In “Origin of the 'Reorganized' Church and the Question of Succession,” Joseph Fielding Smith delves into the tumultuous history of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS) following the death of Joseph Smith. Smith adopts a scholarly yet accessible literary style, employing thorough historical analysis and doctrinal exploration to examine the legitimacy of claims regarding church succession. The book intricately contextualizes the political and spiritual conflicts that arose within early Mormonism, highlighting the theological debates that characterized this period and the impact of differing interpretations of succession on the church's development. Joseph Fielding Smith, a prominent leader within the Latter-day Saint movement and a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, draws from both personal experience and extensive research in church history. His commitment to preserving and articulating the doctrines of the faith, coupled with his firsthand knowledge of Mormon leadership dynamics, lends authority to his narrative. Smith's background and ecclesiastical standing uniquely position him to address the complexities surrounding church governance and spiritual legitimacy. Readers seeking a comprehensive understanding of the Reorganized Church's history and the foundational controversies surrounding its establishment will find Smith's work invaluable. This book is essential for scholars and laypersons alike who are interested in the intricate relationships between religion, governance, and historical narrative in the Latter-day Saint tradition.
