The Great Apostasy, Considered in the Light of Scriptural and Secular History

In Short

The Great Apostasy, Considered in the Light of Scriptural and Secular History by James E. Talmage is a detailed examination of the apostasy that occurred within Christianity after the time of the apostles. The book argues that the early Christian Church gradually lost its divine authority, purity, and original teachings due to internal corruption, external pressures, and the introduction of false doctrines. Talmage uses scriptural prophecies and historical evidence to support his claim that this apostasy was foretold and fulfilled, leading to the necessity of a restoration of the true Church in modern times.

The Story

The book begins by establishing the need for a restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ, asserting that the early Christian Church fell into apostasy, losing its divine authority and original teachings. Talmage argues that this apostasy was a gradual process, marked by the introduction of false doctrines, the corruption of church leaders, and the loss of spiritual gifts and graces.

Talmage delves into the scriptural prophecies that foretold the apostasy, citing passages from the New Testament, such as those by Paul, Peter, and John, which warn of false teachers, heresies, and the rise of a "man of sin" who would oppose and exalt himself above God. He also references Old Testament prophecies that speak of a time when truth would be lost and the world would be in a state of spiritual darkness.

The author then turns to historical evidence, tracing the decline of the early Church through the centuries. He discusses the rise of heresies, the influence of pagan philosophies, and the corruption of church leaders. Talmage highlights key events such as the Diocletian persecution, the rise of Constantine, and the eventual dominance of the Roman Catholic Church, which he argues furthered the apostasy by introducing unscriptural practices and doctrines.

Talmage also examines the internal causes of the apostasy, including the loss of apostolic succession, the corruption of church ordinances, and the introduction of mystical and pagan elements into Christian worship. He argues that these changes led to a Church that was no longer the true Church of Christ, but rather an earthly organization that had lost its divine commission.

The book concludes by emphasizing the necessity of a restoration of the true Church, which Talmage asserts was fulfilled through the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 19th century. He argues that this restoration was foretold in scripture and was necessary to bring back the fullness of the gospel and the authority of the priesthood.

How It Unfolds

Introduction to the Need for Restoration: Talmage begins by asserting the necessity of a restoration of the Church due to the apostasy that occurred after the time of the apostles.

Scriptural Prophecies of Apostasy: The author cites various scriptural passages that foretell the apostasy, including warnings from Paul, Peter, and John about false teachers and the rise of a "man of sin."

Historical Evidence of Apostasy: Talmage traces the decline of the early Church through historical events, such as the Diocletian persecution and the rise of Constantine, which he argues contributed to the loss of divine authority and the introduction of false doctrines.

Internal Causes of Apostasy: The book examines the internal factors that led to the apostasy, including the loss of apostolic succession, the corruption of church ordinances, and the influence of pagan philosophies.

The Necessity of Restoration: Talmage concludes by emphasizing the need for a restoration of the true Church, which he argues was fulfilled through the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The People

James E. Talmage: The author and central figure of the book, Talmage is a scholar and theologian who presents a detailed and well-researched argument for the apostasy and the necessity of restoration. He is a convinced advocate for the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ in modern times.

The Apostles and Early Church Leaders: Figures like Paul, Peter, and John, who warned of the coming apostasy and whose teachings were gradually corrupted or lost.

Historical Figures: Leaders like Constantine, who brought the Church under state control, and Diocletian, whose persecution weakened the Church. These figures represent the external pressures that contributed to the apostasy.

The Restored Church: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which Talmage argues is the fulfillment of the prophecies of restoration and the true Church of Christ in modern times.

In Its Own Voice

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims the restoration of the Gospel and the re-establishment of the Church as of old, in this, the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times."

This quote from the preface sets the stage for the book's argument, emphasizing the need for a restoration of the Church.

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition..."

This passage from 2 Thessalonians is cited by Talmage as a prophecy of the apostasy and the rise of a "man of sin."

"The Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."

This quote from Genesis is used by Talmage to critique the Catholic Church's doctrine of celibacy for priests, which he argues is contrary to God's law.

What It's Really About

The Great Apostasy is about the loss of divine authority and truth within Christianity, leading to a state of spiritual darkness and corruption. It argues that the early Church, despite its initial purity and power, gradually fell into apostasy due to internal corruption and external pressures. The book is a call for a return to the original teachings and authority of Christ, which Talmage asserts was restored through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

At its core, the book is about the importance of maintaining the purity of the gospel and the necessity of divine authority in the Church. It raises questions about the nature of truth, the role of scripture, and the responsibility of believers to uphold the teachings of Christ.

Why Read It Today

The Great Apostasy offers a comprehensive and well-researched perspective on the history of Christianity and the development of the apostasy. It is a valuable resource for those interested in the theological and historical foundations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as for anyone seeking to understand the broader history of Christianity.

The book's exploration of the causes and consequences of apostasy provides insights into the challenges faced by religious institutions and the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity. It encourages readers to critically examine their own beliefs and the teachings of their faith, fostering a deeper understanding of the gospel and its application in modern times.

While the book is written from a specific theological perspective, its historical analysis and scriptural insights make it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the development of Christian thought and practice. Talmage's clear and engaging writing style, combined with his thorough research, makes the book accessible and compelling.

However, readers should be aware that the book reflects the author's religious convictions and may not align with the beliefs of all readers. Additionally, the book's length and detailed historical analysis may require a significant time commitment.

In conclusion, The Great Apostasy is a thought-provoking and informative work that offers valuable insights into the history of Christianity and the importance of maintaining the purity of the gospel. It is a must-read for those interested in the theological and historical foundations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the early Christian Church.