Turning From Truth: A New Look At The Great Apostasy

by Alexander B. Morrison

Find out what recent research reveals about the causes of the apostasy from the true Church. The concept of a universal apostasy – a falling away from the truth of Christ’s Church as he established it – is fundamental to the faith of Latter-day Saints. Had an institutional apostasy not occurred, there would be no need for a Restoration or for the Prophet Joseph Smith. In a careful and compelling manner, Elder Alexander B. Morrison establishes the occurrence of the great apostasy, identifying key factors that show readers why and how it happened. He also bears witness that, beginning with the appearance of the Father and the Son to Joseph Smith, the gospel was restored and Christ’s Church was reestablished on the earth, never again to be taken away.

Genres: Religion, Lds

191 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2005

Reviews

[Matthew Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. Too many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have become dependant upon the outdated and in some respects erroneous conclusions contained with Talmage's classic "The Great Apostasy." Unfortunately, with its focus on the dark ages and other positions that with time have been demonstrated inaccurate or incomplete it was time to revisit "The Great Apostasy" and make the necessary corrections and Morrison does an excellent job.

This is not the most complete nor even the best work on the apostasy but it is short, sweet, and to the point emphasizing the essentials. It should most definately be added as a companion to "The Great Apostasy" although ones reading on the topic should not cease with either volume. I would also suggest other excellent works on the topic including a volume which is not as well known as Talmage's but is in my opinion superior thereto, James L. Barker's "Apostasy from the divine church." Although out of print and difficult to find it is well worth the time and money invested to pick up a copy. It was at one point a priesthood instructional manual.

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this about 6 months ago in preparation of a training for missionaries. Prior to this book, my study of the apostasy had been limited to Elder Talmage's views in his book The Great Apostasy.

This book differs significantly from the Great Apostasy, focusing on many of the similarities between the LDS faith and others while possessing a tone of gratitude for those early reformers who did the best they could searching for truth and preserving as much of the bible as they could.

If you want to polish up on the history surrounding the apostasy, this is certainly a great book for you. The author's writing style is easy to read.

[Sandra Strange · Rating 3 out of 5]

LDS oriented survey of Christian history from roughly the time of the Apostles until the 19th Century. This account is well written and easy to follow for even those who are not history fans.

[Jp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has made my whole view of the apostasy bigger, the author incorporates modern historical thought into the story of the loss of the ancient church. The author is also very good at saying I don't know when the historical or scriptural records are silent. IN all this book helps me more accurately see what good happened on earth during the time we call the great apostasy. In many ways it's most compelling parts are the examples of dis-unity with in the Church, the book helps you see that Satan did not overthrow the Church the people rejected the truth. In that way we can draw comparisons with all other apostasy’s where a prophet and his message are rejected

[Madelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Brother Morrison has quite a vocabulary. I kept a dictionary close by. This book is loaded with information. As Brother Morrison said, "...anyone who has ever wondered why Christianity splintered into so many disparate churches will be fascinated by this compelling review of history."

[Joanne]

Alexander Morrison presents a readable yet in-depth history of christianity after the death of Christ. I have learned a great deal about the many men and women that have sacrificed for their faith, and yet, how vital modern revelation can be.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a worthy addition and update to Talmage's classic book on the "great" apostasy. Morrison concludes that the early church was internally damaged well before the council of Nicea and any Hellenization/Greek influence.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

In interesting summary view of the main aspects leading to the apostasy.