The Bruce R. McConkie Story: Reflections of a Son

by Joseph Fielding McConkie

This portrait of Bruce R. McConkie is painted on the canvas of faith in colors as bold as the sermons he preached.

In the pages of this biography, written by Elder McConkie's son Joseph, the reader is invited to become acquainted with the man as he was known to his family and closest friends. The book captures something of his humor, the depth of his faith, his love of life and of his dear Amelia, his devotion to the gospel, his discipline, the extent of his suffering, and his endless efforts to mentor his children.

No one in the history of the Church has written more by way of testimony of Christ than Bruce R. McConkie. In this work the members of the Church are invited to meet the man whom they have quoted so often.

Genres: Biography, Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Church, Church History

454 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2003

About the author

Joseph Fielding McConkie received a Doctorate of Education from Brigham Young University in 1973, following which he became the director of the LDS Institute of Religion at the University of Washington in Seattle. Four years later he joined the faculty at BYU where he is now a Professor of Ancient Scripture. He is the author or co-author of 25 books, the most recent being a 1200 page work titled Revelations of the Restoration. His scholarly interests center in scripture and doctrine. Other experiences include being an LDS Chaplain in Vietnam, a mission president in Scotland, and a Stake President at BYU.

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Reviews

[Daniel Evensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography of the late Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint leader Bruce R. McConkie, written by his son, is far from an ordinary biography. It combines interesting trivial facts about Elder McConkie's life with a hint of insight into his thought processes, his family history and the more gentle family side of him that never seemed to show in his public appearances.

One could easily criticize this work as a hagiography written by a devoted son. There is a bit of truth to that idea. Author Joseph Fielding McConkie never really comes out strongly to tell us precisely how the First Presidency responded to the controversial first edition of Mormon Doctrine, for example. There is little here to quell rumors of First Presidency reprisal against McConkie's famous public criticism of George W. Pace's now-obscure book - rumors that continue to circulate on the internet almost 40 years after the talk in question was given. Nothing is made of the infamous letter to Eugene England, a document that has been so frequently wielded as a weapon that any biography of the Apostle seems incomplete without at least a mention of it.

Don't let these weaknesses deceive you. This book is absolutely essential to understand what truly made Elder McConkie the man he was. In these pages you will learn about his devotion to studying the scriptures under the influence of the Spirit - an impressive task given the natural capacity of the human mind to wander or to make up its own conclusions. Here you see how the legendarily straight Elder McConkie would relax when the opportunity would finally present himself, and how his often hilarious private personality could lighten up any room. The reader will also get a good taste of the true impact of Elder McConkie - particularly as it relates to the scriptures now in use by all English speaking members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I don't think you can seriously study the works of Elder McConkie without first studying his life. I should also add that there is no better place to truly study the life of the man, of the legend, than this excellent biography.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun read. Probably really helped that it was written by his son.

[Marren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how this book was laid out. It somewhat chronological, but organized more around topics of McConkie's life. The image of McConkie i got was initially a strict, rigid man, but this changed throughout my reading as the author (his son) provided more episodes from his life. I was ultimately left with an image of someone firm in their faith, brilliant in writing, and kind in deed.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

For you LDS born in my era, you will remember the icon of Church doctrine; Apostle Bruce R McConkie who died in 1985 from cancer at the age of 69. He was unique. He lived, ate, drank and studied church doctrine. Our present prophet, Russell Nelson is quoted in the book as saying the last year of Elder McConkie's life, he would find occasion to drop in his office just to pick Elder McConkie's brain on points of church doctrine; his insight and understanding were so keen. Elder McConkie refused to pepper his talks with stories. He wanted to teach pure doctrine.

Two classic conference talks that pierce the honest heart are his last two conference addresses. I absolutely love this classic McConkie metaphor given in conference six months before he died:

(1) "The Church is like a great caravan--organized, prepared, following an appointed course, with it's tens and captains of hundreds all in place. What does it matter if a few barking dogs snap at the heels of the weary travelers? Or that predators claim those few who fall by the way?
The Caravan moves on.

