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Mormon Doctrine
This work on Mormon Doctrine is designed to help persons seeking salvation to gain that knowledge of God and his laws without which they cannot hope for an inheritance in the celestial city. Since it is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance of God and his laws, and since man is saved no faster than he gains knowledge of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation, it follows that men are obligated at their peril to learn and apply the true doctrines of the gospel. This gospel compendium will enable men, more effectively, to "teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom"; to "be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient" for them "to understand." (D. & C. 88:77-78.)
856 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1958
52 people are currently reading
1688 people want to read
About the author
Bruce R. McConkie
123 books65 followersBruce Redd McConkie was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).
McConkie served in the First Council of the Seventy of the LDS Church from 1946 until his calling to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1972, where he served until his death in 1985.
During his service as a general authority, he published several doctrinal books and articles and wrote the chapter headings of the LDS standard works.
McConkie received a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from the University of Utah. He spent his childhood between Monticello, Utah; Salt Lake City; and Ann Arbor, Michigan. He married Amelia Smith (1916 - 2005), daughter of Joseph Fielding Smith.
McConkie served in the First Council of the Seventy of the LDS Church from 1946 until his calling to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1972, where he served until his death in 1985.
During his service as a general authority, he published several doctrinal books and articles and wrote the chapter headings of the LDS standard works.
McConkie received a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor from the University of Utah. He spent his childhood between Monticello, Utah; Salt Lake City; and Ann Arbor, Michigan. He married Amelia Smith (1916 - 2005), daughter of Joseph Fielding Smith.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
November 3, 2011
No other book has done more damage to the LDS church than this collection of Elder McConkie's opinions. When first published (at the time Bruce R. McConkie was not an apostle yet) it was pulled from the shelves by David O. McKay who found it so offensive he asked McConkie not to republish it even if he did make corrections.
If you visit the southern U.S. you will not find a single pastor that does not have a collection of quotes from Mormon Doctrine that he can pull out if any of his flock express interest in LDS beliefs, and erroneously say, "See what Mormons believe?"
Among LDS believers, we are still in the slow process of healing from the wrong-headed opinions professed in this book about sex, science, race, and scores of other topics.
If you visit the southern U.S. you will not find a single pastor that does not have a collection of quotes from Mormon Doctrine that he can pull out if any of his flock express interest in LDS beliefs, and erroneously say, "See what Mormons believe?"
Among LDS believers, we are still in the slow process of healing from the wrong-headed opinions professed in this book about sex, science, race, and scores of other topics.
January 11, 2008
The author was never reticent about expressing his views as fact. Fortunately, as he gained more knowledge, he was quick to modified his views. Since he passed away in 1985, his views expressed in this book have been frozen in time while if he were still around they might be different. The information is this book should be considered one stop on the path of gospel research and not the destination.
April 11, 2016
If the people who wrote all the negative reviews of this books were to honestly and thoroughly read any of the following WITHOUT knowing their source to be scripture, they would review those works no less harshly than they have reviewed Elder McConkie's book.
The Old Testament - Seriously. What they hate about McConkies book is generally what fits perfectly with scripture, and is even plainly taught in the scripture in many instances, but does not fit with their few favorite scriptures read in isolation. Most of the actual objections to things McConkie taught could just as well be aimed at the prophets, as well as the God, of the Old Testament. Ironically, what Christ said to the Pharisees applies to all these critics: if they would have believed Moses' words, than they would not have had such harsh words for Elder McConkie. Not that Elder McConkie was a Moses, or claimed to be. But these many critical reviews are not written by members who judge Elder McConkie by the depth of their gospel insight, but by the shallowness of it.
If these same reviewers were to write an honest review of scriptures, having fully considered the meaning of them, without knowing in advance that they were scriptures, they would be just as harsh toward them. Examples would be:
Ephesians 5
1 Corinthians 5
1 Nephi 14
As well as the vast bulk of the Old Testament.
These critics would also be just as harsh if they were to honestly review the meaning of the following of Christ's words without knowing they were spoken by our great exemplar, the Son of God.
"Thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."
"Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."
"For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved."
"D&C 84:49 And the whole world lieth in sin, and groaneth under darkness and under the bondage of sin.
