The Mormon Doctrine of Deity: The Roberts-Van Der Donckt Discussion

This work brings listeners into a lively early‑20th‑century conversation about the nature of God as taught by the Latter‑day Saint tradition. It centers on a scholarly exchange between two prominent figures, Roberts and Van Der Donckt, and includes a separate discourse by B. H. Roberts that frames the discussion with scriptural references and early revelations. The opening pages set the stage by recalling Joseph Smith’s first vision of two divine personages and the theological ripple it created.

The text then presents a curated collection of authoritative Mormon statements that articulate a view of deity as both anthropomorphic and plural—a council of distinct, glorious beings. By juxtaposing Old‑Testament and New‑Testament language, the authors explain how this doctrine differs sharply from contemporary Christian and other religious conceptions, emphasizing its roots in revelation rather than philosophy.

Finally, the narrative recounts the heated public lectures of 1901 that sparked renewed interest and controversy, showing how church leaders responded with reasoned defense rather than polemics. Listeners will gain a clear sense of the historical stakes and the earnest effort to clarify a misunderstood faith tradition.