***This episode contains brief and sensitive discussions of racist views--The Analyst & The Fool does not condone these views--Listener discretion is advised***

Bruce R. McConkie (1915-1985) stands as one of the most authoritative voices in present-day Mormonism; his views are pervasive and oftentimes considered to represent Mormonism itself. In lesson manuals that were in use from the mid-to-late-1970s until the Church implemented the "Come Follow Me" program in 2019, Bruce R, McConkie was quoted more than any other General Authority of the Church, including past leaders like Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. His book Mormon Doctrine (1st ed. published in 1958, 2nd ed. in 1968 with a revised version in 1979) is still one of Deseret Book's best-selling texts, despite its removal from shelves in 2010. His Messiah series and his Doctrinal Commentaries series are still available for purchase at Deseret Book. 

But what is it about Bruce R. McConkie that made him so authoritative and ubiquitous? 

The answer, in short, is that he spoke loudly and carried a big stick!

McConkie is an incredibly controversial figure in Mormon history, despite his authoritative pervasiveness. In fact, it was the authoritative and charismatic way he wrote and spoke that made him so controversial to Church leaders at the time he first published Mormon Doctrine and made a big splash on the Mormon scene. His version of a strict, Puritanical, and law-driven Mormonism made understanding the faith resolute in an era where the Church had been fighting to remain neutral on certain stances (e.g., evolution and the nature of God). McConkie was anti-evolution, anti-creed, and anti-human nature, all while preaching a "particular universalist" salvation where all are saved, but only a select few will be exalted in the Celestial Kingdom. He knew the scriptures inside and out, being able to quote verses perfectly from memory and provide cross-references to other scriptures to provide further context and commentary. He, like Joseph Smith, will forever be known for good and evil in how instrumental he was in shaping Mormon discourse in the present day. 

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Suggested reading for overachievers:

Mormons and the Bible: The Place of the Latter-day Saints in American Religion by Philip Barlow 

David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism by Gregory Prince

Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie

The Messiah Series by Bruce R. McConkie

"What Think Ye of Salvation by Grace?" by Bruce R. McConkie (access here: https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/bruce-r-mcconkie/think-ye-salvation-grace/)

"The Seven Deadly Heresies" by Bruce R. McConkie (access here: https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/bruce-r-mcconkie/seven-deadly-heresies/)

"All Are Alike Unto God" by Bruce R. McConkie (This is the talk that Pres. Spencer W. Kimball commanded McConkie to give at BYU following the removal of the priesthood ban in 1978); access here: https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/bruce-r-mcconkie/alike-unto-god/)