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

"The Great Apostasy, Considered in the Light of Scriptural and Secular History" by James E. Talmage is a theological work written in the early 20th century. This book explores the history and implications of the apostasy of the Christian Church following the deaths of the apostles, advocating the viewpoint of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding the necessity of a modern restoration of church authority. It delves into scriptural and historical evidence supporting the claim that the early Church lost its divine authority, which Talmage argues is foundational to understanding the Church's current organization. At the start of the work, the author introduces the fundamental beliefs surrounding the establishment and subsequent decline of the Church of Christ. He outlines the conditions during the early Christian era, emphasizes the distinctions among various religious groups at that time, and discusses the roles and authority of the apostles in establishing the Church. Talmage establishes the premise that without a continuous lineage of divine authority, the need for a restoration arises, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the predicted apostasy as drawn from biblical prophecy and early historical accounts. This opening segment effectively lays the groundwork for his argument surrounding the significance of both the apostasy and the necessity of the restored Church in contemporary religious practice.