objection
Priesthood authority was restored
Objection
The priesthood had to be restored.
What is true
That is central to LDS self-understanding.
Why it is not enough
That claim also says Christian churches lacked essential authority for centuries, which contradicts Christ's promise to preserve His church.
Key question: Were Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant churches without true authority before 1829?
The claim is exclusive
Restored priesthood authority is not a minor administrative difference. LDS teaching says authority to act in God's name was withdrawn and restored through Joseph Smith.
That means Christian churches lacked essential authority before the restoration. The LDS position is therefore not simple inclusion within Christianity.
Hebrews points to Christ's priesthood
The New Testament grounds Christian confidence in Christ's permanent priesthood and intercession. It does not teach that saving authority vanished and returned through nineteenth-century messengers.
If the LDS authority claim is true, Christianity's continuity claim is false. If Christ preserved His church, the restoration claim fails.
Primary references
These are the public sources behind the answer, with LDS doctrine cited from LDS material where possible.
Hebrews 7
BibleRef
Christian confidence rests in Christ's continuing priesthood, not restored nineteenth-century keys.
Matthew 16
BibleRef
This challenges total priesthood loss and restoration as a restart.
Apostasy, Topics and Questions
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Official LDS source teaching that priesthood authority was withdrawn after the apostles.
Restoration of the Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Official LDS source saying the fullness of the gospel was taken from the earth and restored through Joseph Smith.
General Handbook 3: Priesthood Principles
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Current LDS handbook chapter describing priesthood keys, delegated authority, and ordinances necessary for salvation and exaltation.