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Botista's doctrine controversy: Why did his La Evolución de México arouse strong opposition from the LDS church?
Margarito Bautista was an important religious figure who had a profound influence on the LDS church in Mexico (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) in the early 20th century.Since the letter was transferred in 1901, his path to faith has been full of enthusiasm and controversy.He not only preached within the church, but also combined Mexican nationalism with faith and proposed the unique "La Evolución de México".The publication of this book shocked the traditional structure of the church and in turn caused fierce opposition.
Early Life and Transformation
Botista was born in Mexico in 1878. His early educational and religious background had laid the foundation for his future exploration of faith.During his growth, although influenced by the Catholic Church and the Method Church, neither of them could bring him true spiritual satisfaction.In 1901, he first came into contact with the faith of the LDS church and was soon attracted by its teachings, especially after a serious illness, and was blessed by Missionary Ammon Tenney.
Publishing of "La Evolución de México"
Botista, in his book La Evolución de México, combines Mexico's history and culture with the teachings of the LDS church, proposing that Mexicans have a special religious identity and historical mission.In his book, he claimed that the Mexicans were descendants of Israel and had the right to dominate the future of the LDS church.This view challenged the mainstream definition of the church at that time, especially the organizational structure dominated by American church leaders at that time.
Botista argued that Mexico, as the descendants of the Lamanites mentioned in the second half of the Book of Mormon, had their destiny to guide the world.
The Church's Response
Although Bautista's teachings have gained widespread support among Mexican believers, the church's American leadership is opposed to his views.They resisted the claims made by Bautista in La Evolución de México and regarded it as a deviation from the doctrine.There was even public criticism, forcing Bautista and his followers to form a separatist movement called the Third Convention, focusing on seeking more local leadership and confronting external control.
New Directions of Schismo and Doctrine
In the process of splitting from the church, Bautista increasingly emphasized early church practices, such as United Order and plural marriage.This led to a disagreement between him and other leaders of the Third Congress.Eventually, he was excluded and further advanced his own independent religious group, which further led to a break with the LDS church.
Botista, in his independence and religious practice, called on all Mexicans to return to the church and enjoy what he called the divine legacy.
Build a new community: the new Jerusalem colony
In 1947, Bautista established the Colonia Industrial de la Nueva Jerusalén in Mexico, a community based on shared living and economic assistance.He is here to promote the economic model of shared ownership and attempt to reintroduce the remarriage system, although this practice is not accepted by everyone.
Heritage and Impact
Although Bautista's thoughts were rejected by the church, they continued to influence believers' beliefs in the LDS community in Mexico.The concept of Rama people’s identity he advocated still echoes among many believers and becomes part of their search for self-identity.Although Bautista died in 1961, his faith and teachings, as well as the communities he created, still exist today.
Botista’s story makes us think: When religious beliefs and national identity are intertwined, what challenges and reflections will individual beliefs inevitably encounter?
