Prelude to the Restoration: From Apostasy to the Restored Church

by Steven C. Harper (Editor), Andrew H. Hedges (Editor), Patty Smith (Editor)

Before Joseph Smith was born, religious scholars such as William Tyndale and Martin Luther put their lives in jeopardy to spread the word of God to their followers, blazing doctrinal trails so that a restoration of the gospel could occur. This volume highlights these influential men and other important Reformers who helped pave the way for the Restoration.

292 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2004

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book, with chapters about various things in history and how they came together (not coincidentally) to prepare the world and every other necessary element for the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the prophet Joseph Smith, who organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1830 after a decade of preparation. The book shows how the Reformers and the development of many churches led to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the freedom of religion that made the Restoration possible, although it did not always protect those who embraced it. Certainly there were many martyrs for the cause--those who translated the Bible into English being the leading examples here. The various chapters bring up things of interest that I had not considered before, such as the 4-year window that allowed Joseph Smith to publish his translation of the Book of Mormon in Palmyra, New York, on a high-quality press and good book paper, in the course of a few months, and without the persecution that accompanied the translation of the book. Highly recommended.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found some of the essays better than others. Interesting threads of thoughts, but incomplete or (possibly? how would I know for sure?) out of date in other cases.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

some interesting essays

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent 'church book'. Highly recommend it. This book reviews historical figures and events and shows how they enabled the church to be restored in the latter days. I gained a greater appreciation and reverence for those reformers, explorers, inventors, scholars and various others who allowed themselves to be instruments in the hands of God. This book charts the methodical and deliberate course of events leading up to the restoration.
Very interesting! A definate must read!

[Kip · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book. I should attempt to read these books every year. A good companion with my fairly consistent reading of BYU Studies each quarter.