‘cult’ and Mormonism fits all three. She is right that there is a huge culture of Mormonism that permeates EVERY PART OF LIFE, but that is a different subject.
What your comment did do, however, is remind me how hard it is to leave Mormonism, because the person leaving has to relearn everything (how to read the Bible, basic theological terms, basic theology), in addition to leaving the culture and often being ostraciszed by LDS friends and family (including divorce).
Coming out of Mormonism can be (and often is) very traumatic and sadly Christian pastors are often ill equipped to handle the issues. Your comments have inspired me to get back to work on a discipleship manual for those leaving the LDS and a guidebook for pastors on how to help those who are transitioning out of Mormonism and into Christianity.
“...how hard it is to leave Mormonism...”
Just as a point of reference, all of her family is Morman but they still keep in touch to a degree. A brother is one of the big shots in SLC. She left 30+ years ago during college and married a Christian (who is now studying to be a preacher). They are both active and involved in the church. And with all of that it STILL struck a nerve hearing her old faith called a cult!
Good luck on your efforts in helping Christians minister to those who have left Mormonism.