NOTE: There is a lengthy set of clips at the outset that highlight Bruce R. McConkie's teachings that will be covered in this episode. While we encourage you to listen to them in their entirety, the actual interview starts around 00:11:54.In this episode, we welcome back Bill McKeever of the Mormonism Research Ministry to discuss LDS Apostle Elder Bruce R. McConkie and his legacy. Who was Elder Bruce R. McConkie, and why does matter? What are some highlights of his work – and why has his controversial book Mormon Doctrine had such a profound impact on theological understanding both for those within the LDS community, and those on the outside of the community? In this interview, we ask Bill about his view of the rise and fall of Bruce R. McConkie and what insight that may provide into the nature of LDS theology, authority-claims, and theological commitments. When Christians might disagree so thoroughly with McConkie’s conclusions, why do they so often appreciate his clarity on topics such as the Nature of God(s), the exclusive claims of Joseph Smith’s restoration of priesthood and Church, and his boldly declaring the “heresies” that define “apostate Christendom”? While LDS often maintain their rhetorical commitment to restored authority via living prophets and apostles, why is there such a casual and dismissive attitude toward one of the great doctrinal authorities in Mormon history? In other words, when even those skeptical toward the doctrinal status of many of McConkie’s teachings acknowledge him as one of the most respected Scripture-scholars and the “most doctrinaire leader of his era”, why has his reputation suffered so thoroughly by even many within the LDS community? Moreover, should Christian-outsiders continue to focus on McConkie’s published works?Article: “Bruce R. McConkie: Respected General Authority, or Theological Hack?”Check out: Mormonism Research MinistryAlso check out:“An LDS Apostle’s Answers, Grounded in Mormon ‘Truth’”; “Opposing a Mormon Prophet, Seer, Revelator” by Sharon LindbloomSome Bruce R. McConkie resources:“Elder Bruce R. McConkie Dies” (May 1985)Mormon DoctrineDoctrinal New Testament Commentary (3 volumes)The Messiah Series (6 volumes)A New Witness for the Articles of Faith“Celestial Marriage”“All Are Alike Unto God”“Our Relationship with the Lord”“The Seven Deadly Heresies”“What Think Ye of Salvation by Grace?”“The Mystery of Godliness”“The Purifying Power of Gethsemane”Other resources:“Speaking with Authority: The Theological Influence of Elder Bruce R. McConkie” by David James BuergerBruce R. McConkie: Apostle and Polemicist, 1915-1985 by Devery AndersonSecond-Class Saints by Matthew HarrisConflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Ver todos los episodios