The Great and Abominable Church in the Book of Mormon: An Exploration of Its Meaning and Implications

The Book of Mormon, a sacred text for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaks of two churches that will exist during the last days. One is the Church of the Lamb of God, which represents true Christian faith, while the other is the Great and Abominable Church, which seeks to destroy the faith of believers in Jesus Christ. This article delves into the historical and cultural context of the misinterpretations that arise from the concept of the Great and Abominable Church, especially from a Protestant perspective, and examines the implications of this idea for modern times.

Defining the Great and Abominable Church

The Book of Mormon does not provide detailed information about the nature of the Great and Abominable Church. It is described as a church that may assume many forms and seek to lead people away from the true faith. Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, did not receive further revelation on the specific identity of this church. However, it is clear that its fundamental characteristic is its opposition to and attempt to destroy the faith of those who follow Jesus Christ.

A Protestant Perspective: Past and Present

For former Protestants, the Great and Abominable Church often includes a reference to the Roman Catholic Church. Protestantism, with its roots in the Reformation, sees itself as returning to the original teachings of Christ. According to this worldview, the Catholic Church is portrayed as a corrupt and degenerate institution that perverted the simple Gospel of Jesus into a complex and often oppressive system. This perspective is not unique to early Protestants but continues to be prevalent in many Protestant circles.

It is worth noting, however, that by the time Joseph Smith's revelations came, many Protestant denominations had also made significant contributions to religious oppression and conflict. American Reformation movements, for instance, led to brutal persecution of various groups, including Catholics, dissenters, and indigenous peoples. The Church of the Latter-day Saints itself was not immune to this violence, as the massacre at Mountain Meadows in 1857 demonstrated.

The Human Factor: The Church of Pride

The concept of the Great and Abominable Church extends beyond specific religious institutions and includes the broader idea that any group that seeks to suppress or mock the faith of others can be considered part of this church. As the Israelites were warned against adopting Canaanite practices, and Jews in Babylon were cautious about absorbing Babylonian culture, so too do modern Christians—whether Protestant, Catholic, or from other denominations—stand at risk of being corrupted or assimilated.

Regardless of whether the Great and Abominable Church refers to a specific institution or a broader spiritual entity, the key danger it represents is the human tendency to villainize those perceived as different or threatening. In this sense, pride and dismissiveness often act as modern manifestations of the Great and Abominable Church.

Conclusion: A Call to Recognize Shared Values

While it is understandable to be wary of groups that seek to undermine one's faith, it is crucial not to attribute blame wholesale to any single religious tradition. The criticisms often leveled at the Catholic Church—from pedophiliac abuse scandals to the complex cultural practices that may seem foreign—must be balanced against the good that the Church has achieved in many aspects of society. Similarly, the brutal actions of any religious group must be condemned without exaggeration or misrepresentation.

In a world where divisiveness and intolerance are rampant, reflecting on the concept of the Great and Abominable Church can serve as a reminder to recognize shared values and to oppose those who seek to divide or suppress the faith of others. True faith, both for believers and non-believers, lies in mutual respect and the preservation of the dignity and freedom of all individuals.