User:Rich jj/Sandbox/Mormon Doctrine (book)

Mormon Doctrine (originally subtitled A Compendium of the Gospel) is an encyclopedic book written in 1958, and revised in 1966, by Bruce R. McConkie, a general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon or LDS Church). It was intended primarily for Latter-day Saint readers, who often use it as a reference book because of its comprehensive nature. Though not an official publication of the LDS Church, it has been widely received and highly regarded by church members.

History
Throughout his life, McConkie was intensely drawn to the scriptures. As a law student at the University of Utah in the 1930s, he would rehearse gospel sermons to himself when he walked around campus. As he further organized these thoughts, he began writing them, and eventually compiling them into the expansive volume Mormon Doctrine.

Structure
4 printings of the 1st edition.

Over 1100 articles and was billed as a "compendium of the whole gospel".

1100 articles

In over 2000 topical headings, many cross referenced other articles. While intending to be an encyclopedia on doctrine, many articles are actually on historical or biographical topics. Extensively quotes or references many authoritative sources, especially the scriptures, Joseph Smith, Joseph Fielding Smith (McConkie's father-in-law), and Joseph F. Smith.

Gave brief positions on a wide array of doctrinal questions.

Recognized for addressing in detail a very wide range of general topics.

"...any question about general Church practice or philosophy about about a particular subject [is] most likely listed in Mormon Doctrine"

From title page,

From preface page

Purpose
Declaring the doctrines of Mormonism

According to his colleague S. Dilworth Young, McConkie's writings strove to refute nebulous modern philosophies with clarity and logic.

"[McConkie] was known for his forthright, umcompromising [sic] views--which views appeared to some to reflect a certain degree of sternness and even harshness, when 'laying down the line' in areas of Mormon Church doctrine."

McConkie didn't tolerate "the gray area between right and wrong" and wanted to correct some marginal practices by church members.

Met demand of Mormon readers for a comprehensive treatment on the gospel.

Midgley: MD satisfied desires for definitive answers to the numerous interesting or vexing gospel questions.

Philip Barlow argues that since the church holds no official creed, this creates a dogma void that Mormon Doctrine attempts to fill.

In 1958, McConkie, who was at the time a member of the First Council of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, published a book entitled Mormon Doctrine: A Compendium of the Gospel, which he described as "the first major attempt to digest, explain, and analyze all of the important doctrines of the kingdom" and "the first extensive compendium of the whole gospel—the first attempt to publish an encyclopedic commentary covering the whole field of revealed religion." He included a disclaimer that he alone was responsible for the doctrinal and scriptural interpretations, a practice unusual at the time.

In writing the book, McConkie relied heavily upon the scriptures and recognized doctrinal authorities including, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Orson Pratt, John Taylor, and Joseph Fielding Smith.

Positions
Attempted to define exactly what was in correct Mormon belief and practice, even on marginal issues that were contested by church leaders or where the church had no position.

McConkie wrote that the church's official doctrine opposed organic evolution.

McConkie recognized he wrote about an extraordinary number of topics.

Influential hard-line attitude against "false churches".

Argues the term Xmas "should be discouraged" because it isn't adequately reverent to deity.

Also addressed contested topics with certainty, such as sexual issues, the nature of God, the location of the tribes of Israel, the second coming of Jesus, evolution, caste systems,.

"denounced marginal practices among Latter-day Saints," such as face card games and Sunday family reunions.

The book spurned marginal practices by church members, including saying birth control was "gross wickedness" and "rebellion against God", card playing was "apostasy and rebellion", and light speeches in church meetings were "highly offensive" to the Holy Ghost.

"Certainly the partaking of cola drinks ... is in violation of the spirit of the Word of Wisdom."

Sermons must be spoken freely by the spirit, not written or read, with only rare exceptions.

McConkie wrote birth control was "rebellion against God" and "gross wickedness", differing from other high-ranking leaders who saw permissible circumstances.

MD addressed many Millennial issues, to the great interest of Mormons during the 1960s. As with other Millennial treatments of the time, speculation was common as church leaders avoided the topic in the face of fears over the Cold War.

Literalistic philosophy inherited from Joseph Fielding Smith, especially in science and evolution.

McConkie later worried he may have spelled things out too easily and should have let his readers find answers on their own.

Tone
"unofficial but forcefully worded"

EOM, Louis Midgley: No official standing in the church, opinion of author. Dogmatic.

Used an authoritative tone, despite author's statement that he was solely responsible for its statements.

Curt Bench: Strong authoritative tone.

Reception
Curt Bench: Called a "landmark book" in Mormon publishing and named as one of the 50 most important Mormon books.

"extremely popular book"

"an immensely popular book ever since its first publication"

"runaway bestseller"

Romney observed it was favorably received and a "remarkable book" with "many commendable and valuable features" by "an able and thorough student of the gospel".

Romney: "Properly used, it quickly introduces the student to the authorities on most any gospel subject."

Immediate success

Lester Bush: "...almost immediately a standard reference on Church doctrine for many Mormons"

EOM, Louis Midgley: Used by those seeking definitive answers.

Bookcraft received no complaints about the book when they published it.

Greg Prince: Quickly seen by many as the describing the church's official position.

