Great Apostasy

Apostasy in general is infidelity or disobedience to the true principles of the Gospel. The Great Apostasy, so called by LDS, is the period beginning in the old world (Europe, Asia, etc.) late in the 1st century A.D. and continuing until Joseph Smith’s First Vision in 1820. According to the LDS religion, The Great Apostasy is marked by the martyrdom of the prophets, apostles, disciples, bishops and other leaders and followers of Christ beginning in the first century and continuing up to the 4th century A.D. The various emperors of the Roman Empire set out to violently persecute all Christians who would not compromise the doctrines of Christianity for pagan customs. The succession of persecutions after a couple hundred years was so successful that near the end of the 3rd century, monuments were erected memorializing the extinction of Christianity—somewhat of an overstatement. Nevertheless, all Priesthood bearers holding authority to conduct and perpetuate the affairs of the Christian church were either martyred or taken from the earth. What survived of the persecutions was not the Church of Jesus Christ but merely a fragment of what Christ had established. Men, some not so well-intentined, took it upon themselves to speak for God, interpret, amend or add to His doctrines, and carry out His work. Over time without the aid of Priesthood bearers and continuing Revelation, precious doctrines and ordinances were lost and corrupted. This state of Apostasy continued until the Priesthood and all the primary doctrines and ordinances of Christianity could be restored under circumstances which would allow the Church to continue in perpetuity. The Great Apostasy is considered by LDS to be one of many apostasies that have occured from the time of Adam to the present.