Restoring the Ancient Church: Joseph Smith & Early Christianity

by Barry Robert Bickmore

This book carefully, meticulously examines the writings of the Early Christians and Ante-Nicean Fathers and examines the doctrines embraced by them throughout the centuries after Christ.

Genres: Lds, Religion, History

387 pages, Paperback

First published May 20, 1999

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! A "Marvelous Work and Wonder" by LeGrand Richards is an excellent book of the Restoration, but this work published by LDS FAIR is outstanding. Anything you ever wanted to know about the LDS church, doctrines revealed to Joseph Smith, early Christian documents backing just about any of the claims the 14 year old boy would ever preach, it's in there. This book will give you the Bible verses and history needed to battle any doctrine in question. I don't know why I don't hear more people from the church refer to this book. It's that good:). Of course all my friends on this site are LDS :) but now you know of another good book that you may have not know.

[Andrew Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that cannot be brushed off lightly. I read this book years ago when it came out in paperback. It was fascinating. The author has waded through an extraordinary amount of information to bring all sorts of insights into early Christian Church practices and beliefs that parallel modern Mormonism. It is all well documented so that the sources can be checked and read in their context. I would rank it as one of the top 5 books on Mormonism and Christianity that I have read out of hundreds. You won't be disappointed.

[Tanya Spackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm impressed by the thoroughness of the information comparing the LDS faith and early Christianity. Definitely an interesting read. He covers several key topics in great detail: the apostasy, doctrines about God, salvation, priesthood and church organization, temples, and a comparison of early Jewish Christianity. The arguments are detailed and well-argued. A recommended read.

[Avery Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tremendous work going through the ancient beliefs of the early Christian church and making the case for the Restoration through Joseph Smith. I enjoyed Barry's presentation of the numerous parallels between their systems of belief and the modern doctrines and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ. Found it a bit hard to pick back up sometimes though due to the structure of how the information is presented though. But I've already recommended to friends and family interested in the early Christian church.