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In 2001, the representatives of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints decided to alter the common name of their church to “Community of Christ.” Apart from being briefer and simpler to pronounce, the new name shifts the emphasis from their history to their current and future endeavors. The organization was established in 1860 when numerous Mormons declined to adhere to Brigham Young’s plan of heading west, among other disagreements.
Following the passing of Joseph Smith in 1844, several individuals vied for leadership of the Mormon Church, leading to the formation of various splinter groups. One faction was led by Jason Briggs, Zenos Gurley, and William Marks. These individuals opposed the revelation permitting polygamy and advocated for Joseph Smith III, rather than Brigham Young, to become the new church prophet. After a period of conflict, Joseph Smith III agreed to lead the newly established “Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,” comprising 300 members.
The Community of Christ regards the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants as sacred texts and follows Joseph Smith’s Inspired Version of the Bible. Their doctrines align with those originally preached by Joseph Smith, including the belief that all of Christianity had deviated from the truth (1 Nephi 13:28) and that Joseph Smith had reinstated God’s truth to the church (Mormon Doctrine, p. 670). According to the Community of Christ, Jesus is distinct from God the Father, as articulated in Joseph Smith’s Inspired Version, John 1:1 “In the beginning was the gospel preached through the Son. And the gospel was the word, and the word was with the Son, and the Son was with God, and the Son was of God.” In contrast, in the King James Version and most other English translations, the verse reads, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” These two versions present contrasting perspectives on Jesus. In Smith’s rendition, Jesus is “of God.”
,” but not the same as God. In the KJV (and all other reliable versions), the entire point of the section (John 1:1-14) is to demonstrate that Jesus is not only the Son of God but is Himself fully God, and the One through whom all things were made in Genesis 1.
The theology of the Community of Christ today is somewhat challenging to define. Historically, the RLDS primarily shaped their beliefs based on their disagreements with LDS theology (e.g., polygamy, eternal marriage, Adam-God theory, closed temple services). In 1992, Graceland College, owned by the church, hosted a symposium to explore their beliefs. Paul Edwards, then dean of Park College Graduate School of Religion, stated, “One of the most crucial needs for RLDS individuals today is to reflect on primary experiences as the foundation for their theological pursuits.” In essence, he advocated for each believer to begin with their own experiences to ascertain truth, rather than starting with scriptures or church doctrines. Current statements of faith on the Community of Christ website resemble traditional Christian statements, yet they use ambiguous language to accommodate various interpretations. Regarding the doctrine of baptism and salvation, it is evident that the Community of Christ does not align with a biblical stance. The following statements are from the official church website:
“Disciples are individuals whose lives are transformed as they consistently strive to model their lives after the example and teachings of Jesus Christ. Becoming a disciple in the Community of Christ commences with these steps:
1. Listen internally for the call of Jesus Christ in your life.
2. Engage with a congregation, participating in activities that aid in learning, growth, and service to others.”
In contrast, the Bible states: “Then Peter said unto them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.’” (Acts 2:38)Emission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost’” «Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. », (Acts 2:38).
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel…by which you are saved…how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
The teaching of the RLDS focuses on good works and intentions and redefines Jesus Christ. Their brand of religion fits well with Paul’s description in Romans 10:2-4, “For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” The RLDS shares the two beliefs common to all false religions: they encourage their members to “seek their own righteousness” (a works-based salvation), and they promote a false view of Jesus Christ.
(Editor’s note: many of the references in our articles on Mormonism are Mormon publications, such as Mormon Doctrine, Articles of Faith, Doctrines of Salvation, History of the Church, Doctrine and Covenants, and so forth. Others are from the Book of Mormon itself, e.g., books such as 1 Nephi, 2 Nephi, and Alma.)