50 And by this you may know they are under the bondage of sin, because they come not unto me.
51 For whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin.
52 And whoso receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with my voice, and is not of me."
The Old Testament - Seriously. What they hate about McConkies book is generally what fits perfectly with scripture, and is even plainly taught in the scripture in many instances, but does not fit with their few favorite scriptures read in isolation. Most of the actual objections to things McConkie taught could just as well be aimed at the prophets, as well as the God, of the Old Testament. Ironically, what Christ said to the Pharisees applies to all these critics: if they would have believed Moses' words, than they would not have had such harsh words for Elder McConkie. Not that Elder McConkie was a Moses, or claimed to be. But these many critical reviews are not written by members who judge Elder McConkie by the depth of their gospel insight, but by the shallowness of it.
If these same reviewers were to write an honest review of scriptures, having fully considered the meaning of them, without knowing in advance that they were scriptures, they would be just as harsh toward them. Examples would be:
Ephesians 5
1 Corinthians 5
1 Nephi 14
As well as the vast bulk of the Old Testament.
These critics would also be just as harsh if they were to honestly review the meaning of the following of Christ's words without knowing they were spoken by our great exemplar, the Son of God.
"Thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men."
"Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."
"For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved."
"D&C 84:49 And the whole world lieth in sin, and groaneth under darkness and under the bondage of sin.
50 And by this you may know they are under the bondage of sin, because they come not unto me.
51 For whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin.
52 And whoso receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with my voice, and is not of me."
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September 15, 2011
This book is interesting because of the insight into Bruce R. McConkie's personal views on the religion; it's unfortunate because he presents them as though they were the official and doctrinal stances of the LDS Church. This is not an official statement of belief or doctrine of the LDS Church. The LDS Church does not consider it canonical. Unfortunately, many people, both LDS and non-LDS, have taken it at face value. One of the differences between the LDS Church and many other organized churches is that members of the LDS Church are expected to seek spiritual confirmation of any statements which their leaders present as doctrine, and the leaders of the church are allowed to voice their own personal views or opinions without having them be considered "doctrine". Joseph Fielding Smith also voiced a lot of his own personal, non-doctrinal opinions (for instance, that we would never reach the moon) but almost without fail he qualified them by stating that they were opinions. McConkie was a great man in many respects, but he was also very, very opinionated and often mistook his personal views for fact. Again, it's a fascinating look at the personal views of a single member of the LDS Church decades ago, but it is not canonical and not representative of the LDS Church's official beliefs.
June 5, 2008
A recommended this book for its clarity and eloquence, but the title is a little misleading. They should have stayed with the more accurate title: "Bruce McConkie's Personal Opinion About Different Gospel Stuffs".
The 1st edition is much spicier if you can find it.
And while the book itself doesn't contain much in the way of a narrative or drama, the story of how the book was published and republished has enough drama for a week of telenovelas.
The 1st edition is much spicier if you can find it.
And while the book itself doesn't contain much in the way of a narrative or drama, the story of how the book was published and republished has enough drama for a week of telenovelas.
January 12, 2008
One of the more definitive Mormon doctrinal encyclopediae, helpful for anybody with deep questions about what the church believes. Offers concise summaries of Mormon beliefs about everything from sex, Sundays, and the nature of god to the location of the lost tribes of Israel and the second coming of Christ.
McConkie was infamously opinionated, and peppered the first edition with rants against chiropractors, psychologists, hypnotists, and the Catholic church. Church leadership required him to remove much of this from later editions.
McConkie was infamously opinionated, and peppered the first edition with rants against chiropractors, psychologists, hypnotists, and the Catholic church. Church leadership required him to remove much of this from later editions.
February 10, 2021
For those who love all the details of religion, Mormon Doctrine is both fascinating and confusing. McConkie assiduously details every piece of Mormon Doctrine.
However, should you not have grown up in the Church's Seminary system, you will not have the foundation with which to understand most of the book.
Despite that drawback, Mormon Doctrine is well written and an addicting read for any religious scholar.
However, should you not have grown up in the Church's Seminary system, you will not have the foundation with which to understand most of the book.
Despite that drawback, Mormon Doctrine is well written and an addicting read for any religious scholar.
