The Authors and Origin of Mormon Doctrine

The topic of Mormon Doctrine often elicits a variety of responses and questions, particularly regarding its authorship and historical context. This article aims to provide clarity on these matters while also delving into related aspects of the Doctrine and Covenants.

Who Wrote Mormon Doctrine

Mormon Doctrine is a significant reference book within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The book was written by Bruce R. McConkie in the 1960s while he was a Seventy of the Church. He later rose to become a member of the Twelve Apostles, the top governing body in the LDS Church. Over the years, Mormon Doctrine has served as a go-to resource for understanding core doctrines and beliefs of the Mormon faith. However, it is now seen by many as a bit outdated due to changes in theology and interpretations.

The Doctrine and Covenants

The full title of the book The Doctrine and Covenants is indeed a mouthful, but it holds a significant place within the LDS Church. This comprehensive compilation contains various recorded revelations from God, received by Joseph Smith. It also includes additional contributions from Smith’s successors. Unlike the Book of Mormon, the revelations in The Doctrine and Covenants have clear historical and documented origins, which makes their authenticity less contentious among Mormons.

Multiple Authors

Unlike the Book of Mormon, which Smith and others claim is a divine revelation and translated with the gift of God, the revelations in The Doctrine and Covenants are attributed to multiple authors. Joseph Smith is considered an inspired vessel through which these revelations came, as he was the primary recipient. However, other Church leaders also contributed to this book, ensuring that it reflects the evolving doctrines and teachings of the Church.

The Book of Mormon: A Skeptical Look

Turning to another significant text, the Book of Mormon, its authorship and authenticity have been subjects of intense debate and scrutiny. Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church, claimed that the Book of Mormon came from an ancient record and was translated using divine power. However, this claim lacks corroborating evidence, and many scholars and critics question its historical and scientific accuracy.

The Book of Mormon is criticized for its anachronistic historical inaccuracies and contradictions with scientific knowledge. Furthermore, it has no archaeological support, as not a single manuscript or physical evidence can date the text to before 1830, when it was first published. The theory that an angel took the plates back to heaven seems more convenient than a convincing historical explanation.

The discrepancy in divine protection of the text is often highlighted. While God supposedly keeps thousands of ancient manuscripts from biblical times safely on Earth, the Book of Mormon is treated with an unusual level of protection. One might wonder if this reflects a desire to maintain the text’s integrity without the need for physical evidence.

Conclusion

While Mormon Doctrine and The Doctrine and Covenants are crucial texts for understanding Mormon beliefs, the historical and theological perspectives surrounding them reveal diverse interpretations. The Book of Mormon, in particular, remains a point of contention, with its claims and origins frequently scrutinized and questioned.

Keywords: Mormon Doctrine, Doctrine and Covenants, Bruce R. McConkie