LDS Beliefs: A Doctrinal Reference

[SpringGirl]

Does anyone have this book? Does this book only include official doctrinal beliefs, or is it similar to "Mormon Doctrine"?

[ChristTheTruth]

Not to go off topic here, but why is Mormon Doctrine not considered binding even though it was written by an Apostle and it was an official church publication (at least to my knowledge) and even then it was still written by an Apostle.

[jerome1232]

It was not authorized by the first presidency, in fact it was denounced by the first presidency.
Only the first presidency can authorize such a publication as being authoritative.

To my knowledge only the first presidency can speak for the church as a whole, they can at times delegate that authority out as needed. In this case authority was not delegated out.


Only the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price are official doctrine of the Church.

[ChristTheTruth]

Originally Posted by jerome1232

It was not authorized by the first presidency, in fact it was denounced by the first presidency.
Only the first presidency can authorize such a publication as being authoritative.

To my knowledge only the first presidency can speak for the church as a whole, they can at times delegate that authority out as needed. In this case authority was not delegated out.

Thanks for the info!

[Justice]

Yes, there are a few books that are published by the Church.

Regardless of the title, official or otherwise, if it's not published by the Church, it's not endorsed by the Church.

[pam]

Originally Posted by Justice

Yes, there are a few books that are published by the Church.

Regardless of the title, official or otherwise, if it's not published by the Church, it's not endorsed by the Church.

Just to add to this..Deseret Book which is owned by the church also publishes LDS fiction books. Some of these are fiction based on historical data. It is by no means doctrinal or considered to be used as historical fact. So we need to be careful in saying anything published by Deseret Book would be endorsed by the church to be used as doctrinal or factual.

[Martain]

The book Morman Doctrine wasn't pubished by Elder McConkie while he was an Apostle but rather while he was a General Authority.

More information can be found under a wiki document regarding the book found here.

There are other books that have been printed with the full approval and authorization of the first presidency other than the four standard works listed above.

While I have not heard of the book you mention, should you obtain a copy, read the preface. If it is authorized and approved by the first presidency then it will have a statement from them indicating so. Otherwise you might see something like this:

The Miracle of Forgiveness
By Spencer C. Kimball
While President of the Church

"I accept full responsibility for the contents of this book. Specifically, the Church and its leaders are totally absolved from the responsibility for any error which it may be found to contain".

Is it doctrinal? It was spoken by the Prophet while in his office.

I say yes.

[pam]

Originally Posted by Martain

The book Morman Doctrine wasn't pubished by Elder McConkie while he was an Apostle but rather while he was a General Authority.

Uhhhh isn't an Apostle a General Authority?

While one can be a General Authority it doesn't mean they are an apostle or a member of the First Presidency. But The First Presidency, apostles, the quorums of the 70's, the Presiding Bishopric, Presiding Patriarch and assistants to the quorum of the 12 are all general authorities.

[maiku]

Originally Posted by Martain

The Miracle of Forgiveness
By Heber C. Kimball
While President of the Church

I'm sure this was just an accident but I'll clarify anyway.

Spencer W Kimball authored the Miracle of Forgiveness

Heber C Kimball was never president of the Church

Too many Kimballs

[Martain]

Haha.... oops. Thanks!