While the book is poorly researched and the arguments are very lame, Craig Lantz, in Christian Answers for Mormons (2025) does refute the common trope that Latter-day Saints are in a cult due to purported “secrecy”:
One of the most persistent stereotypes in that Latter-day Saints are a
secretive or cult-like organization.
This often stems from a lack of
understanding of their unique practices, particularly those associated with
their temples. The temple ceremonies, which are considered sacred by members,
are indeed kept private from those who are not members or who have not
undergone specific initiatory ordinances.
This privacy, however, is often
misinterpreted as secrecy. In reality, the Church is remarkably open about its
doctrines, history, and organizational structure. Its scriptures are readily
available, its official websites provide vast amounts of information, and its
members are generally willing to discuss their beliefs openly and honestly. (Craig
Lantz, Christian Answers for Mormons: An Investigation of the Doctrines By
Joseph Smith and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [Lansing,
Mich.: Sophia’s House Publications, 2025], 54-56, emphasis in bold added)
In the above (ibid., 54-55 n. 10), Lantz follows the “BITE”
model. To see the problems with this, see the following two presentations from
Jacob Mayberry:
Is the church a CULT? Critiquing
the BITE Model
