MoSto podcast Denver Snuffer: non-polygamist fundamentalist

[jay santos]

Interesting podcast.

Denver Snuffer (apparently his real name) is an interesting character.

--lawyer, very articulate
--well researched in LDS history, doctrine, Bible
--fundamentalist, ie takes scripture literally and looks in scripture for answers to questions
--believes deeply in Joseph Smith
--affiliates with LDS but doesn't believe there's any more revelation in the church. He makes the comparison of Joseph Smith similar to Moses and TSM comparable to a good Caiphas. ie he holds the office and leads the organization and should be followed to an extent but does not act as a real prophet.
--claims to have seen Jesus Christ and received the second endowment ordinance, in addition to have other visitations from angels. but these experiences don't lead him to starting a new church or out of the LDS church, he feels it fits within the LDS experience
--has not been excommunicated or disciplined and has a temple recommend and holds a calling
--believes polygamy was right for Joseph but bad the way Brigham took it. Does not believe in polygamy.

The most interesting thing about the podcast and the reason I endured the two hours was the first comment on the MoSto board from McKay Platt, who I assume is the well known Utah County doctor and probably the biggest contributor to this thread http://cougaruteforum.com/showthread.php?t=50571. I'm not sure how to interpret Platt's comments exactly, but he seems to be supporter. The Snuffer and the Snipper? OK, and yes, I wrote this whole post just for that line.

[jay santos]

Just googled and found this.

http://www.amazon.com/review/R1HZUJ4BDCWFU2

[old_gregg]

why am i thinking that there is an hon. denver snuffer floating around in slc? any relation?

[jay santos]

why am i thinking that there is an hon. denver snuffer floating around in slc? any relation?

http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/p/about-me_11.html

He says he's a lawyer in Sandy.

[jay santos]

The Snuffer and The Snipper, and you guys give me nothing?

[ERCougar]

This is on my queue.
There was guy who recommended his book to me. It was really out of the blue--I know the guy well on a professional basis, but we've never really discussed religion. In fact, I sort of avoid non-work topics with him because despite being very bright and "normal" appearing, he was not reticent to share with me, a relative stranger at the time, his thoughts on the 9/11 government conspiracy. Needless to say, I pretty much ignored this book recommendation and forgot about it until I saw the podcast pop up.
Is he interesting enough to pick up the book?

[NorthwestUteFan]

ER, you probably should get that book. It may give you, according to the author, a chance to see Christ face to face. That is an experience George Albert Smith never had.

[ERCougar]

I listened to this yesterday. Funny how different people pick up different things, but I thought it was really interesting. My reactions:
-I didnt get the anti-church vibe that you got. I think his main point is that the church is a vehicle for deeper spiritual experience--it's a means, not an end. Yes, he has some criticism, but it centers around those in the organization that put the organization above all. I actually came away from the podcast much more interested in church.
-I'm not sure I agree with his polygamy take, although its certainly an interesting one.

There's more to the podcast, but on the whole, I enjoyed him, because his views resonate with an idea I've been gravitating towards for quite a while. If God is real, He's indescribable. Religion represents man's attempt to describe the divine, which is necessarily going to fall short. It often starts with an individual, be it Mohammed, Buddha, Jesus, or Joseph Smith--who has an experience with the divine and then attempts to help others achieve the same. The approach becomes codified and risks losing much of its vitality, as people start to put the earthly organization and its rules and policies above what it's pointing to.

Really, he's just asking Mormons to look deeper. Most people seem to be resigned to the idea that an experience with God is reserved for the upper echelons of the Church.

[DU Ute]

He has good taste in music.

http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2012/03/cake-shadow-stabbing.html

[Jeff Lebowski]

Listened to this podcast last week. While he seems to engage in sophistry in some of his doctrinal discussions, I like his style overall. Very interesting guy.

[The Fourth Nephite]

Just googled and found this.

http://www.amazon.com/review/R1HZUJ4BDCWFU2

I bought it and started reading it and then I realized that if the author knew anything about it he probably wouldn't be writing a book.

[Uncle Ted]

It seems that Denver Snuffer might now be excommunicated for the publication of one of his books, Passing the Heavenly Gift...

http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2013/08/dont-call-me-yes-that-means-you-too_23.html

About Denver Snuffer:

Denver C. Snuffer, Jr. is an attorney living in Sandy, Utah. He has an Associates of Arts Degree from Daniel Webster Junior College, a Bachelor's of Business Administration Degree from McMurry University, a Juris Doctor's Degree from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University. He was admitted to practice law in 1980, and has been a practicing attorney since then. He was a convert to the LDS faith in 1973 when 19 years old, and has now been a member of the LDS Church for over 32 years. Currently he serves as a member of the Stake High Council in the Sandy, Crescent Stake. Previously he has taught Gospel Doctrine and Priesthood classes for twenty-one years in wards in Pleasant Grove, Alpine and Sandy, Utah. He has instructed graduate Institute Classes at the University of Utah College of Law for two years, and instructed at the BYU Education Week for three years. He also currently teaches a weekly class on the Book of Mormon.

[old_gregg]

It seems that Denver Snuffer might now be excommunicated for the publication of one of his books, Passing the Heavenly Gift...

http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2013/08/dont-call-me-yes-that-means-you-too_23.html

About Denver Snuffer:

he's a nut

[Jeff Lebowski]

It seems that Denver Snuffer might now be excommunicated for the publication of one of his books, Passing the Heavenly Gift...

http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2013/08/dont-call-me-yes-that-means-you-too_23.html

About Denver Snuffer:

Thats a real shame. I don't think the material in that book is worthy of an excommunication. I wish we could get away from that kind of reaction.

[Indy Coug]

Thats a real shame. I don't think the material in that book is worthy of an excommunication. I wish we could get away from that kind of reaction.

What do you believe is the appropriate course of action?