Russell agreed with many 19th century Protestants, including Millerites, in the concept of a Great Apostasy that began in the first century AD.

Christians who believe that a Great Apostasy took place early in the church's history are particularly unlikely to employ this term.

Witnesses believe that after the death of the apostles, the Church embarked on a "Great Apostasy", diverging from the original teachings of Jesus on several major points.

Most groups subscribing to the theory of a Great Apostasy generally concur in this thesis.

See also Great Apostasy.

In common with other Restorationist churches, the church believes in a Great Apostasy.

However, Mormons believe the Catholic line of succession is invalid because of a Great Apostasy that occurred soon after era of the apostles.

The Mormon doctrine of the "Great Apostasy" has been criticized a heresy by some Christians as inconsistent with biblical teaching that the true church was never lost at any time.

The Latter Day Saint movement was conceived as a restoration of practices believed to have been lost in a Great Apostasy from the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

(see Great Apostasy)