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The term doctrine is used to refer to the principles and teaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught in Mormonism. The word is used throughout the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants, three of the official four scriptures that make up the canon of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly referred to as the LDS or Mormon Church). In the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 31:21 states, "this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father."Mormon members are reminded that while it is good to discuss doctrinal topics, they should be careful to avoid personal thoughts or speculation, especially when talking to those of other faiths. Elder Henry B. Eyring stated,Because we need the Holy Ghost, we must be cautious and careful not to go beyond teaching true doctrine. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Truth. His confirmation is invited by our avoiding speculation or personal interpretation. That can be hard to do. You love the person you are trying to influence. He or she may have ignored the doctrine they have been taught. It is tempting to try something new or sensational. But we invite the Holy Ghost as our companion when we are careful to teach only true doctrine. (“The Power of Teaching Doctrine,” Ensign, May 1999, 73) Additionally, Mormons believe it is their duty to make sure their children learn doctrine. Members and those outside the Mormon Church often cite a book titled Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie when looking for statements of doctrine. While many of the things in Mormon Doctrine are true, members and non-members should understand that this book is not considered official doctrine of the LDS Church. In the preface to Mormon Doctrine Bruce R. McConkie himself wrote:This work on Mormon Doctrine is designed to help persons seeking salvation to gain that knowledge of God and his laws without which they cannot hope for an inheritance in the celestial city. Since it is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance of God and his laws, and since man is saved no faster than he gains knowledge of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation, it follows that men are obligated at their peril to learn and apply the true doctrines of the gospel. This gospel compendium will enable men, more effectively, to "teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom"; to "be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient" for them "to understand." (D&C 88:77-78.) For the work itself, I assume sole and full responsibility. This preface clearly illustrates that the book gives doctrine as Bruce R. McConkie understood it. It was not approved by the Mormon Church at any point as containing or complete or correct Mormon Church doctrine. This is not saying that the book is not worthwhile; many people can gain insight and understanding from Mormon Doctrine with the help of the Holy Ghost. As a way to avoid confusion, the Mormon Church approved the printing of The Encyclopedia of Mormonism by the MacMillan Publishing Company. Brigham Young University, which is run by the Mormon Church, was given the responsibility for the content of The Encyclopedia of Mormonism. This however is still only semi-official as all the information in the Encyclopedia was not approved by the First Presidency of the Church. For More Information Basic Beliefs of Mormonism