Defending Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie

[Zakuska]

It's kind of a shame that Mormon Doctrine has quasi-canonical status, and it will likely remain the most handy and semi-authoritative handbook of doctrine out there (because an apostle wrote it). I have a nostalgic attachment to it myself, because it was very accessible to me as a teenager. But, a much better job could be done today, doubtless.

Which kind of makes me go... Huh? since Judas also wrote a Gospel yet its not in the Canon.

[frankenstein]

But, a much better job could be done today

True to the Faith; For the Strength of Youth (which is just as applicable to adults as it is to youth); Teachings of the Presidents....there are much better sources to look too than the book mormon doctrine.

[cinepro]

True to the Faith; For the Strength of Youth (which is just as applicable to adults as it is to youth); Teachings of the Presidents....there are much better sources to look too than the book mormon doctrine.

I think some of the allure of "Mormon Doctrine" is it's clear and authoritative tone. Which, I suppose, is the problem as well.

But either way, there isn't much out there these days that even pretends to be so authoritatively clear and correct (especially modern Church publications). Things are much more carefully parsed, with "I don't know that we teach it" being the operative attitude.

[Hyrum Page]

True to the Faith; For the Strength of Youth (which is just as applicable to adults as it is to youth); Teachings of the Presidents....there are much better sources to look too than the book mormon doctrine.

But these aren't really the same kind of thing, are they?

[frankenstein]

But these aren't really the same kind of thing, are they?

well you are correct, what I mentioned are much better, as they are Official Publications of the LDS Church.

[Hyrum Page]

well you are correct, what I mentioned are much better, as they are Official Publications of the LDS Church.

What I mean is that they are not of the same genre really.

[frankenstein]

can you elaborate on what you mean by genre. the resources I mentioned seem to have the same format and same intent as the book mormon doctrine.

[Hyrum Page]

can you elaborate on what you mean by genre. the resources I mentioned seem to have the same format and same intent as the book mormon doctrine.

Hmmm... Perhaps you think so, and you are welcome to, because it really is no skin off of my nose, but the works you mentioned were not written to be comprehensive encyclopedia-style works laying out the doctrine of the Church. Teachings of the presidents, for example, is a collection of edited, pertinent quotations from the teachings of the presidents. Not the same thing in my view.

[frankenstein]

ok, excluding teachings of the presidents, but True the Faith is an encyclopedia style

This book is designed as a companion to your study of the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets. We encourage you to refer to it as you study and apply gospel principles. Use it as a resource when you prepare talks, teach classes, and answer questions about the Church.

As you learn gospel truths, you will increase in your understanding of Heavenly Father

[daz2]

This point may have been made earlier, and my apologies if it has. I am a great admirer of Elder McConkie; I sustained him as a prophet, seer and revelator while he was alive, and I continue to respect him and his work. That does not mean I agree with everything he preached or that he wrote. I do not. Nor does it mean I appreciated his authoritative style when speaking on topics as to which the prophets and apostles had not reached unity. But at least we always (or almost always) knew where he stood. No uncertain trumpet, he.

I do not view Mormon Doctrine as a marker for what is true and official doctrine, but it does set forth teachings that, while not necessarily true and official, are not heretical. I.e., they are not outside the mainstream of respectable Mormon thought. (The only exception at present would be some of the speculation regarding race and origins of race that remain in the book.) I think this may be why the book remains popular. Citing McConkie does not, of itself, demonstrate that a person is right, but it does demonstrate that he or she is not heretical on the point cited.

[Hyrum Page]

ok, excluding teachings of the presidents, but True the Faith is an encyclopedia style i will reiterate my position there are plenty of LDS Church published sources to look too when studying actual LDS Doctrine, there is little reason to refer to the book mormon doctrine.

It is not comprehensive to the degree that Mormon Doctrine is. But, close enough. And, that is probably half the point anyway (not to include the non-essentials).