Is there a ravine to cross, a miry mud hole to pull through, a steep grade to climb? So be it. The oxen are strong and the teamsters wise.
The caravan moves on.

Are there storms that rage along the way, floods that wash away bridges, deserts to cross, and rivers to ford? Such is life in this fallen sphere.
The caravan moves on.

Ahead is the celestial city, the eternal Zion of our God, where all who maintain their position in the caravan shall find food and drink and rest. Thank God that the caravan moves on!"

The Gospel caravan. Yes.

Knowing he had terminal cancer he said, "It makes not a particle of difference whether I preach the Gospel here, or in the next world. I will preach the Gospel." (Incidentally, his life was prolonged at least a year longer than the doctors predicted by a steady flow of priesthood blessings given by his sons and fellow apostles.)

And perhaps the greatest talk of all was his last one in April Conference of 1985, given just days before he died. Filled with cancer, the book describes the Hercules physical effort it took for him to stand before the Church to deliver his last testimony to the members: "I know of myself independent of any other person. I am one of His witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in His hands and in His feet and shall wet His feet with my tears. But I shall not know any better then than I know now that he is God’s Almighty Son, that he is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through His atoning blood and in no other way."

I loved reading from this book with my husband before we began each day; an acute reminder of God's love to us by sending such men as Elder Bruce R McConkie.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author, Joseph Fielding McConkie, writes of his father "a life well lived is a story worth telling." I agree with that sentiment. I really enjoyed this biography and I found the life and example of Bruce R. McConkie very inspiring. I enjoyed getting a little more background into the man behind the talks and books I have heard and studied. I love Elder McConkie's plain, clear, direct manner of preaching the gospel and I love the truths that he taught. I have learned a great deal from his teachings and I am glad to have learned even more from the example of his life and ministry as told in this biography. I was especially inspired by Elder McConkie's deep convictions and testimony concerning the Prophet Joseph Smith and Jesus Christ. Very powerful.

I liked the way the author didn't shy away from some of the more controversial aspects of Elder McConkie's ministry, including being very plain about how much criticism he received and what his reactions were to that criticism. I also enjoyed getting a bit of a window into Elder McConkie's personal and family life and what he was like away from the pulpit. It really gave a more nuanced, warm, personal view of who he really was as an individual than may came across if one just reads his sermons or books. I hope that I can be as faithful in living the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as Bruce R. McConkie was.

[Nadeoui Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

He was and is a blessing to me

I loved this book. He was my favorite apostle because he spoke well and made sense. I had a miracle concerning him. For reasons I cannot now remember, I was unable to hear conference that day, and I was driving wherever I had to go. I turned on the radio just as his talk came on. I had to pull over because I was so grateful and was crying so hard. When his talk was done, I continued on. The miracle was that we did not receive conference in that area by radio in 1985. Thank you for helping us to know him better.

[Juan Botero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una biografía que se centra en lo importante

Me gustan las biografías que hablan de las personas, como pensaban, como actúan, cual era su carácter y sus contribuciones.

Esta sin duda es una de esas. En mi vida no conocí a élder McConkie. Pero. Su influencia en la iglesia es grande. Al conocer la vida de este hombre, me doy cuenta de que todos podemos llegar a desarrollar nuestro potencial si nos centramos en las cosas que más importan.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad to have read this. What a wonderful example of doing all you can to reach your full potential. His final testimony of the Savior will never be forgotten…
“In a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in His hands and in His feet and shall wet His feet with my tears. But I shall not know any better than I know now that he is Gods almighty Son; that He is our Savior and Redeemer; and that salvation comes in and through His atoning blood and in no other way. “

[Patrick Trent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tells the life of Bruce R. McConkie. It was a little better than mediocre. I thought he kind of came off as an icon. There was not really much struggle or conflicts. He seemed to spend most of his life speaking.