Scrutiny by church leaders
On January 5, 1959, Apostle Marion G. Romney was assigned by President David O. McKay to read and report on the book. His report was delivered on January 28, which mainly "dealt with Elder McConkie's usage of forceful, blunt language; some strongly worded statements about ambiguous doctrine and matters of opinion; and the overall authoritative tone throughout the book, though in general Romney had a high regard for Mormon Doctrine and felt it filled an evident need remarkably well." The report concluded, "notwithstanding its many commendable and valuable features and the author’s assumption of ‘sole and full responsibility’ for it, its nature and scope and the authoritative tone of the style in which it is written pose the question as to the propriety of the author’s attempting such a project without assignment and supervision from him whose right and responsibility it is to speak for the Church on 'Mormon Doctrine.'"

Elder Mark E. Petersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also marked 1,067 corrections in his first edition copy of the book.

Petersen, Romney, and Clark disliked dogmatism on doctrinal matters.

When Mormon Doctrine was suddenly released, J. Reuben Clark urgently notified McKay that "this book would raise more trouble than anything we had had in the Church for a long while."

McKay's personal review noted 36 objections.

In early 1959 McKay requested Romney and Petersen review the book. Weeks later Romney delivered his written report, listing "the most egregious errors in the book". In January 1960, McKay noted in his diary that Petersen had given an oral report, claiming he made 1,067 corrections, affecting most of the book's pages.

Compared to Orson Pratt's The Seer in drawing the First Presidency's disapproval and suppression. Suppression also compared to The Seer, Lucy Smith's biography of her son, Duane Crowther's Thus Saith the Lord, etc.

Hoping to appease criticism, McConkie wanted to clarify that the book only contained his personal views and that he was "solely responsible for all statements or opinions expressed in it." He prepared letters on February 17, 1959, explaining this to the church's magazine and newspaper, but the First Presidency rejected them, saying he couldn't "be disassociated from [his] official position in the publication of such a manuscript."

Problem areas
McKay himself had many questions about the book and entertained the idea of having McConkie send an addendum of corrections "to all members of the Church who have purchased his book." In the end, he rejected even publishing a corrected edition, since it would be so extensive it would destroy McConkie's credibility and career as a general authority. In a conversation with McConkie's father-in-law, Joseph Fielding Smith, McKay also acted to stop McConkie from teaching some of the principles in Mormon Doctrine.

Personally, Joseph Fielding Smith had high regard for the book.

McKay decided questioners could be privately informed that the book is unauthoritative and McConkie's personal interpretations, but they should avoid a public correction or addendum, to preserve McConkie's influence as a General Authority. McKay never publicly criticized a General Authority.

Romney's list
A. Reference to churches and other groups who do not accept ‘Mormon Doctrine’.
 * Critical of other religions (Catholic Church, Christian churches, RLDS Church), and secularists (Communists and evolutionists).

B. Declaration as to ‘Mormon Doctrine’ on controversial issues.
 * 1) Declaring "Mormon doctrine" on controversial issues where the church did not take an official position.
 * 2) Declaring what "Mormon doctrine" was on issues where the church did not take a position.
 * 3) Presenting positions on controversial issues as "Mormon doctrine"
 * 4) Presenting some teachings as "Mormon doctrine" when the church advocated a different position, or no position at all. This included controversial issues like


 * issues such as Pre-Adamites, death before the Fall of Man, Moses's translated state, the origin of individuality, the conception of Jesus, extemporaneous preaching, resurrection of stillborn children

C. Miscellaneous Interpretations


 * Presenting some personal doctrinal interpretations as "Mormon doctrine", on such topics as Israelite baptism in the "Molten Sea", Paul's marital status, councils and schools among the Gods, limitations of Deity, geological changes during the Deluge, the Holy Ghost as a spirit man, women becoming gods, little children in heaven, resumption of the School of the Prophets, and various scriptural interpretations.


 * Also outlined personal views on specific church practices, such as facing east during the Hosanna Shout, forbidding family reunions on Sunday, and details in consecrating oil, family prayer, and prayers for meals.

D. Repeated use of the word ‘apostate’ and related terms in a way which to many seems discourteous and to others gives offense.


 * evolution - 10 page entry, said evolution was "spawned and sponsored by Satan" and "There is no harmony between the truths of revealed religion and the theories of organic evolution." McKay's response said the church had no position on evolution.
 * pre-Adamites

Catholicism
The book strayed from its purpose of declaring the doctrines of Mormonism, by denouncing non-Mormon heresies, such as the veneration of Mary, penance, transubstantiation, indulgences, and supererogation.

Identified Roman Catholicism as the "great and abominable church" referred to in the Book of Mormon.

The entry for "Catholicism" said only "See Church of the Devil", and that entry stated: "The Roman Catholic Church specifically—singled out, set apart, described, and designated as being 'most abominable above all other churches.'"

Called Roman Catholic Church the "Church of the Devil" and had individual articles covering other controversial catholic subjects, such as Indulgences, Mariolotry, Penance, Supererogation, and Transubstantiation.

Catholic Church was most abominable above all other churches. Other churches that distract religious seekers from the true church are "founded or fostered by the devil who is the enemy to all righteousness."

