080 What If All the Apostles Died At Once? Succession Q&R with Dr. Daniel C. Peterson
Sep 10, 2024
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Dr. Daniel C. Peterson, an expert on apostolic succession, tackles the intriguing question of what would happen if all Church leaders died at once. He explores how authority might shift and the potential loss of keys to the kingdom. The conversation dives into the process of calling apostles and whether personal witness of Christ is necessary for apostleship. With historical context and hypothetical scenarios, Peterson reveals the complexities and nuances surrounding Church governance and the importance of strong arguments in faith.
In a scenario where all apostles die at once, leadership could potentially shift to members of the Seventy, raising questions about succession protocols.
The podcast discusses the absence of a clear precedent for making an apostle emeritus due to health issues, reflecting on past apostolic challenges.
The processes for calling apostles vary among church presidents, highlighting a dynamic and adaptable approach to church leadership succession.
Deep dives
Hypothetical Succession Scenarios
The discussion revolves around the potential implications of a worst-case scenario where all members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles die simultaneously. In this situation, questions arise about the church's leadership succession and whether the keys of the kingdom would be lost. It is suggested that members of the Seventy could assume leadership roles, but the specifics of how this would be carried out remain unclear. Additionally, there is speculation on whether having a designated survivor among the apostles to avoid such a catastrophe is a practice among church leaders.
Emeritus Apostleship Precedents
The podcast addresses the topic of whether an apostle who suffers from a chronic debilitating illness could be made an emeritus apostle. Currently, there is no established precedent within the church for this practice. Past experiences with apostles like Marion G. Romney, who struggled with health issues prior to his passing, are noted as some of the few examples where leaders faced difficulties in functioning in their callings. While the idea of emeritus status might seem practical, it has not been adopted within the structure of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Process of Calling Apostles
The methodology behind calling apostles is explored, highlighting that there is no single, fixed process used by each church president. The podcast discusses various historical instances where apostles were called, noting that the process can involve direct revelation, personal impressions, or consultation among existing leaders. For instance, President Thomas S. Monson would solicit names from the other apostles, whereas other leaders, like President Kimball, appeared to make calls more independently. This variation reflects the dynamic nature of leadership succession within the church.
Qualifications for Apostleship
Questions about the qualifications necessary to become an apostle are examined, specifically regarding the notion of having a personal witness of Christ. While many believe that seeing Jesus is not a prerequisite, the podcast indicates that being a witness to His resurrection is essential. Historical perspectives are shared, particularly the importance of an apostolic charge that emphasizes the need for apostolic witnesses to affirm their testimonies. This discussion underscores the expectation for apostles to possess a profound understanding and knowledge of the mission of Christ.
Lessons from Succession Conflicts
The podcast concludes with reflections on the historical conflicts surrounding apostolic succession, particularly following Joseph Smith's death in 1844. The discussion highlights that ambiguity in the succession process may have led to significant turmoil within the church, as various factions arose, each with different interpretations and desires for leadership. Moreover, it points out that while greater clarity might have reduced some issues, the underlying disagreement regarding the church's direction was more critical. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes that understanding this tumultuous chapter in church history can provide valuable insights into the importance of unity among church leaders.
In the unlikely event that the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve all died simultaneously, how would that affect succession? In this hypothetical worst-case scenario, would the keys of the kingdom be lost? And, if an apostle came down with a debilitating health problem, is there any precedent for making him an emeritus apostle?
And speaking of apostles, is there a set procedure in calling them, or does the method vary from Church president to president? Also, sometimes in the Church people speak of a special requirement for a man to become an apostle—the phrase “sure” or “special” witness of Christ comes up a lot. What’s true? Must a man have personally seen Jesus Christ in order to be fully considered an apostle?
On this episode of Church History Matters Casey and I are joined by a special guest, Dr. Daniel C. Peterson, to help us answer these and other great questions related to succession.
