Role of The Encyclopedia Relative To The Church
Although the LDS Church cooperated in the production of the book, particularly by setting aside Brigham Young University (BYU) resources, the Encyclopedia was meant to be independent and unofficial in the church. Ludlow highlights this in his concluding preface remarks:
- Lest the role of the Encyclopedia be given more weight than it deserves, the editors make it clear that those who have written and edited have only tried to explain their understanding of Church history, doctrines, and procedures; their statement and opinions remain their own. The Encyclopedia of Mormonism is a joint product of Brigham Young University and Macmillan Publishing Company, and its contents do not necessarily represent the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. – Encyclopedia of Mormonism, p. lxii.
The official web-site of the LDS church also noted this position.
In spite of these comments and the non-Mormon publisher, the Encyclopedia is referred to as an official or at least semi-official publication by many outsiders of the Church. This view has credence because LDS Church-owned BYU was contractual author of the work. Furthermore, six general authorities, though not credited editors, worked on the project including Dallin H. Oaks, Neal A. Maxwell, and Jeffrey R. Holland (president of BYU when the project began).
Read more about this topic: Encyclopedia Of Mormonism
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