The Bishop of Salt Lake City of the Catholic Church, Duane Hunt, was upset and appealed to both David S. King, a devout Mormon who was just elected to congress, and McKay, who was a friend of Hunt's, and said, "Why did you do this to us? We are your friends."

"The Catholic bishop in Salt Lake City, Bishop Hunt, communicated to President McKay his displeasure with the book and what it said about the Catholic church."

McConkie's son felt the Catholics were criticized more harshly by Protestants and what Mormon Doctrine said was "like water off a duck's back."

Although McKay had privately agreed with McConkie about Catholicism, the embarrassment over the book's statements caused him to evaluate and relax his criticisms and foster cooperation with the Catholic Church.

Such doctrine is thought to have "hurt the spread of the Church in certain areas of the world".

Approval
Quinn claims that McConkie kept Mormon Doctrine secret, to prevent its publication from being blocked. In 1955 McConkie tried to publish Sound Doctrine, a compilation from sermons found in the controversial Journal of Discourses. However, printing was halted after J. Reuben Clark, counselor in the First Presidency, reviewed the book. Clark thought it drew attention to embarrassing past statements in the church, its title implied that omitted sermons were unsound, and church authorities should have been consulted before printing started. McConkie was deferential and Sound Doctrine was not released. Quinn argues that when Mormon Doctrine was published, McConkie concealed it from other general authorities beforehand, even his father-in-law who was an Apostle, to avoid the same fate of his earlier book.

"9 Nov., First Presidency informs Seventy's president Bruce R. McConkie that they have misgivings about his intended publication of multi-volumed Sound Doctrine as censored and condensed version of Journal of Discourses. Three weeks later Presidency is stunned to find advertisements for McConkie's publication in Deseret News (30 Nov. 1955) and in December issue of Improvement Era. He writes Presidency on 1 Dec. that ads appeared without his knowledge and "are not intended in any way to embarrass or pressure you Brethren."  He then explains that he would "not permit any improper or questionable statements to appear" in his projected ten-volume version of the original twenty-six-volume collection.  First Presidency reads page-proofs of first volume and responds on 9 Feb. "Omissions would probably be sought out and magnified " by the church's critics, letter says.  "Under this situation we feel constrained to request that you give up the idea of an abridged edition of the Journal of Discourses." Nineteen years later the originally contracted publisher releases Journal of Discourses Digest, under editorship of oldest son of McConkie, then a member of the Twelve."

Thousands of copies were released suddenly.

Romney: "Had the work been authoritatively supervised, some of the [concerning] matters might have been omitted and the treatment of others modified."

Published outside the church

Written without consent or knowledge of McKay or even his own father-in-law, Joseph Fielding Smith.

quietly wrote and published the book

wasn't submitted to the Reading Committee for approval before publication

Even Joseph Fielding Smith said he "did not know anything about it until it was published."

First Presidency was primarily unhappy that McConkie didn't seek the counsel and direction of his church leaders.

McConkie's son states that General Authorities didn't publish very much at that time, so "there was no established review system for what they did write."

Afterward, it was decided "to have no more books published by General Authorities without their first having the consent of the First Presidency.

McKay wanted the First Presidency to approve all future publications by General Authorities, because, as official church representatives, the public would take their personal views as the official position of the church.

Authoritative tone
book's authoritative tone was a concern, suggesting McConkie was speaking for the LDS Church.

"the stated purpose of the book [was] the declaration of the doctrines of Mormonism"

McKay didn't object to McConkie's personal views as much as he objected to them being presented authoritatively without prior approval. McKay thought readers would see the book as official church positions because McConkie was an official church representative.

Personal position presented as commandment.

McConkie seemed to be willing to change his mind, even in print, on some doctrinal matters.

McKay personally disagreed with dogmatism, or "doctrinal fundamentalism".

Romney thought its authoritative scope and tone "pose the question as to the propriety of the author's attempting such a project without assignment and supervision from him whose right and responsibility it is to speak for the Church on 'Mormon Doctrine.'"

Only the president of the church could establish the official doctrine of the church. McConkie gave his writings the air of official doctrine, through the title and tone of his book. (The term "Mormon doctrine" could also be used in reference to official church positions.)

First Presidency disapproved of the title, which implied a Seventy was declaring the church's doctrine.

presumptuous title

Quinn claims that Mormon Doctrine implied it was authoritative when it noted that its author was a general authority and its "source[s] of authority" were the scriptures and other "recognized doctrinal authorities".

McKay wanted to insure the book wasn't recognized as authoritative.

McConkie's view of criticism
McConkie's interpretation of the denouncement may have been more flattering. Didn't think he made errors or doctrinal mistakes, only problems in tone and what people were ready to hear. The revision was mostly for public relations.

McConkie didn't resist the censure of his priesthood leaders. Henry D. Moyle, a member of the First Presidency, stated, "I’ve never seen a man in the Church in my experience that took our criticism—and it was more than criticism—but he took it better than anyone I ever saw. When we were through and Bruce left us, I had a great feeling of love and appreciation for a man who could take it without any alibis, without any excuses, and said he appreciated what we said to him."

His son believed McConkie was referring to Mormon Doctrine when he later said, "When the time comes that you are called in and rebuked for something that you did that was right and proper, you stand and take it, you offer no excuses just take it."

