This book contains reflections from two groups of scholars who trace their beginnings to the early Saints who built the Kirtland Temple. These scholars come from the two largest branches of the Restoration movement, Community of Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who have often found themselves on the opposite sides of many issues. This book is filled with honest, frank conversations between people of the two faiths but also collegiality and friendship. Centered on twelve themes, this dialogue is about bringing together informed scholars from the two churches working together, with goodwill, to accurately understand each other.
I came into this book with limited understanding of the Community of Christ (formerly RLDS) tradition. This book, through dialogue of many scholars from both sides, helps bridge the historical gap between the two traditions which share a 14 year history and a 200+ year divorce. Very interesting for anyone who wants to know more about Mormon history and the Community of Christ and it’s role in both LDS and RLDS restoration thought.
Picked this up on a whim. The dialogue in essay form between scholars and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Community of Christ completely fascinated me. These two churches have diverged so greatly in practice and belief, one would hardly know they share a 14 year origin history.
I found the information on the first vision and the apostasy well done. The part on personhood was kinda sad, to be honest. It’s amazing how both groups which has the same beginnings could depart so radically and rapidly.