[Karen Hollcraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned the power of one man's dedication to study that helped millions with a deeper understanding of their life's goal.

Please enjoy this insightful reflection. I appreciate his perseverance. I thank his family without their support it would have been harder.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Good insights into Bruce R McConkie - a classic. nothing earth shattering, no "paradigm changing" things that were shared, but I enjoyed learning more about his life and experiences.

[Hiwa Nae’ole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! I think it covered his life, background, upbringing and ministry extremely well. I’ve read and listened to a lot of his talks before but didn’t have a full appreciation of his impact on Latter-Day Saint understanding and doctrine. Overall great read!

[Fábio Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspirational and touching.

[David Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK REIVEW - The Bruce R. McConkie Story, Reflections of a Son, by Joseph Fielding McConkie (2004)

I was asked to give a presentation to a church group on Bruce R. McConkie in 2004. Other than his teachings and to some degree his controversies related to a variety of harsh interactions with those he deemed intellectuals in the church I did not know much about his background. I was reluctant to read a bio by a family member in that they are often not particularly objective.

This book by his son is less of a biography and more as the title suggests the Reflections of a Son. It is a deeply personal portrait of a son trying to capture the spiritual intensity, private humanity, and sometimes surprising complexity of one of the most influential Latter-day Saint apostles of the twentieth century. Rather than offering a detached academic chronicle, Joseph gives the reader an intimate look at the man behind the doctrinal certitude, showing a father and Church leader who was disciplined, deeply believing, at times blunt, yet capable of humor, gentleness, and remarkable self-scrutiny.

One of the most revealing threads in the book is Bruce R. McConkie’s profound sense of personal inadequacy when he was called as a General Authority. Despite his later reputation as a doctrinal giant and the author of Mormon Doctrine, he entered the Quorum of the Seventy with almost no prior leadership experience. Unlike many of his peers, he had not served as a bishop, stake president, or mission president. Joseph explains that his father’s ecclesiastical résumé was unusually thin for such a high calling, and Bruce felt it acutely. He worried about organizational matters, administrative expectations, and whether he would be equal to the trust placed in him. It is a poignant reminder that spiritual confidence does not always translate into administrative confidence—and that even the most forceful public voices may carry private doubts.

The book also softens McConkie’s sometimes austere public image by illustrating his private warmth and sense of humor. Several stories reveal a mischievous practical-joker side that would surprise many who knew him only from the pulpit. He delighted in small, good-natured pranks and witty teasing within the family circle. These moments, lovingly recounted, show a more relaxed, playful man who enjoyed making his children laugh and saw humor as a seasoning of family life, even while maintaining a rigorous personal discipline. One example is when he invited the entire neighborhood to a 4th of July pancake breakfast hosted by a neighbor, but he never disclosed it to the neighbor. The entire neighborhood showed up for the breakfast and the neighbor answered the door in his PJs not knowing about the event.

Joseph Fielding McConkie also highlights his father’s astonishing work ethic, his absolute commitment to the restored gospel, and the intellectual rigor he brought to scripture study. Yet the book’s emotional core rests in the tension between Bruce’s drive for doctrinal clarity and his human vulnerabilities—his sense of duty, his fear of failing the Lord, and his constant striving to align himself fully with the will of God. The result is a portrait that feels fuller, kinder, and more dimensional than the imposing figure many remember.

This blending of reverence and candor is what makes Reflections of a Son such a valuable contribution. It allows readers to see Bruce R. McConkie not only as an apostolic teacher but as a husband, father, seeker, and disciple—one who worked, worried, laughed, and learned across a lifetime of devotion. A wonderful insight. We’ll need to wait for the academic examination of Elder McConkie.

