We’ll discuss controversial RLDS beliefs with John Hamer, a Seventy with the Community of Christ. We’re focusing on the 1844 succession crisis, its lasting impact on both the LDS and Community of Christ (formerly RLDS) churches. He’s the co-author of Scattering of the Saints: Schism Within Mormonism. Don’t miss this fascinating discussion!
00:00 How 1844 Succession Affects Us Today
8:15 How Baptism For Dead Was De-canonized
14:22 Will Book of Mormon Be De-canonized?
24:10 Black Priesthood in Community of Christ
36:37 3 Official Languages in CoC
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Gospel Tangents
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Succession Crisis and its Legacy:
◦ The 1844 schism “froze” both churches into peculiar systems, as each justified its own succession to assert legitimacy.
◦ LDS Church Succession: Brigham Young’s claim relied on his position as the senior-most apostle, a concept that was not established doctrine in 1844 but emerged from the crisis.
◦ Community of Christ (RLDS) Succession: Joseph Smith III’s claim was supported by patriarchal blessings and prophecies. His acceptance of the prophet role in 1860 solidified the General Conference’s (legislative) authority to choose the prophet. Sidney Rigdon also made a claim to leadership, presenting himself as a “guardian of the church.”
◦ The Mark Hofmann forgery of Joseph Smith Jr.’s blessing to Joseph Smith III is discussed, noting its incorrect date caused dissonance Jerald & Sandra Tanner. It was acquired by the LDS Church, which then traded it to the RLDS Church for a copy of the Book of Commandments. The RLDS Church put it in the appendix of their version of the Doctrine & Covenants & then later removed this forgery from its historical appendix through a “historical appendectomy.”
RLDS Doctrine and Covenants and De-canonization:
◦ The Community of Christ’s Doctrine and Covenants is an active scripture, with new sections added through votes by elected representatives at World Conferences. The conference also has the power to remove sections, which it has done several times.
◦ Baptism for the Dead: This practice was removed from the RLDS Doctrine and Covenants, largely due to the church’s desire to distance itself from associations with LDS temples and practices, particularly those perceived as “secret” or “embarrassing.” John Hamer expresses a nuanced view, considering it meaningless as a necessary saving ordinance for random names but “incredibly valid and amazing” as a spiritual practice for connecting with cherished ancestors (e.g., Jane Manning James).
◦ Blacks in the Priesthood (RLDS): Joseph Smith III’s 1860s revelation allowed black men to hold the priesthood but included a racist caveat to “be not hasty” in ordaining them, reflecting the prevailing societal racism of the 1860s. A recent World Conference resolution to remove this section was voted down, with John Hamer arguing against removal to avoid setting a precedent of “Jefferson Bible” editing scripture.
◦ De-canonization of the Book of Mormon: There’s a “dig” (and potential validity) that the Community of Christ “doesn’t believe in the Book of Mormon” in the same way other groups do. Some leaders and members, traumatized by the “New Mormon History” and historical-literary criticism suggesting the Book of Mormon is a 19th-century construct, have proposed to “jettison all of this stuff.” However, others, especially older members, find it essential to their identity. John Hamer “firmly anticipates” a resolution to remove the Book of Mormon from the canon, though he personally opposes it.
Controversial Beliefs: Understanding Scripture
◦ John Hamer advocates for viewing scripture as “errant, not inerrant.” He believes scripture is a “human response to God’s revelation,” filled with the “biases and limitations of every prophet.”
◦ He argues against treating scripture as a “perfect idol” or a “literalistic rule book,” emphasizing that doing so misses its true meaning and prevents growth. He compares attempts to remove “pseudepigraphic” books (like some Pauline or Petrine letters) to treating the Book of Mormon, or even the Old Testament Book of Daniel (which he calls a “pious fraud”), as disposable.
RLDS Church Operations and Challenges:
◦ The World Conference functions as a “giant legislature” where resolutions are debated and voted upon.
◦ The Community of Christ has three official languages: English, French, and Spanish. A resolution to put all scriptures online in these languages was narrowly voted down, with the official pretext being cost, but John Hamer believes the real reason was a desire by some leaders to minimize exposure to elements like the Book of Mormon they find embarrassing.
◦ The church’s control over intellectual property is criticized, particularly regarding the Kirtland Temple, where photos were forbidden, hindering its use as a missionary tool.
◦ The conversation touches on the resignation of Israel A. Smith (presiding bishop) and Fred Smith’s use of a “prophetic trump card” (revelation) to pass a decision.
The episode serves as a deep dive into the historical complexities, theological evolution, and ongoing challenges faced by the Community of Christ, contrasting its journey with that of the LDS Church.
Don’t miss our other episodes with John Hamer! https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-hamer/
Copyright © 2025
Gospel Tangents
All Rights Reserved
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