McConkie acknowledged that his statements were "not smart" and "did not facilitate good relations with our Catholic neighbors."

McConkie's son argued that a good editor would have identified and prevented the problems in the first edition, but Bookcraft didn't have a full-time editor until 1968.

According to McConkie's son, Kimball only recommended changes in tone and discretion. McConkie's teachings were all correct, but were presented inappropriately. Kimball approved changes to 56 pages, and the original doctrines were unchanged in meaning.

McConkie believed he accurately presented official church doctrine, by opposing organic evolution and teaching the Catholic Church was the "Church of the Devil", but the church didn't want to publicize these things out of good manners toward Catholics and sensitivity for weak Mormons. Regarding evolution, he said, "It's a matter of temporizing, of not making a statement to prevent the driving out of the weak Saints. It's a question of wisdom, not of truth."

Publication restriction
February 18, 1959, First Presidency: "pending the final disposition of this problem no further edition of the book be printed."

Nearly a year later, after meeting to discuss the book, the January 8, 1960 office notes of McKay reflect that:

McKay called Joseph Fielding Smith on January 27, 1960 at 3:00 p.m. to inform him of the decision to not allow further publication of the book:

When the First Presidency met with McConkie about their decision, he responded, "I am amenable to whatever you Brethren want. I will do exactly what you want. I will be as discreet and as wise as I can."

Romney talked to Bookcraft management about the 4000 volumes they were holding.

Taken out of Deseret Book stores.

"stopped the book's distribution"

Copies were recalled. Sam Weller didn't return his supply to publisher. 1:14:55 - 1:16:00 http://www.podbean.com/podcast-download?b=4148&f=http://mormonmisc.podbean.com/mf/web/w4b83/2008-06-01CurtBench.mp3

First edition is in demand as a highly collectible LDS book.

First printings of all 4(?) editions are in considerable demand.

Continually gone up in value. Priced between $200-$500. 59:30 - 1:00:30 http://www.podbean.com/podcast-download?b=4148&f=http://mormonmisc.podbean.com/mf/web/w4b83/2008-06-01CurtBench.mp3

Approval
In his biography of his father, Joseph Fielding McConkie, states that, six years later:

Other accounts of the meeting suggest that McConkie sought out permission and generously interpreted McKay's counsel:

In addition to McKay's health, historians Gary Bergera and Ron Priddis also theorize that a second edition may have been more permissible following the appointment to the First Presidency of Joseph Fielding Smith, McConkie's father-in-law.

Quinn points out that when JFS became McKay's counselor in 1965, the next year McKay relented and allowed a revised edition.

Clyde D. Ford speculates that when McKay was succeeded as President of the Church by Joseph Fielding Smith, a leading conservative and McConkie's father-in-law, it led to progressing official acceptance of McConkie's previously problematic works.

It was republished after Clark's death and when JFS was in FP.

It is still disputed whether McKay willfully approved of the second edition.

McConkie's son claims it is unlikely that the book was republished without approval. Bookcraft, an independent LDS publisher, would have been very careful to follow the direction of church leadership. Also, in 1972, six years after the second edition, McConkie was favored enough to be raised into the Twelve Apostles of the LDS Church. McConkie's son further states that his father was zealously obedient to even the most trivial instructions from his superiors in priesthood.

McKay's approval and Kimball's supervision is based on statements from McConkie and his supporters.

The second edition's preface and the McKay papers do not note Kimball's assistance/oversight.

Changes
"He had no reluctance in making the changes he made in the second edition of the book."

The second edition of Mormon Doctrine, with its approved revisions, was published in 1966. Horne states, "The most obvious difference between the two editions is a more moderate tone."

Kimball requested 50 changes dealing with tone and discretion, but McConkie rewrote much more.

hundreds of changes

An analysis of the two editions found over 300 pages were changed

In the preface, McConkie explained that "experience has shown the wisdom of making some changes, clarifications, and additions."

More than 80% of the changes were changing the tone rather than the book's content.

Midgley: first edition seen as "notorious" because of necessary deletions and alterations.

Misc changes
Removed from title page: McConkie's status as a general authority & statement about "compendium of the whole gospel".

Removed article on Artificial Insemination

Removed article on Capital Punishment (which also touched on its use for adultery)

Removed article on Hanging

Removed language from article on Patriarchs

In various articles, it tempered language against apostates, the RLDS Church, and other churches.

Removed claim that reading prepared sermons was "a mockery of sacred things".

Removed directions for conduct in family prayer

Removed note about the future resumption of the School of the Prophets.

Additions
Added articles:, "Calling and Election", "Conceived in Sin" (concerning Original Sin), White Horse Prophecy.

Also added discussions on Mahonri Moriancumer, the Plurality of Gods, and Predestination.

Catholicism
Most references to Catholicism were removed.

Removed article on Transubstantiation

Removed articles on Eternal City, Indulgences, Penance, Supererogation

Removed or softened comments about Catholicism in entries on "Abominations", "Agency", "Babylon", "Church of the Devil", "Exorcism", "Harlots", "Magic", "Extreme Unction", and "Inquisition".

Softened or removed several disparaging articles on Catholic topics.

