DOCTRINAL NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARY - COMPLETE THREE VOLUME SET - I (1) The Gospels, II (2) Acts-Philippians, III (3) Colossians-Revelation

(LDS, MORMON) Bruce R. McConkie's three-volume commentary on the New Testament holds a unique place in LDS theological writing. Like his great book Mormon Doctrine, McConkie is in-depth, authoritative in tone, and willing to speculate. When reading McConkie's publications, it is vital to understand that privately published books by general authorities do not represent church doctrine. Marion G. Romney, a member of the twelve, once wrote a report of "Mormon Doctrine" for President David O. McKay which mainly "dealt with Elder McConkie's usage of forceful, blunt language; some strongly worded statements about ambiguous doctrine and matters of opinion; and the overall authoritative tone throughout the book, though in general Elder Romney had a high regard for Mormon Doctrine and felt it filled an evident need remarkably well." (wikipedia, Bruce R. McConkie, 2007). The same could be said about this volume. While McConkie does sometimes seem more sure about things than he really should be, his understanding is terrific and his research is meticulous. I first read his DNTC as a missionary, and I found myself constantly copying quotes from his pages into the margins of my scriptures. I am a big fan of Christian commentaries of the New Testament written by authorities of other faiths, but if you want a commentary that has integrated the teachings of the restoration, you can't beat this. Bear in mind that this book is generally quite dry and is not aimed at inspirational stories. The strength of this book is it's ability to explain those scriptures that seem confusing or inconsistent with some other doctrine. When a minister of another faith or someone in Gospel Doctrine class quotes some scripture in the New Testament as a challenge or a question to a church doctrine and I think I'm stumped, these are the books I open to find an explanation. Theologians of other faiths will also find these books great for gaining new insights into the New Testament.(Amazon Customer Review)