Beyond the Great Apostasy: Reclaiming a Millennium of Faith

We’ve all heard it: the tidy narrative of Jesus, the New Testament, the “Great Apostasy,” and then, thankfully, the Restoration. It's a framework that’s served us well in missionary discussions and introductory lessons, neatly compartmentalizing millennia of history. But what if we’re missing something vital by glossing over this period? What if that very term, “Great Apostasy,” is a misnomer, a Protestant invention, and a potential impediment to a deeper understanding of God’s dealings with His children?

Jason Combs, in a recent podcast episode, tackles precisely this question. He challenges the simplistic view of a global abandonment of truth, reminding us that the Book of Mormon itself refutes the notion of a universal apostasy, with the people of the Americas maintaining a vibrant Christian life for centuries. To treat 1500 years of history as a monolithic darkness is not only inaccurate, but it also diminishes the sacrifices and faithfulness of countless individuals who kept the flame of the gospel burning.

Combs rightly points out that the term “Great Apostasy” was coined to justify the Protestant Reformation, and its application to an entire millennium of history is problematic. It implies a complete withdrawal of God, a notion inconsistent with our understanding of His unwavering love and constant efforts to guide His children. He emphasizes that God’s presence and influence persisted, even if obscured by cultural shifts and theological errors.

Consider the story of Perpetua, recounted in the podcast. Her unwavering testimony and willingness to face martyrdom are testaments to the enduring power of faith, even amidst persecution and societal decay. It's a story that resonates deeply, reminding us that the Spirit can and does operate even when covenants are obscured and temples are closed.

Furthermore, Combs highlights the profound debt we owe to those ancient Christians – their struggles, their scholarship, and their unwavering devotion. Miranda Wilcox, as Combs notes, finds inspiration in medieval Christianity, demonstrating that these centuries were not devoid of spiritual richness and intellectual advancement. To dismiss this period is to deny the contributions of those who preserved and passed down elements of truth, paving the way, however imperfectly, for the Restoration.

This isn’t about revising history; it’s about expanding our perspective. It’s about recognizing that God's work continues, even when it appears to be hidden. It's about appreciating the complexity of faith across centuries, acknowledging the struggles and triumphs of those who sought Him in a world far removed from our own. It’s a call to move beyond the simplistic narrative of a ‘Great Apostasy’ and embrace a richer, more nuanced understanding of God’s eternal plan.

The podcast episode serves as a powerful reminder that the Restoration didn't occur in a vacuum. It was built upon the foundations laid by those who, through trials and tribulations, remained faithful to the covenants they held. Let us seek to understand their struggles, learn from their examples, and draw closer to the God who never leaves nor forsakes His children.

Listen to the full episode and consider what other historical narratives we might be simplifying, and what truths we might be missing.