By cataloging heresies, the first edition overstepped its purpose of identifying Mormon doctrine, so the catholic criticisms were removed from the second edition.

Evolution
Tempered some references to evolution and the Creation, including removing the age of the earth.

Very little changed about evolution. Removed statement that said the LDS Church was officially anti-evolution. Changed "scrubby and groveling" to "weak and puerile" in describing the intellectuality of evolution proponents.

Unchanged
Quinn: "Due to oversight, negotiation, or some other reason, the second edition failed to delete or modify [selected] items specified as either objectionable or doctrinally false by President McKay in 1960."

Prince: Still didn't address all the concerns raised in the critiques of the first edition.

Quinn lists "objectionable" references in over 30 articles were not changed, topics such as evolution, the Creation, the RLDS church, Catholic church, other Christian churches, and various doctrinal minutia.

"It corrects only a few of the first edition's 'errors' cited by First Presidency and apostles in 1960."

"no suggestion was ever made that the title of the book be changed"

No changes were made to racial language.

Legacy
Some of the Bible Dictionary included with the Church's publication of the Bible in 1979 borrows from Mormon Doctrine. For example, the entry for "Abraham, covenant of" in the Bible Dictionary is exactly the same as the entry for "Abrahamic covenant" in Mormon Doctrine except for one paragraph. Many other Bible Dictionary entries teach identical concepts with closely paralleled wording as corresponding entries in Mormon Doctrine.

In 1972 McConkie was called to serve in the Quorum of Twelve Apostles by McKay's successor, Harold B. Lee.

Another revision was made to the book in 1978 after Church President Spencer W. Kimball received a revelation that the priesthood should be extended to all worthy male members.

McConkie continued to update Mormon Doctrine as church policies evolved throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Still in print today

The book is surrounded by myth and lore. Story of the book's origins rely on private sources and personal anecdotes, and public statements were never made by the church or its official representatives.

With no official repudiation, it is still popular and widely accepted today.

In a survey of believing LDS scholars, Mormon Doctrine was considered the second most important doctrinal book and the fifth most important overall book in Mormonism, excluding the scriptures.

Seen as a conservative voice in LDS thought

McConkie is called "neo-orthodox".

MD is "at times controversially conservative"

MD is for doctrinaire Mormons.

MD is dogmatic.

McConkie is a controversial LDS figure for his firm stance against evolution.

Typically authoritarian

Popularity
"enormous popularity and voluminous sales"

"immense popularity among church members"

"one of the all-time best sellers in Mormondom"

"almost every LDS family has a copy of it as a reference guide."

"a work found in nearly every devout Latter-day Saint home, especially during the 1970s and 1980s."

Has been one of the ten best selling books by LDS General Authorities.

one of the most enduring and successful Mormon classics.

popular among some in the church

"...widely consulted 'classic' in Mormon homes"

Still sells quite well at Deseret Book (new owner of Bookcraft).

probably the most remembered LDS reference book

LDS scholars hold McConkie's writings in high esteem.

"...probably the best known and most often cited of all of McConkie's works."

best known of McConkie's work

often cited

popular because of "user-friendly alphabetical access"

Perceived authority
McConkie never claimed it was infallibly authoritative, despite popular perceptions.

"people ... disposed to look to ... Mormon Doctrine for what they were supposed to believe."

often cited by faithful members as authoritative on official doctrine.

despite "disclaiming any official Church authorization or connection, many Saints nevertheless use it as if it were the fifth standard work."

One claimed he was taught at the church-owned Ricks College in the 1980s that MD was only surpassed in authority by talks at general conferences and the scriptures themselves.

quasi-canonical popular reference

"quasi-authoritative"

"semi-canonical"

Often perceived as definitive or quasi-official on doctrinal matters in the church.

called authoritative in RSC book

Underwood: McConkie's ideas represented "acceptable" doctrine of his time, if not "official" doctrine.

used by BYU scholars as authoritative source in their book

"popularly authoritative"

FARMS: authoritative

"near-canonical status"

seen as official book of Mormon doctrine

became seen by LDS readers as authoritative and official, fulfilling Clark's fears.

Although several areas of concern remained unchanged, some saw the second edition as approved and reliable because it had undergone a major revision.

Referred to as "Mormon dictionary of their beliefs"

used as source by media for what constitutes definitive church doctrine.

An simplified reference on Mormonism says "This is the lexicon of Mormon theology".

Influenced the church
Stands with other influential LDS doctrinal works of the 20-th century, such as James E. Talmage's Articles of Faith (1899) and Jesus the Christ (1915), B. H. Roberts' Seventy's Course in Theology (5 volumes, 1907-1912), Joseph Fielding Smith's compilation Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (1938) and Doctrines of Salvation (3 volumes, 1954-1956), and Spencer W. Kimball's Miracle of Forgiveness (1969).

As an important popular reference, ranks alongside The Articles of Faith.

