Mormon Doctrine

Mormon Doctrine is a time honored book written by Bruce R. McConkie. It is an encyclopedic work that covers a wide variety of gospel topics. The first edition was published in 1958. The work caused some controversy by directly identifying the Catholic church as the "great and abominable" church spoken of in the Book of Mormon. It also addressed issues that were apostate but not born of Latter-day Saint traditions. He was not adept at gray areas such as birth control, family reunions held on Sundays, and face cards.

Catholic Bishop Dwayne Hunt expressed his displeasure with the book's controversial statements about other religions. In 1960, Bookcraft was told not to reprint the book.

In 1966, David O. McKay invited Elder McConkie to meet with him, and told him that he could reprint Mormon Doctrine if appropriate changes were made. Spencer W. Kimball mentored Elder McConkie in making those changes. Some changes, such as revelation on priesthood, were made in later editions as well.

Mormon Doctrine has been quoted more than probably anything but scriptures. According to Joseph McConkie, Elder McConkie's son, the book is even surrounded by more lore than the scriptures themselves. The book sold more among LDS people than any other book besides scriptures.