The Teachings of David O. McKay

by David O. McKay, Mary Jane Woodger

David O. McKay, ninth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served almost sixty-four years in the capacity of General Authority, and his teachings had a profound influence on the Church in the twentieth century. His wisdom can help readers understand how to communicate with our Father in Heaven, cleanse the inner vessel, teach future generations, have stronger marriages and families, and gain a deeper spirituality. As President McKay taught, "Spirituality, our true aim, is the consciousness of victory over self and of communion with the Infinite. Spirituality impels on e to conquer difficulties and acquire more and more strength. To feel one’s faculties unfolding and truth expanding in the soul is one of life’s sublimest experiences." (Conference Report, October 1969, 8.) Readers will appreciate this and many more of the prophet’s teachings, many never before published, that have been gathered in timeless reference work. "My desire in compiling this volume," writes Dr. Mary Jane Woodger, "is to reintroduce the prophetic declarations, beautiful language, and wisdom of David Oman McKay in a user-friendly format. My hope is that the cou8nsel contained in this book will enlighten the understanding, increase the knowledge, and enrich the spirit of every reader."

Genres: Religion, Lds

558 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2003

About the author

David Oman McKay was the ninth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), serving from 1951 until his death.

Reviews

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an edited collection of quotations from the teachings of President David O. McKay during his long ministry as an apostle, member of the First Presidency, and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The book is organized topically, and the quotations are usually quite brief, not more than a few paragraphs. The format is very similar to the Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball and other similar volumes.

There were a lot of great teachings in this book, including many quotations I had never read before, but the format of the book is such that you don't get much feel for the way President McKay gave sermons as a whole. To get a better sense of that, I would recommend reading A Vision Splendid: The Discourses of David O. McKay by Anne-Marie Wright Lampropoulos. Having read both, I appreciate both books of his teachings for different reasons.

This book was a valuable addition to my efforts to study the teachings of all the Presidents of the Church. I learned a lot from this book and would recommend it to interested friends.

[Dean · Rating 3 out of 5]

A relatively short book covering the live and major issues faced by David O. McKay. I learned a lot that I didn't know and it helped put more of LDS Church history in context, as well as whetting my appetite to learn more about this leader whose life spanned two centuries and whose influence shaped the LDS Church in the 20th centruy.