Stands alongside other significant LDS doctrinal works, such as,
 * Parley P. Pratt, A Voice of Warning (1837) and Key to Theology (1856);
 * John Taylor, Mediation and Atonement (1882);
 * Franklin D. Richards and James Little, A Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel (1882);
 * ? B. H. Roberts, Mormon Doctrine of Deity (1903) and The Seventy's Course in Theology (1907-1912);
 * James E. Talmage, Articles of Faith (1899) and Jesus the Christ (1915);
 * Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine (1919);
 * Discourses of Brigham Young, ed. John A. Widtsoe (1926);
 * Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, comp. by Joseph Fielding Smith (1938);
 * Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness (1969);
 * works of Orson Pratt, Orson Spencer, Orson F. Whitney, John A. Widtsoe, Milton R. Hunter, J. Reuben Clark, Jr., N. B. Lundwall and Parker P. Robison.

Listed as one of the 21 most important doctrinal books on Mormonism

Drawn from heavily by church manuals. Armand Mauss stated that curriculum writers probably cited his work in an effort to please McConkie during the period when he supervised their work.

From 1978 to 1981, the Church Educational System (CES) published its newly prepared college-level student manuals for classes on the scriptures at BYU or LDS Institutes. These were published by the church after approval by the Church Correlation Committee.

Outweighing other prolific general authorities, one-seventh of the quotations in all the manuals were from McConkie, followed by Joseph Fielding Smith (McConkie's father-in-law), Joseph Smith (Mormonism's founder), and Spencer W. Kimball (President of the Church at the time).

probably the most quoted LDS reference book

"the most widely cited LDS doctrinal reference"

probably the most quoted book by church teachers, after the scriptures.

"one of the more widely quoted books in the Church"

Cited heavily by church authorities??

Clyde D. Ford argues McConkie replaced Talmage as the preeminent Mormon theologian.

Underwood: McConkie was seen "as the leading doctrinal exponent in the Church" at that time.

"guided countless Saints in their study of gospel truths"

Wide use heavily influences Mormon theology.

"defined orthodox belief for many Mormons for two generations."

Though not officially sanctioned, the book defined orthodox Mormonism for a generation.

"...made significant contributions to the understanding of doctrine..."

influenced a tone in the church of doctrinal fundamentalism

Mauss: McConkie prevailed in his struggle to establish his fundamentalism over the preferences of other powerful leaders.

McConkie's teachings, such as on evolution, are well known in the church because of the prominence of Mormon Doctrine.

Most Mormons doubt biological evolution because of wide use of Mormon Doctrine.

Indirect influence: The church reacted by fostering better Catholic relations and mandating First Presidency approval for all general authority publications, which practices both continue today.

During 1950 to 1970 it was "perhaps the most important single work" in renewing Mormon interest in northwestern Missouri "sacred sites".

McConkie's Mormon Doctrine (1966), which discussed

Possible waning
Marlin Jensen in 1998: "It is a comprehensive and valuable compendium of gospel teachings." Also urged personal compilations of one's own "Mormon doctrine", written in the head and heart. "Elder McConkie's knowledge of saving truths will help save him; mine will help save me. I must pay the price to acquire such knowledge just as he did." (Less dogmatic/authoritative/universal view of the book?)

Now printed as a Deseret Book title, it carries the company's standard disclaimer:

On the copyright page in the current printing, a "Publisher's Note" states:

Some feel it is now outdated and has been replaced by other more modern publications, such as the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, which is far more comprehensive and edited by the head of Correlation, and True to the Faith, which is more authoritative since it was prepared and published by the LDS Church itself.

When True to the Faith was published in 2004, it was also added to the newly revised Missionary Library, the approved body of reading for LDS missionaries.

Mauss: Encyclopedia of Mormonism may replace Mormon Doctrine.

Midgley: "more or less replaced by the much less dogmatic Encyclopedia of Mormonism as a primary source for information on the beliefs, practices, and history of the Latter-day Saints."

Midgley: "once-popular"

Other encyclopedias have been published on Mormonism.

"...Mormon Beliefs and Doctrines Made Easier resembles a lighter version of Mormon Doctrine." However, MD and other McConkie writings are still used as sources in Mormon Beliefs and Doctrines Made Easier.

True to the Faith authoritatively fills similar role, as does the missionary handbook, For Strength of Youth, CHI.

Church has recently clarified that it does not put support all statements or writings of general authorities, saying that one isolated statement "often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, but is not meant to be officially binding for the whole Church." Instead, doctrine is only established by the First Presidency counseling with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles under divine inspiration, and it is only published in the church's scriptures, or standard works, and official declarations and proclamations.

In 2009 the LDS Church revised its longtime Sunday School manual Gospel Principles for a new two-year curriculum for all adult church members. Amongst the relatively minor changes to the book, all references to McConkie's Mormon Doctrine were replaced by the more official and current Teachings of Presidents of the Church.

Implies sexual desires are immoral.

Suspicious of some psychiatric counsel.

Suspicious of hypnotism

Suspicious of chiropractors?

"it expresses what an increasing number of Mormons see as an overly rigid fundamentalism."

Is often seen as only partially authoritative.

Not always seen as totally authoritative.

FARMS: not canonical, not binding on church members, has no official status.

height during the 1970s and 1980s

Authoritative tone
The book's authority remains controversial today.

Presumptuous title

Despite popular perception, the book doesn't speak for the church.

presented as fact, not speculation

never received official endorsement

"disparagingly referred to as 'McConkie Doctrine'"

facetiously called "McDoctrine"

Midgley: "compendium of opinions"

According to Armand Mauss, an LDS sociologist, McConkie "label[ed] as 'heresies' certain doctrines with which he disagreed, even though they had no settled canonical status in the church".

