This is the one you have been looking for! VERY VERY rare in the first edition first printing. Yes, this has all the good stuff that had to be removed in later editions! Book is in good condition for its age showing normal wear. See pics.
About the Book:When Mormon Doctrine was first published in 1958, author Bruce R. McConkie, then a member of the Council of the Seventy, did not consult with the First Presidency before publishing an "encyclopedia" of Mormon doctrine. The book contained over one-thousand statements that had to be retracted by the Mormon Church, including claims that black individuals would never receive the priesthood and that the Catholic Church was the great and abominable church of the devil.
After several years of popularity despite some corrections being made, the Church ultimately recommended against a second edition of the book, as it contained too many errors. However, McConkie lobbied for a second edition, which became a top backlist performer for Deseret Books for over 50 years.
Although it is unclear whether the second edition was authorized by the Church, the book's success is known. The Church has not officially repudiated the book, as it is not customary for general authorities to rebuke each other. However, after Spencer W. Kimball's 1978 revelation on blacks and the priesthood, McConkie issued a statement encouraging Latter-day Saints to forget everything he had said about race and people of African descent.
Despite this, some still clung to the beliefs that McConkie had previously espoused. The book finally went off the shelves, long after McConkie's death, and without the Church's blessing.
It is noted that in the early days of the Church, leaders would call each other out for their mistakes and disagreements. Nowadays, it is not seen as appropriate to do so. Although it may be beneficial for leaders to speak out when errors are made, it is unlikely that an official rebuke will be made for Mormon Doctrine.
Overall, the book's controversial statements and subsequent revisions have made it a topic of discussion within the Mormon community. While it may be difficult to repudiate the book completely, it serves as a reminder of the Church's ongoing efforts to refine and clarify its doctrine.
The story of Mormon Doctrine also highlights the importance of transparency and collaboration in creating and disseminating religious teachings. McConkie's decision to publish the book without consulting with Church leaders, and the subsequent errors included in the first edition, demonstrate the risks of a top-down approach to religious education.
Today, the Church has made efforts to be more transparent and collaborative in its teachings. The Church produces official materials for use in classes and worship services, and leaders often encourage members to seek personal revelation and study the scriptures. This allows for a more nuanced and diverse understanding of doctrine among members.
In conclusion, Mormon Doctrine remains a controversial topic in the Mormon community. While it may have been flawed, it serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and collaboration in religious education. The Church's ongoing efforts to refine and clarify its doctrine reflect a commitment to these principles, and the hope for a better understanding of Mormonism both within and outside of the Church.