Book – The Inevitable Apostasy by Tad R. Callister

[Anonymous]

The Inevitable Apostasy and the Promised Restoration is an excellent historiography of works by the Ante-Nicene Fathers of early Christianity. It was the type of work that Is long overdue, since James E. Talmage’s work the Great Apostasy is now very antiquated. Callister clearly has drafted a work that works well to explain the LDS position working through the lense of the viewpoints of many of the Ante-Nicene creed church bishops and church historians in support of the LDS belief of Apostasy and subsequent restoration of the Christian Church. I enjoyed reading many of the extended annotated endnotes. Time truly does vindicate the prophets as this book in my opinion discusses the apostasy in such a concise and clear manner that it does not leave much doubt that the apostasy did occur and that the restoration is in fact a much needed reality that the Lord had planned. I was enthralled with the explanations by Church historians in 200-300 AD that believed and taught the necessity of Baptism, and that that Gospel was taught to the Dead. There are many historical sources that convey that these beliefs were normal and common beliefs held by many Christians before the Nicene creed restricted man’s belief.

What is more amazing is how some bishops who jockeyed for power after the demise of the Apostles, were countered by other Bishops who knew that their authority was only local and not general. Such interchanges involved Bishops who would write back to power mongers such things as: “You are not Peter, or Paul.”

Callister systematically organized the Chapters in layers of Apostasy and indicates that the apostasy was a gradual event that did not hit at once, just like the restoration was a gradual event that was not completed in one year or a few years. In the Introduction, Callister does an excellent job in putting forth his methodology as well as his epistemology and intent of his work. Callister states: “The words of the prophets are the ‘Supreme Court’ on spiritual matters.” In other words he makes note that he will use scriptures and historical documents to support what the Latter-Day prophets and apostles have stated on the apostasy. He continues, “Thus, the writings of the early Christians help us better understand the scriptures, but they do not overrule them.” Callister admits that some theologians and historians may have differing viewpoints on the same scripture and use evidence in the same way that he uses in support of their positions. (Callister is a lawyer by trade, he understands counter arguments). In response to this critical point, Callister states, “In order to present the truth, and not just a viewpoint, I have earnestly sought to present a pattern of scriptures supported by a pattern of writings from the early Christian writers, so that no single scripture and no single statement of an early Christian writer is controlling. This seems consistent with the Lord’s test for truth, that ‘in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every words be established” (2 Corinthians 13;1)” I agree with Callister and understand historiography and the historical process as a somewhat trained historian in historical theory and writing that you look for patterns in a whole survey of pertinent documents that have relevance to the point you are trying to get across. Additionally, you attempt to triangulate the information which he does through scripture and other historians in the field of ancient Christianity. Overall, I applaud Callister’s scholarship and thoroughness. Callister shows much diligence in his herculean effort (The book is 393 pp long without the end notes, and 484 pp long with the end notes and index). I enjoyed the annotations and Callister’s arguments and positions are very clearly stated for any lay reader to understand. The Book is an easy read and will reaffirm LDS beliefs as well as give the reader gratitude for the ancient Christians and their legacy of faith. Before reading The Inevitable Apostasy, I have to admit that I was concerned it was just gonna be a bash and support kind of book, much like Talmage’s Great Apostasy. However, it is not. I left appreciating even the Emperor Constantine for the Nicene Council. Not that I agree with the position and the entire aftermath of the Council, but at least I understand that in some ways it preserved Christianity and canonized much scripture that may have been lost. I have a deep appreciation and even a kinship that I could feel spiritually for the Ante-Nicene church fathers and their stalwart lives, some of which became martyrs themselves for the Lord. I am grateful that their lives have not been lost to history and that we can read their beliefs and positions as eyewitnesses of the apostasy itself. I feel that The Inevitable Apostasy is a must read for anyone that wants to understand the apostasy more with a relevant historical and scriptural viewpoint. Gainsayers may continue to deny the truth of the Apostasy and the Lord’s “Marvelous Work and a Wonder” of the Restoration, but now they do so foolishly while the truth stares them more squarely in the face. Thanks Elder Callister, for investing much time and effort in a much needed work.

[Anonymous]

Nice review Jamison. Thanks for taking time to write out good details. I also have found it interesting to study the formation of early Christianity. I think there’s a lot we can learn from it that applies directly to our experiences today.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like an interesting book. I may have to get it on the Kindle.

[Author]

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