Does the Mormon church teach the Great Apostasy or not?

[Jered_Boyd]

Good afternoon. I had 2 LDS missionaries visit me today and was surprised to learn that the LDS church has NEVER taught that all other churches have completely apostasized. I read in Beginning Apologetics 2 that “Mormons teach that Christ’s Church completely disappeared from the earth until it was restored by Joseph Smith in 1829”. So my question is: Where can I find evidence that the LDS church has taught such a doctrine? Would it be in their doctrine & covenants? writings of Joseph Smith? Also, has anyone had an LDS missionary specifically say to them that all other churches have apostasized? This appears to be another instance of LDS trying to gradually distance itself from a long held teaching that is clearly wrong. Thanks for you time.
- Jered

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

You are right on. There are many Mormon teachings that they often don’t acknowledge up front for fear of turning perspective converts off. But they DO teach the Great Apostasy as far-fetched as it is. Furthermore, they will admit that Mormonism stands or falls on whether such an apostasy ever really took place!

mormonwiki.com/Great_Apostasy

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.