Some inaccurate views of Mormon thought.

FARMS: McConkie's deleted Catholic criticisms were a "faulty, culturally conditioned interpretation of the Book of Mormon."

Evolution
McConkie's son feels the primary reason for current criticism is the book's firm stand on evolution.

Very little was changed on evolution between the editions.

The longest entry in the book is on evolution, at ten pages.

Concludes with, "There is no harmony between the truths of revealed religion and the theories of organic evolution." Seeking harmony is "devilish".

Dismisses any scientific findings that conflict with his doctrinal views. Wrote that there was no death for "any form of life until some 6000 years ago when Adam fell." He doesn't explain the origins of vast ancient fossils and fossil fuels. These views eventually spread to the Bible Dictionary, Sunday School manuals, and the Ensign.

Argued life was only thousands of years old and employed flood geology.

Criticisms of evolution were referenced from Joseph Fielding Smith's views, which had carried their own controversy from Smith's early debates on the issue to his 1954 publication of Man, His Origin and Destiny.

McConkie gave credence to JFS's side of the argument by endorsing his view in MD.

Smith's book is not popular with the church or its members, but his concepts are well-known through extensive quotation in Mormon Doctrine.

Implies the church is officially anti-evolution, but the church states it has no official position.

Praises biological and medical advancements, even though they use methods which are also used in support of evolutionary processes.

McConkie believed the church's official doctrine opposed organic evolution, but it didn't publicize this to avoid public fights over the issue.

Polygamy
Holy practice that will continue again in the future.

"Obviously the holy practice will commence again after the Second Coming of the Son of Man and the ushering in of the millennium."

Higher criticism
Bible scholars called uninspired and speculative. Stated higher criticism contained "doctrines of the devil" and were part of a modern day apostasy.

Cross referenced to "Apostasy".

Other
Seeing the book as speaking for Mormonism, critics highlight and challenge its statements.

Supported the idea that God the Father biologically conceived Jesus.

Discussion of blood atonement

Geographic location of the Hill Cumorah from the Book of Mormon differs from that of modern church scholars.

Recantation
Racialism despite McConkie's statement in August 1978 that, although some contemporary and early church leaders taught "Negroes would not receive the priesthood in mortality", those who continue with those teachings must repent and get in line with the living prophet. "Forget everything that I have said... in days past that is contrary to the present revelation. We spoke with a limited understanding and without the light and knowledge that now has come into the world. ... We now have added a new flood of intelligence and light on this particular subject, and it erases all the darkness and all the views and all the thoughts of the past.  They don't matter anymore.  It doesn't make a particle of difference what anybody ever said about the Negro matter before [the revelation].  It is a new day and a new arrangement, and the Lord has now given the revelation that sheds light out into the world on this subject.  As to any slivers of light or any particles of darkness of the past, we forget about them." However, this same speech continued to identify black people as descendants of Cain.

1979 reprint didn't correct admitted racial errors and "his retraction seems to have died with him".

Mary Jane Woodger interprets McConkie as only recanting the idea "that blacks would have to wait until the eternities to receive priesthood blessings."

Removed statement that black people could not receive the priesthood in this life, but other racialist ideas remained. McConkie's writings through the end of his life taught that pre-mortal merit determined what one's race would be.

Specific absolutist statement that black people could never hold the priesthood in mortal life, was recanted and removed in 1979.

1979 changes
In 1979, McConkie's next revision replaced the entry for "Negroes" with a description of the 1978 priesthood revelation, removing statements about racial inequality and lacking pre-existent valiance, but similar ideas remained under the entries for "Races of Men".

1966 edition said, "Negroes in this life are denied the Priesthood; under no circumstances can they hold this delegation of authority from the Almighty. (Abra. 1:20-27.) The gospel message of salvation is not carried affirmatively to them (Moses 7:8, 12, 22) although sometimes negroes search out the truth, join the Church, and become righteous living heirs of the celestial kingdom of heaven. President Brigham Young and others have taught that in the future eternity worthy and qualified negroes will receive the priesthood and every gospel blessing available to any man. (Way to Perfection, pp. 97-111.) ... The negroes are not equal with other races where the receipt of certain spiritual blessings are concerned, particularly the priesthood and the temple blessings that flow therefrom, but this inequality is not of man's origin. It is the Lord's doing, is based an his eternal laws of justice, and grows out of the lack of spiritual valiance of those concerned in their first estate." Was removed in the 1979 edition.

1979 edition removed a sentence from "Ham": "'Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren' (Gen. 9:25), said Noah of Ham's descendants."

Extant controversial teachings
Some still see controversy in the book's content, such as in claims that one's faithfulness in the pre-earth life determines which race they are born into, and the more Israelite blood they have, the greater their spirituality will be. (p 28) It also defends divine caste systems, where "the resulting restrictions and segregation are right and proper and have approval of the Lord" and that "Deity in his wisdom, to carry out his inscrutable purposes, has a caste system of his own, a system of segregation of races and peoples." (p 29)

"Caste systems have their root and origin in the gospel itself, and when they operate according to divine decree, the resultant restrictions and segregation are right and proper and have the approval of the Lord. To illustrate: Cain, Ham, and the whole negro race have been cursed with a black skin, the mark of Cain, so they can be identified as a caste apart, a people with whom the other descendants of Adam should not intermarry."

