After being a Mormon for forty years, the author was excommunicated by the LDS Church because he would not withdraw publication of this book. In this book he explains how Mormonism has undergone four distinct phases. The first began in 1820 and ended with Joseph Smith's death in 1844. The second began upon Joseph Smith's death and ended with abandonment of plural marriage, publicly in 1890 and privately in 1904. In the third phase Mormonism denounced as apostasy its practice of plural wives, marking the first time an orthodox practice became grounds for excommunication. The fourth phase began with David O. McKay and is still underway. In it Mormonism has adopted corporate management techniques to consolidate and direct central church decision-making. The first phase was innovative and expansive, continually adding doctrine, scripture, teachings and ordinances. Subsequent phases have curtailed, abandoned, even denounced earlier teaching and doctrine. Phases two through four have all abandoned doctrine. Growth in these subsequent phases has been defined in terms of political influence, financial gains, cultural inroads, and population growth; while the underlying religion has been curtailed. Today, marketing the institution has become more important to Mormon success than preserving the original religious content. The changes from phase to phase have completely transformed Mormonism, sharing a vocabulary but redefining the terms. Modern Mormonism has now institutionalized change. For the first time in this book Mormonism is candidly described in terms which track the changes by examining doctrine, teachings and practices. Interestingly, the passing of the heavenly gift was anticipated by Joseph Smith's prophecies and the Book of Mormon.

This book discusses the mortal life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Although there have been many books written about Christ, this one is unique. By closely examining the historical setting in which He lived, His radical teachings and the deliberate sacrifice of His life, we see Jesus Christ as a stunning leader, teacher and example. His words still challenge mankind. His example still towers above history. His teachings still require us to answer the question He put to all His followers: "What think ye of Christ?" This book is the author's answer to that question. It will help you decide your own answer to the question. You will be introduced to a Jesus Christ you likely have not met--until now.

The Second Comforter describes the process, as set out in the Gospel of Jesus Christ taught through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is an Odyssey through the greatest principles, ordinances and meanings of the Latter-day Saint faith in a comprehensive narrative. It will change the way you think of yourself, and of your life.

This is the second volume of the series Remembering the Covenant, taken from the material originally published on-line in the blog "From the Desk of Denver Snuffer."