Was there a Great Apostasy?

[Solon]

Originally Posted by All-American

They mean what the word itself means-- that there was falling away from the church as it was authoritatively established by Christ. The restoration is of that priesthood authority-- which, parenthetically, does not require doing away with anything good that happened in the interim.

It's not a misnomer at all. The definition, from the middle Liddell: 1. a defection, revolt; 2. departure from. The loss of priesthood authority IS the great apostasy.

I agree with this definition.

Although the Roman Catholic Church would argue that their priesthood has remained intact, in a line of traceable succession, back to Peter.

Today's LDS apostles also claim a line of priesthood authority back to Peter, but they reassure us that the apostasy won't happen again. I'm sure St. Eleutherius (Pope #13) would also have also dismissed any suggestion of widespread Christian apostasy.

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12272b.htm