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Origin of the 'Reorganized' Church and the Question of Succession

Written by Joseph Fielding Smith

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Latter Day Saint churchesReorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

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About this book

"Origin of the 'Reorganized' Church and the Question of Succession" by Elder Joseph F. Smith, Jr. is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book addresses the issues surrounding the formation of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following the martyrdom of Joseph Smith and the subsequent leadership under Brigham Young. It likely details the controversies, schisms, and theological conflicts within the Latter-day Saint movement during this turbulent period. The opening portion introduces the author’s perspective in response to the Reorganite ministers' aggressive missionary activities in Salt Lake City and Ogden from 1906 to 1907. The author recounts how these ministers, emboldened by individuals who had left the Church and local anti-"Mormon" sentiments, launched bitter attacks against Brigham Young and current Church leaders. This prompted a request from young Church members for a defense of their faith, leading the author to deliver discourses that ultimately became the chapters of this work, which aims to clarify the historical and doctrinal positions of the Church amidst rising opposition and misrepresentation from the Reorganites.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Origin of the 'Reorganized' Church and the Question of Succession, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • Polemical
  • Historical
  • Apologetic

Origin of the 'Reorganized' Church and the Question of Succession by Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr. is a foundational apologetic work from the early 20th century, directly addressing the schism within the Latter-day Saint movement following Joseph Smith's martyrdom. Written in response to aggressive missionary efforts by the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (RLDS) in Utah, the book systematically defends the succession of Brigham Young and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' claims to legitimate authority. It meticulously details historical events, theological arguments, and doctrinal interpretations to counter the RLDS narrative, particularly regarding the rightful leadership and the nature of the restored gospel. Smith's work serves as a powerful defense of the Utah-based Church's historical and spiritual lineage, aiming to clarify its position amidst external opposition and internal questioning from its members.

“It is not a pleasing duty to expose error, but when the truth is assailed, and the history of the Church misrepresented, it becomes necessary to speak plainly and without reservation.”

Key themes

Religious Authority and Succession
This is the core theme of the book, directly addressing the question of who held the legitimate spiritual and organizational authority after Joseph Smith's death. Smith argues forcefully for the authority of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, led by Brigham Young, as divinely appointed successors, refuting the Reorganite claim of lineal succession through Joseph Smith III.
Schism and Apostasy
The book fundamentally explores the nature of schism within a religious movement, framing the Reorganization's formation as an act of apostasy or deviation from the true path. Smith examines the reasons for the split, the differing doctrinal interpretations that arose, and the perceived errors of those who formed the Reorganized Church.
Defense of Faith (Apologetics)
The entire book functions as an extended exercise in apologetics – the reasoned defense of a religious faith. Smith's explicit goal is to strengthen the faith of Church members and provide them with the arguments necessary to counter Reorganite challenges, thereby protecting the community from perceived spiritual harm and doctrinal confusion.

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