The Doctrine and Covenants of Community of Christ is a sacred text that reflects the evolving journey of faith and principles within the tradition. It stands as a testament to a living, dynamic faith that seeks to respond to God’s call in each generation. This introduction provides an overview of the church’s history, its approach to revising this scripture, and how it differs from similar texts in other branches of the Latter Day Saint (LDS) movement.
A Brief History of Community of Christ
Community of Christ traces its origins to the Restoration movement of the 19th century, initiated by Joseph Smith Jr. in upstate New York. Following Smith’s death in 1844, the church experienced fragmentation. While some followed Brigham Young westward, others remained in the Midwest, gathering under the leadership of Joseph Smith III, the eldest son of the founder. This group became the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS) in 1860, later renamed Community of Christ in 2001.
Community of Christ developed a distinct identity from other branches of the movement by emphasizing peace, justice, and reconciliation as central to its mission. Its open, inclusive approach to faith has led to a reevaluation of foundational texts and doctrines to align with contemporary understandings of God’s call.
The Doctrine and Covenants in Community of Christ
The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of inspired writings, revelations, and declarations from church leaders. Unlike the static canonization practices in many faith traditions, Community of Christ embraces the concept of continuing revelation. This means the text has been revised and expanded to address the needs of the church and the world in successive eras.
Additions to the text reflect not only theological developments but also organizational changes. For example:
- Early sections include foundational revelations from Joseph Smith Jr., shared with other LDS traditions.
- Later sections contain revelations from successive church presidents, such as Joseph Smith III, W. Wallace Smith, and Stephen M. Veazey. These address modern concerns, including human rights, environmental stewardship, and the role of women in ministry.
- Unlike many LDS traditions, Community of Christ’s Doctrine and Covenants is not static; it remains open to amendment and growth as the church seeks to follow God’s will.
Reading the Doctrine and Covenants: A Unique Perspective
A reader will notice significant differences between Community of Christ’s Doctrine and Covenants and the version used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church):
- Focus on Mission: While both versions emphasize revelation, Community of Christ’s text increasingly centers on global mission, peace, and justice. Recent sections challenge members to confront issues like systemic poverty, environmental degradation, and inclusivity.
- Omissions and Additions: The text omits certain LDS-specific doctrines, such as polygamy and celestial marriage, reflecting Community of Christ’s disavowal of these practices. It includes new revelations that reflect modern church governance, such as the ordination of women and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
- Non-Literal Approach: Community of Christ encourages readers to view scripture through a lens of interpretation, seeing it as inspired but not infallible. This approach invites dialogue, personal discernment, and communal exploration of its meaning.
Content Origin Source: Doctrine and Covenants of Community of Christ
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