David O McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism

[Ann]

I think I got this from a Greg Prince interview and it has stuck with me. He said that instead of a “let them obey” attitude towards the membership, McKay’s was “let them grow.”

[SamBee]

I believe President McKay is the most underrated church leader.

It was he that first tackled the priesthood ban seriously. He failed in getting an African exemption but succeeded in opening up our temples to non-African blacks such as Fijians.

I love the cake story!

McKay also made the church global in a way not seen before through temples in Europe and NZ.

I'm also probably related to him so I'm biased.

I won't completely diss McConkie though. I think he was trying to give LDS doctrine the kind of rigor and certitude to be found in the Catholic Church.

[LookingHard]

I believe President McKay is the most underrated church leader.

Agreed. I think many today would be shocked by (and like) his leadership style.

I won't completely diss McConkie though. I think he was trying to give LDS doctrine the kind of rigor and certitude to be found in the Catholic Church.

The same McConkie that labeled it the great and abominable church?

[SamBee]

I believe President McKay is the most underrated church leader.

Agreed. I think many today would be shocked by (and like) his leadership style.

I won't completely diss McConkie though. I think he was trying to give LDS doctrine the kind of rigor and certitude to be found in the Catholic Church.

The same McConkie that labeled it the great and abominable church?

It's interesting the ways in which Mormonism has emulated it. We have popes, cathedrals, and a Vatican of sorts. We even have a Blessed Virgin Mary lurking in the wings.

[Willhewonder]

I read this book and couldn't put it down. President McKay was the Church President of my youth. I was so excited to learn of his criticisms of Mormon Doctrine. Also the story about why all those baptism in Central America dried up just as I arrived there on my mission.

I met him when I was a young man. My grandfather worked in the Church Office Building and he took me up to his office one day. After he showed his office to me, he asked if I would like to meet the Prophet. I was excited to, but had mixed emotions. I was having some young man problems and I was just sure that President McKay would take one look at me and know all about it. But I couldn't say no!!! I can't remember whether my grandfather made a call, or left for a short time, but presently President David O. McKay came into the room we were in. He was in a wheel chair. My grandfather encouraged me to go shake his hand, which I tentatively did. I only regret that the thrill of meeting him was so tinged with guilt. He was very kind and gracious to me.

[Heber13]

Thanks for sharing the experience. Interesting you got to meet him at a young age.

I also liked the book and how a strong leader was able to set a tone, even overlook things that weren't important in order to love others more deeply or focus on the right things, such as the story where he wanted a coke and was told they only had cups with Coke on it that would reveal he was drinking caffeinated soda. Good stories.