March 5, 2022
Though it has been out of print for years, Bruce R. McConkie's seminal encyclopedic work Mormon Doctrine remains as relevant as it ever was. McConkie's writing is clear and forceful. He pulls no punches, electing to use precise and powerful language in place of carefully crafted inoffensive rhetoric. For those who enjoy pure doctrine, unadulterated by personal anecdotes and common cliches, Mormon Doctrine is a must-own book.
Much ado has been made about the changes between the first and second printings of this work. I have had the privilege of thoroughly reading both the first (1958) and last (1995) printings. In all honesty, the controversy over the supposed softening of language is completely misplaced. Even in the last volume, McConkie holds nothing back in criticizing both the Protestant and Catholic traditions, not to mention the traditions of non-Christian faiths. The overwhelming majority of changes are improvements: the later printings of Mormon Doctrine see more scriptural passages, an increase in citations from the writings of Joseph Smith, and more entries in general.
Be warned: there are some things in this book that may not ring true for even the staunchest believing Latter-day Saints of today. McConkie's theories on race, for example, do not reflect the current teachings on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Similarly, McConkie's dismissal of mental health and his somewhat caustic criticism of suicide has no place in the contemporary church. McConkie's dismissive treatment of evolution would also surely strike today's reader as a bit harsh, at the very least. You will undoubtedly find passages here that rub you the wrong way.
Having said that, this book is still absolutely excellent. McConkie has an understanding of the gospel that surpasses nearly every other Latter-day Saint writer. McConkie's two entries on the signs that precede the second coming of Jesus Christ, for example, are the seminal work on the subject; to my knowledge, they have not been surpassed.
My advice is to give this a try. Take it all in, the good with the bad, and try not to let the bad get in the way of the good. This really is an excellent work, despite its occasional faults.
Much ado has been made about the changes between the first and second printings of this work. I have had the privilege of thoroughly reading both the first (1958) and last (1995) printings. In all honesty, the controversy over the supposed softening of language is completely misplaced. Even in the last volume, McConkie holds nothing back in criticizing both the Protestant and Catholic traditions, not to mention the traditions of non-Christian faiths. The overwhelming majority of changes are improvements: the later printings of Mormon Doctrine see more scriptural passages, an increase in citations from the writings of Joseph Smith, and more entries in general.
Be warned: there are some things in this book that may not ring true for even the staunchest believing Latter-day Saints of today. McConkie's theories on race, for example, do not reflect the current teachings on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Similarly, McConkie's dismissal of mental health and his somewhat caustic criticism of suicide has no place in the contemporary church. McConkie's dismissive treatment of evolution would also surely strike today's reader as a bit harsh, at the very least. You will undoubtedly find passages here that rub you the wrong way.
Having said that, this book is still absolutely excellent. McConkie has an understanding of the gospel that surpasses nearly every other Latter-day Saint writer. McConkie's two entries on the signs that precede the second coming of Jesus Christ, for example, are the seminal work on the subject; to my knowledge, they have not been surpassed.
My advice is to give this a try. Take it all in, the good with the bad, and try not to let the bad get in the way of the good. This really is an excellent work, despite its occasional faults.
January 13, 2016
Never has a book been so poorly named.
Written ostensibly as an encyclopedic overview of the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Doctrine is instead a remarkable and at times terrifying introduction to the perspectives of one very prominent mid-20th century General Authority of the church. It is hard to overstate how alien the doctrines in Mormon Doctrine appear to me, a practicing Mormon. Abrasive, myopic, condescending, and often simply incorrect, this book represents to me the worst of theological dogma. I certainly acknowledge that McConkie is entitled to his opinions and beliefs, many of which are based on his own personal spiritual experiences. But it is a profound tragedy that many Mormons and non-Mormons have turned to this book--and hence McConkie's worldview--as the authoritative source for LDS theology.
Written ostensibly as an encyclopedic overview of the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Doctrine is instead a remarkable and at times terrifying introduction to the perspectives of one very prominent mid-20th century General Authority of the church. It is hard to overstate how alien the doctrines in Mormon Doctrine appear to me, a practicing Mormon. Abrasive, myopic, condescending, and often simply incorrect, this book represents to me the worst of theological dogma. I certainly acknowledge that McConkie is entitled to his opinions and beliefs, many of which are based on his own personal spiritual experiences. But it is a profound tragedy that many Mormons and non-Mormons have turned to this book--and hence McConkie's worldview--as the authoritative source for LDS theology.