Quotes:

“My father entered the ministry with almost no leadership experience of any kind and with a deep and abiding sense of his own inadequacy. He feared not the doctrine, nor the testimony he had borne since boyhood, but the weighty obligations of governance and administration for which he felt totally unprepared. Yet he accepted the call with the simple faith that the Lord would shape the tool He had chosen.”

“Those who saw only his stern public face would be astonished by the delight he took in laughter. He was a practical joker of the most innocent and joyful kind, a man who relished the sparkle in a child’s eyes or the shared smile at the dinner table. Behind the solemnity of his calling lived a father who understood that joy was also a principle of the gospel and that humor—sanctified by love—could bind a family together as surely as prayer.”

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always been impressed by the powerful talks of Bruce R. McConkie. However, like many others, I did not see him as an especially warm person.

In the mid-1980's, I took an Organizational Behavior class by J. Bonner Ritchie as part of the MBA program. Professor Ritchie said that before he joined the faculty at BYU, he had to be interviewed by a General Authority. His interview was with Bruce R. McConkie. If you know Professor Ritchie, you know he could not be more opposite in terms of personality or style than Elder McConkie.

Professor Ritchie had long hair at the time, and Elder McConkie asked him if he wore his hair that way in order to make some kind of statement. "I don't know", replied Professor Ritchie. "Do you wear your hair short to make some kind of statement?" He said that Elder McConkie just leaned back and laughed out loud. From that experience and others, Professor Ritchie told us about the other side of Bruce R. McConkie, that was seldom seen by most members. He said he was a very warm person, liked to joke and pull pranks, but his calling weighed on him so heavily that he felt he had to be totally serious when addressing the Saints.

I enjoyed this book because it gave a glimpse of the human side of Elder McConkie, and the experiences that shaped him. One interesting tidbit was the fact that he had never served as a Bishop, High Councilor, or Stake President prior to being called as a General Authority. As such, he felt inadequate to advise leaders on how to best lead their organizations. Therefore, when he visited wards and stakes, he simply preached the gospel -- something he knew very well.

The ending of the book, with it's focus on his powerful final testimony in General Conference was a fitting end to this life story.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading about Elder McConkie and his life. I found the way he lived his life inspiring and uplifting. I can see so many ways in which I can improve. I also learned some important doctrinal things, as I suppose it would be impossible to read anything about Bruce R McConkie without learning something doctrinal in nature that he spoke or taught about. I liked that Joseph included those things in this book.

The things I didn't like about the book: sometimes I felt like Joseph was unfairly biased. Of course he is Bruce's son, which gives explanation to bias, but sometimes I felt like the blanket statements he would use were too bold. For example, saying his father made the most powerful conference talk in the 20th century is pretty bold. Perhaps it is true but when I read that I wonder if it is said because it is true or that is just what Joseph thought. I also felt like Joseph repeated himself a lot. There were so many stories repeated in several of the chapters and they were big enough stories that I remembered each one. I found that somewhat annoying. Tell the story once and then if necessary, reference a previous chapter to remind everyone of the story but don't make me read it again three times. I promise I got it the first time.
As far as the content of the book and learning about Bruce R McConkie, I think this is a great book with some wonderful things to learn in application. It is uplifting in nature and positive, which is a breath of fresh air in an ever increasing negative world. If you want some biography on McConkie with some wonderful theological knowledge sprinkled throughout, this is the book. (Just remember what I said about the stories. :) )

[Jamon]

