the Church possessed the priesthood-the power and authority to act in God's name the Church provided the ordinances necessary to save and exalt man the teachings and doctrines were perfect because the Savior was their source 'What are the hallmarks of this divine institution known as Christ's Church? 'This formal church organized by the Savior and his apostles was not an end in and of itself, but rather the organization through which God chose to save souls and build his kingdom (p. It is either the perpetuation of the gospel from ancient times, or the restoration of the gospel in latter days (a Catholic theologian as quoted by Elder Orson F. If we are right, you are wrong if you are right, we are wrong and that's all there is to it. The issue is between Catholicism and Mormonism. It is so strong that there is only one other tenable in the whole Christian world, and this is the position of the Catholic Church. You don't even know the strength of your own position. ''What happened to Christ's Church?' The purpose of this book is to assist those who earnestly seek an answer to that inquiry (p. I'm grateful for this message of hope, truth and light! Prophets and apostles lead and guide and hold priesthood keys to administer in the Lord's Church and teach His gospel. We are still living during this time of restoration. Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon were important parts of that restoration, as well the founders of America who established a place of religious liberty and freedom. The truth was lost, but knowing this would happen God had planned for the restoration of the truth. Ultimately, not long after Christ's death and resurrection, internal wickedness meant the end of the apostles, priesthood, revelation, scriptures, spiritual gifts and miracles, and the church, along with the distortion of many doctrines, teachings, and ordinances. I really liked this book! It's a great and very clear explanation of the apostasy and restoration of the gospel. God bless Elder Callister for his testimony of this gospel and his way with words. Overall, I feel like this work was an incredible feat and was inspired and directed by the Spirit. But just because that was my experience does not mean that your average member cannot read this book and think it feels like just the right amount of information to process at any given time. For me that was sometimes frustrating and I would put it down for long periods of time before I would pick it up again. And because my family members are not members of the Church, I felt an overwhelming desire to try to remember all of the information. I felt like I just couldn't remember all that I needed to mentally and spiritually absorb from it. It took me a long time to finish this book because it often felt like information overload. It's one of those books that can be read straight through but also referred back to again and again when necessary. That is not to say it wasn't good, only to say that it is not light reading. It was presented in a very 'text book' like way in that it presented information that is important for people to know but most people will not readily remember the sources and quotes without going through the book when they are searching for something specific. I'm completely impressed by the way the Spirit must have enlightened Elder Callister's mind to put all the pieces together that became this book.

I could hardly keep all those early brethren straight just reading in clear English. I know that if I had been given the opportunity to research such writings, I don't think I would have been able to understand them enough to then select various quotes to support revealed doctrine or other points. The author effortlessly draws testimony from the writings of early Christians throughout the first few centuries after Christ's life and matches them with the doctrines of the gospel as we know them today. I can't imagine how many hours of research much have gone into writing this book. It is filled with such great information that supports the truthfulness of the Great Apostasy and prophesied restoration of the gospel. This book is very different from that book but it is good none the less. I was first impressed with this author when I read the Infinite Atonement (which could possibly be my all time favorite gospel book). This is an amazing book from a very amazing man.

Talk on joseph smith by tad r callister