Racial views preserved in 1979 entries for Egyptus and Ham. Retained into current printings.

After the church ended its traditional racial policies, the 1979 reprinting of Mormon Doctrine still retained much of the folklore about racial differences.

"contrary to popular belief, the revised version of MD published today still has many entries that repeat and affirm racial folklore"

1979 paperback reissue of Mormon Doctrine did not recant anything taught about racial differences.

Still says that dark skin color identifies a "degenerate status" and "racial denigration".

Still teaches against interracial marriages.

Still retains racist teachings under "Caste System" and "Pre-existence".

Entry for "Ham": "Through Ham (a name meaning black) the blood of the Canaanites was preserved through the flood, he having married Egyptus, a descendant of Cain. Ham was cursed, apparently for marrying into the forbidden lineage, and the effects of the curse passed to his son, Canaan.  Ham's descendants include the Negroes, who originally were barred from holding the priesthood but have been able to do so since June, 1978."

Entry for "Negroes": "...interracial marriages are discouraged by the Brethren."

Slightly revised 1979 paperback edition still ties worthiness to race in "Negroes", "Cain", "Ham", "Pre-existence", "Priesthood", "Races of Men".

The second edition may have cleaned up some of the unwelcome tone and claims, but the book continues to discuss racial folklore that justifies withholding the priesthood from black people until 1978.

After 1978 policy change, toned down some racist language, but subsequent printings retain much of it. Between 1958, 1966 and 1979 editions, retained the relationship of preexistence to race, the curse of Cain/Ham/Canaan, the curse of black skin, the correctness of the priesthood exclusion.

The 1979 edition published words from the new revelation, but "retained all the previous, traditional assertions about blacks."

McConkie distanced himself from some racial views, but many still in current editions of Mormon Doctrine.

Influences
According to Armand Mauss, an LDS sociologist, McConkie drew upon an "admixture of religious folklore with some of his doctrinal teachings, especially where racial issues were concerned. Indeed, he was the most visible and insistent modern Mormon exponent of discredited biblical folklore about racial differences (ideas, incidentally, drawn mainly from the writings of his father-in-law)."

Sterling Adams thinks that McConkie's teachings of black inferiority and against interracial marriage "can be seen largely as a somewhat typical reaction by racially conservative American Christians to the growing phenomenon of racial integration."

Echoing and reiteration of teachings from previous church leaders, especially Joseph Fielding Smith.

Literalistic philosophy inherited from Joseph Fielding Smith, especially in science and evolution.

Predominant quotes (cite Buerger)

Modern reactions
Has disturbed and appalled some modern LDS readers.

These teachings may impact the retention of black converts.

Although revised, remaining discussion of racial issues are still offensive to black people, whether Mormon or not.

Folklore disturbs black Mormons and some have explained and rejected it, such as Darius Gray.

Continued influence
MD is circulated by conservative Mormons to argue a literal origination from Israeli blood, similar to the ideas of Christian Identity.

Folklore given prolonged credibility because of persistence in MD.

preexistence valiance folklore became doctrine through repetition and publication, such as in MD.

Used to support argument that blacks weren't worthy to hold the priesthood.

Still used to teach racial folklore to justify the priesthood ban.

Folklore still used in defense of the racial policies.

Holland strongly felt this "folklore must never be perpetuated," and that "almost all of [it was] inadequate and/or wrong." His earlier colleagues may have meant well, but "we simply do not know why that practice ... was in place." Describing the ban's rationale, that blacks were less loyal in pre-mortality, he said the church should carefully scrutinize earlier literature and teachings to insure that it isn't perpetuated.

Hinckley:

Editions
Mormon Doctrine has gone through more than fifty printings. It is now only published in the white softcover and in electronic form through websites and CD-ROMs that are licensed to use Deseret Book's copyrighted material, such as the GospeLink collection.


 * 1958 (1st ed., hardcover). Salt Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft..
 * 1966 (2nd ed., hardcover). Salt Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft. ISBN 0-88494-062-4.
 * 1979 (2nd ed., softcover). Salt Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft. ISBN 0-88494-446-8. . This became a Deseret Book title after Bookcraft was acquired in 1999.

Limited editions

 * 1983 [brown leather binding]. Salt Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft
 * 1989 [brown leather binding]. Salt Lake City, Utah: Publisher's Press.
 * 2008 [slate-blue leather binding]. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book. 109 of these limited editions were created to commemorate the 50th printing.

Translations

 * German (1991): Mormon Doctrine (4 volumes). Translated by Hans-Wilhelm Kelling. Bad Reichenhall: LDS Books.
 * Spanish (1993): Doctrina Mormona. Translated by Iris Lloyd de Spannaus, Graciela Herrera de Gonzalez, Mario Casco.  Buenos Aires, Argentina: Deseret Sudamerica.  ISBN 9508140011.
 * Japanese (1998): Morumon no kyōgi. Kobe-shi: Bīhaibu Shuppan..