May 8, 2008
Although this book has now become "Mormon Opinion" by many mainstream LDS, I love that this apostle was bold enough to try and define what exactly Mormon doctrine is. I have referenced this book several times during my life.
February 7, 2008
My dad read this to me as I was going through high school. It is Bruce R. McConkie's opinion on church doctrine.
April 16, 2008
Critics of this book are like fish without scales and fins. Those that understand the scriptural symbolism will understand the review.
July 17, 2015
Well, I can't say that I didn't enjoy this book, because I certainly did, but I didn't enjoy it in the same way that I did when I read it as a 14 year old. On that particular go-round I had a difficult time with the passages dealing with the fact that, according to Bruce, black people would never get the priesthood because of the sins of their parents millenia before. I still don't like those passages, but since Bruce R. McConkie and I no longer share a common belief system, his ridiculousness does not reflect on my quality as a human being (not that it ever really did). Anyway, my 14 year old self was very impressed with McConkie's grasp on every important gospel topic, but my adult self is not nearly as impressed.
Given the many harmful doctrines in this book (and yes, I absolutely concede the point that this is not an official church document and is not an official statement of doctrine by the church. Even so, it absolutely affected the way the laity approached their own theology, as it was arguably the most popular work on LDS theology for nearly a half century) how is it that I can say I enjoyed it? Well, I enjoyed it the same way I enjoy "Plan 9 From Outer Space." It's so bad, but you can't look away.
In this book you will find doctrinal support for young earth creationism, misogyny, racism, classism, anti-intellectualism, sectarian conflict, Mormon exceptionalism, American exceptionalism, revisionist history, biblical literalism, and many many other nonsensical notions. It's like a museum of bad ideas. In this sense I enjoyed reading it. I will not live my life by the principles in this book, and I would suggest that others do likewise. Even if you're an active Mormon, chances are you are a much better person than Bruce R. McConkie would have you be. Keep it up.
Given the many harmful doctrines in this book (and yes, I absolutely concede the point that this is not an official church document and is not an official statement of doctrine by the church. Even so, it absolutely affected the way the laity approached their own theology, as it was arguably the most popular work on LDS theology for nearly a half century) how is it that I can say I enjoyed it? Well, I enjoyed it the same way I enjoy "Plan 9 From Outer Space." It's so bad, but you can't look away.
In this book you will find doctrinal support for young earth creationism, misogyny, racism, classism, anti-intellectualism, sectarian conflict, Mormon exceptionalism, American exceptionalism, revisionist history, biblical literalism, and many many other nonsensical notions. It's like a museum of bad ideas. In this sense I enjoyed reading it. I will not live my life by the principles in this book, and I would suggest that others do likewise. Even if you're an active Mormon, chances are you are a much better person than Bruce R. McConkie would have you be. Keep it up.
December 12, 2008
When I first encountered this as a missionary, I could not get enough of it. I read it with all five fingers usually marking places at once of other entries that I needed to read--I would read one, and two or three others would come to my mind that I also wanted to check out--eventually I gave up using my fingers (I didn't have enough) and got slips of paper instead. Those were heady days!
It is noteworthy that McConkie, even as an apostle, does not have the authority to state what is doctrine for the Church as a whole--the only way that Official Church Doctrine is established is by a sustaining of the general membership, such as was done with the Proclamation on the Family. So although a lot of outside (and even inside-the-church) readers think that this book is definitive, it is not. It is McConkie's opinion, and sometimes that is very obvious (such as the first edition entry on why blacks don't have the priesthood, which changed in later editions to be less inflamatory).
It is noteworthy that McConkie, even as an apostle, does not have the authority to state what is doctrine for the Church as a whole--the only way that Official Church Doctrine is established is by a sustaining of the general membership, such as was done with the Proclamation on the Family. So although a lot of outside (and even inside-the-church) readers think that this book is definitive, it is not. It is McConkie's opinion, and sometimes that is very obvious (such as the first edition entry on why blacks don't have the priesthood, which changed in later editions to be less inflamatory).
