Mormon Dilemma 989 Dragons were Dinosaurs

Mormon Doctrine, p 208; “See DEVIL, SERPENT. Dragons belong to the serpent family; they are fabulous monsters — often represented as winged serpents breathing fire. Traditionally fierce and relentless in combat, it is possible that later-age concepts of them grew from memories of the pre-flood dinosaurs. In any event, the term dragon was applied with great propriety by John to Satan. (Rev. 12; 13:2-4; 16:13; 20:2.) As the fiercest and most dreaded of serpents, the name is certainly appropriate for the most fierce and relentlessly wicked of all beings.” – Bruce McConkie

1 Timothy 4:7; “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.”

For not knowing a lot about dragons Mr. McConkie sure had a lot to say about them. You’ll notice his theory went from ‘it is possible’ to absolutes by using an allegory in John’s revelation – an allegory of all things… 

Remember, context is key!  Always read and apply everything in context! How did McConkie surmise that dragons are the fiercest and most dreaded of serpents? Is there evidence to prove this and if so, where? 

What purpose does this information serve for Mormons like my mother? Can she learn a precious truth about Jesus from this? 

When compiling info for his encyclopedic work I wonder why things like this were deemed worthy of mention when he could have utilized his platform in a better manner to glorify God. In another section of Mormon Doctrine McConkie, aka Mormonism as a whole, went to great lengths to denounce things like evolution and didn’t even mention dinosaurs.