This book was clicking on all cylinders and on its way to be the best Mormon Biography I have ever read. Then after Elder McConkie goes to Australia to be mission President, the book went from a linear writing based on Chronology to a stream of conciousness writing style. one minute he is a mission president and the next minute he is an apostle, then a mission president...it got a litle confusing. It was as if there was a different author for the second half of the book (conspiracy theories at work here). Toward the end the book became repetitive, and the author kept going back and forth in time to make a point which is frustrating.
With that said, the book helps understand the change int eh church while Elder McConkie served. I enjoyed it and to quote my brother it made me want to be a little better.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book not sure if I would really finish the whole thing but get a pretty good idea of the contents and just skim it. But after reading the first two chapters I really knew I would have to finish it. It is a well written book and I enjoyed getting first hand experiences of the LDS legend apostle. It was fascinating to hear many stories of his life and also get an insiders look as his incredible family. He was quite an incredible man of the Lord. I truly believe he was prepared from the beginning to serve as an apostle of the Lord and his life put him in the position and he readied himself to be an instrument. The last half of the book had many parts that were quite repetitive. Overall a great read and it made me want to be a better person.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading about the lives of leaders of the church. They are so inspiring. I attended and Institute class taught by Bruce R. McConkie's daughter, Vivian Adams, who expanded my horizons and got be fired up about church history! She has an incredible knowledge of church doctrine, which she obviously got from her dad. I wanted to learn more about how their family studied and lived the gospel, and I was not disappointed. I also enjoyed learning about happenings of the Chruch in that time period.

[Budd Dwyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

An astonishing admission of Mormonism from the son of a leading cultist. I liked it: you read it in the same way you watch the Sopranos -- as the story of a horrible group of people who somehow win you over.

He takes one through the moral horrors of the 1980s -- the hideous era of that senile puff adder Ronald Reagan -- but still gives one the sense of what it must be like to have 47 wives. Too many for me! But then again, the crazed Al Queda people want even more than that.

You'll laugh; you'll cry; you'll vomit!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was simply amazed by this book. I have been reading it for awhile, simply because I was dreading having it end so I dealt it out to myself in small pieces as a reward. I have not words to describe what I have learned from it other than to say that I laughed and I cried. More importantly, I learned from what a marvelous example this man was. I had the honor of meeting Elder McConkie when spent a weekend at my home as a child and I remember it vividly. Now knowing so much more about him makes those memories even more precious to me.

[Kessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so personable because Bruce R. McConkie was so great, but it illustrates that he started out as an ordinary person who was good, and from those efforts came extraordinary things. He was willing to do the work to better himself. There's a list of things he wrote in his journal while on his mission of ways he needed to change and they were the same as on my list. It gives me hope that the Celestial Kingdom is within reach.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was so well written and very insightful. There were several doctrinal points made that I learned from. Things that I didn't even know I misunderstood were made clear. I had no idea all of the resources that we use daily that we wouldn't have if it weren't for Bruce R. McConkie. The account of his last testimony brought me to tears because it was so powerful. Great book written about a great man!

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a biography of the legendary Bruce R. McConkie by his son, Joseph Fielding McConkie.

In many ways it is a straight-forward and candid assessment of Elder McConkie's personality, but it also debunks many myths and offers insights into many important events such as the publication of Mormon Doctrine and the 1978 Priesthood Revelation.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book. It really gave a softer side to a strong man. I love books that teach true principles and help me want to be better. This book did that in a number of ways. My testimony is definitely stronger from having read it. J.F. McConkie's love and admiration for his father are strong (of course they would be)! I would really recommend this book.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I learned a lot about Elder McConkie that I didn't know before. I really appreciated learning about his personality and ideas. One thing I loved is that he used to send some of his hate mail along to his kids. His son said his dad knew that they were often told flattering things about him, so he wanted them to see that not everyone loved him.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was honestly one of my all-time favorite books. I didn't know what to expect, but I laughed (a lot!), I cried, and I appreciated that it was actually written by a family member instead of someone who was so removed from his life. Definitely worth your time to read!!!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book about an amazing Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I couldn't put it down! He led an incredible life and made some significant contributions in getting church doctrine to the people.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about this wonderful man. It made me want to raise the bar in my own life. I was especially impressed by how diligently he studied the gospel and how hard he worked on being a great gospel teacher.

[Ben Francisco · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this book. It has been nice to get a behind the man look at this man. I have gained a lot more respect for his thoughts and teachings because of what I have learned from this book.