April 9, 2015
It's an interesting approach to explaining Mormonism. Though it can't be classified as "doctrine" being that it is the opinion of one man and not endorsed by the church itself, it does offer some interesting and rather insightful view points about the LDS faith. But of course to find absolute truth, all ideas and comments made in the text must be compared with what is in the scriptures and what the prophets, through modern revelation, have told us is truth.
February 24, 2008
Like one of the other reviewers, when I first picked up a copy of Mormon Doctrine, I just started reading it, and only superficially recognized that it was a resource book. Also, I believe that the book was in a state of flux and I wish it could still be getting updates from where Elder McConkie is laboring now.
July 21, 2009
Most of the book is quite fine and a good place to begin a study of a particular Mormon doctrine but contains a number of entries that are, to be frank, alarming in both their strength and their position (Higher Criticism, Evolution, Caste System, and a number of others). Definitely not what the title describes, but more accurately is Elder McConkie's 1960s and 1970s Doctrine.
June 11, 2013
I feel weird giving this just one star in the same way I feel weird giving a movie like Troll 2 just one star inasmuch as both are so heinously awful and repulsive that it is morbidly enjoyable to experience them. Thrill-seekers are advised to read through the section on evolution in its entirety.
Read
May 11, 2012Total horse shit.
January 30, 2020
Mormon Doctrine (2nd Edition, 1st Printing) Hardcover – 1966
February 10, 2021
This book is basically an encyclopedia of gospel topics. The quality and usefulness of the entries varies considerably. Some, like faith, prayer, the Abrahamic covenant, and stewardship were well written and very insightful and helpful at summarizing the key points outlined in the scriptures and the teachings of the prophets. Other entries were less helpful, which makes it challenging to rate the book overall.
In some places Elder McConkie's tone comes across to me as a bit harsh, dogmatic, or judgmental, but in other places his candor and straightforwardness are much appreciated. No one could ever leave a book written by Bruce R. McConkie without knowing what he believes and where he stands, although in my opinion some things he writes come across a bit abrasive to a 21st century reader and he could perhaps have been a bit more tactful and respectful in the way he expresses some of his views. That said, his understanding of the scriptures and the doctrine is remarkable, and I appreciated his many valuable insights into the scriptures. I learned a lot.
In some places Elder McConkie's tone comes across to me as a bit harsh, dogmatic, or judgmental, but in other places his candor and straightforwardness are much appreciated. No one could ever leave a book written by Bruce R. McConkie without knowing what he believes and where he stands, although in my opinion some things he writes come across a bit abrasive to a 21st century reader and he could perhaps have been a bit more tactful and respectful in the way he expresses some of his views. That said, his understanding of the scriptures and the doctrine is remarkable, and I appreciated his many valuable insights into the scriptures. I learned a lot.
November 26, 2016
I have to hand it to Elder McConkie - he knew his scriptures and one can't fault him for striving to know and understand God's word. This book has been a bit problematic in that interspersed with sound doctrinal exegesis there are many strongly held opinions regarding areas where there has been less light forthcoming. I have great respect for him and his efforts to educate the saints. His strident take on evolution, the negro race, Catholicism and other areas probably mellowed over the years and my own opinions have been modified as well. And some things I am happy to shelve until the good Lord sees fit to tell us more. In the meantime, I am very comfortable with evolution and the sciences, I love many African American people who I know very well (knowing individuals is always better than lumping everyone into groups) and I have deep respect for the Catholic faith. Enough said.
November 8, 2020
One of the most helpful books in helping to understand portions of the restored gospel. Yes, there are opinions in the book, but this book provides many answers, or at least possible answers, to many questions. I love this man and what he's written here and throughout his life.
September 11, 2019
Really helpful reference guide. Some stuff is opinion or less credible, but still, this is a great, detailed book that helps to give some answers and explainations on many topics.
September 8, 2020
Deep and profound.
November 17, 2021
Outdated, racist garbage.
December 5, 2021
Great book
April 6, 2023
I have a second edition and boy if you read this you better buckle up.
June 20, 2023
a good reference book on mormon doctrine
Read
July 2, 2023Used as a resource.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews