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191. Devery Anderson on LDS Apostle Bruce R. McConkie
In this episode, we welcome Devery S. Anderson to discuss his book Bruce R. McConkie: Apostle and Polemicist, 1915-1985. Who was Elder Bruce R. McConkie, what is his lasting influence and why? What has made Bruce R. McConkie stand out, especially when one engages Mormon Doctrine and theology? From his many books, conference talks, firesides, and even private correspondence – McConkie has had incredible influence on the theological understanding and reputation of the LDS Church, both from the inside and the outside. Devery takes us through many of the behind-the-scenes controversies over McConkie’s book Mormon Doctrine and his famous talk “The Seven Deadly Heresies” – as well as his surprising role in President Kimball’s 1978 reversal on the temple and priesthood ban on black people. How did an LDS apostle so educated in the doctrinal disputes of the past engage with theological change? The answers to this, in combination with the answer given by those who opposed him, bring out tensions within the LDS mind and community that remain even today.
Book: Bruce R. McConkie: Apostle and Polemicist, 1915-1985
Other resources by Devery Anderson:
- The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History
- Joseph Smith’s Quorum of the Annointed, 1842-1845: A Documentary History
- Emmett Till: The Murder That Shocked the World and Propelled the Civil Rights Movement
Some resources by Elder Bruce R. McConkie:
Doctrines of Salvation: Sermons and Writings of Joseph Fielding Smith (3 volumes)
Mormon Doctrine
Doctrinal New Testament Commentary (3 volumes)
The Messiah Series (6 volumes)
A New Witness for the Articles of Faith
“Joseph Smith – The Mighty Prophet of the Restoration”
“The Mystery of Mormonism”
“All Are Alike Unto God”
“Our Relationship with the Lord”
“The Seven Deadly Heresies”
“The Purifying Power of Gethsemane”
Other resources:
Second-Class Saints by Matthew Harris
Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera
Note: The audio clips in the middle of the episode are a from a speech given by McConkie in 1978, however, there is no audio. BYU made this recording using someone else's voice.
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By Brendon Scoggin and Skyler HamiltonIn this episode, we welcome Devery S. Anderson to discuss his book Bruce R. McConkie: Apostle and Polemicist, 1915-1985. Who was Elder Bruce R. McConkie, what is his lasting influence and why? What has made Bruce R. McConkie stand out, especially when one engages Mormon Doctrine and theology? From his many books, conference talks, firesides, and even private correspondence – McConkie has had incredible influence on the theological understanding and reputation of the LDS Church, both from the inside and the outside. Devery takes us through many of the behind-the-scenes controversies over McConkie’s book Mormon Doctrine and his famous talk “The Seven Deadly Heresies” – as well as his surprising role in President Kimball’s 1978 reversal on the temple and priesthood ban on black people. How did an LDS apostle so educated in the doctrinal disputes of the past engage with theological change? The answers to this, in combination with the answer given by those who opposed him, bring out tensions within the LDS mind and community that remain even today.
Book: Bruce R. McConkie: Apostle and Polemicist, 1915-1985
Other resources by Devery Anderson:
- The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History
- Joseph Smith’s Quorum of the Annointed, 1842-1845: A Documentary History
- Emmett Till: The Murder That Shocked the World and Propelled the Civil Rights Movement
Some resources by Elder Bruce R. McConkie:
Doctrines of Salvation: Sermons and Writings of Joseph Fielding Smith (3 volumes)
Mormon Doctrine
Doctrinal New Testament Commentary (3 volumes)
The Messiah Series (6 volumes)
A New Witness for the Articles of Faith
“Joseph Smith – The Mighty Prophet of the Restoration”
“The Mystery of Mormonism”
“All Are Alike Unto God”
“Our Relationship with the Lord”
“The Seven Deadly Heresies”
“The Purifying Power of Gethsemane”
Other resources:
Second-Class Saints by Matthew Harris
Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera
Note: The audio clips in the middle of the episode are a from a speech given by McConkie in 1978, however, there is no audio. BYU made this recording using someone else's voice.