Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley

Rating:
Summary: Excellent resource
Review: Our whole family uses this book. Topics begin with Aaronic Priesthood, and end with Zion. It is set up alphabetically with an index in the back so finding subjects is easy. Other topics include abortion, restoration, self-discipline, service, temples, work, and scores of others. There is no deep doctrine here, my teenagers use it frequently. Mormon nitpickers might want to note that NOT every book "put out by the Mormons" (or an individual Mormon) is REQUIRED to discuss all facets of mormonism. Just as not all cookbooks contain EVERY recipe in the world. That's why we keep buying them. Teachings' is a BASIC overview of Pres Hinckley's teachings. And a good one at that.

Rating:
Summary: All fluff, no substance
Review: This book is worthwhile to read (barely), but not for the reasons listed by previous reviewers. It contains none of the distinctive theology of mormonism. Hinckley is more analogous to a CEO than a prophet and his writings are reflective of that. He dances around important issues, makes broad generalizations and certainly says nothing prophetic. I own this book and from the day I bought it as a mormon to now it is equally useless. At least the writings of the early "prophets" like Brigham Young and Joseph Fielding Smith had some substance and took some stands, however ill-gotten they may have been. No wonder it is difficult to get the early writings. A prime example of Hinckley's waffling is on the abortion questions. On the one hand it is wrong, on the other it is sometimes OK, on the third, check with local leaders and do whatever seems right. Abortion is either wrong or it is not. Much like Hinckley lying on national TV regarding the Mormon churches view of men becoming gods, this book is full of feel good sayings that amount to nothing new. Besides, no matter what he says he or any subsequent "prophet" can change their minds as they see fit later on. On second thought, this book isn't worthwhile to read. Find some old copies of Bruce McConkie's Mormon Doctrine or Brigham Young's Journal of Discourses. They were flat out wrong but at least they took a stand.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful, but....
Review: This is the pinnacle of thought from one of the greatest men on the earth. In short I would have to say that all, non-LDS and LDS, should have this piece of work. My only issue with it is that it cannot be comprehensive as new teaching are coming from President Hinckley.