User:Rich jj/Sandbox/Duane S. Crowther

Duane Swofford Crowther is an American author, speaker, and publisher on subjects of interest to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon or LDS Church).

Biography
taught music in the public school system

spoke extensively for LDS youth groups and education weeks

worked in LDS seminary system

fulfilled three missions

Married Jean Decker, and they have eight children.

Teach adult education workshops on writing and music at Bountiful High School.

In the 1990s, hundreds came to hear lectures given by Crowther, as well as with other popular speakers of the time, such as Betty J. Eadie and Cleon Skousen, all sponsored by ultra-conservative groups in the Salt Lake Valley.

Horizon Publishers
Crowther created his own publishing company, Horizon Publishers, which he may have sold.

president of Horizon Publishers & Distributors

Did his own distribution?

More on Horizon

Acquisition by Cornerstone in 2000.

Sued Cornerstone for $1,000,000. Appeal in 2005 denied.

Continued operation after mission.

Acquisition by Cedar Fort

Publications
Crowther in the Dialogue index: http://www.dialoguejournal.com/new_index/c.asp

Prophecy: Key to the Future
"Prophecy: Key to the Future" was very popular in early 1960s in Salt Lake City, sold many copies.

Predicted the time of the second coming.

The book drew upon Ezra Taft Benson, Joseph Smith's alleged "White Horse Prophecy", and others, to argue that the enemies of America, including communists, would attempt overthrow of the constitution but would be thwarted by the Latter-day Saints. In the end, the calamities will plague the nation and Americans will seek out the Mormon's safe haven of Utah.

Thus Saith the Lord
Titled Thus Saith the Lord: The Role of Prophets and Revelation in the Kingdom of God. Originally printed 4000 copies. Something about the book was greatly disliked by a General Authority, who applied some pressure on Crowther to destroy the copies, which he did. Crowther wouldn't name who this was. Today it is considered a scarce book, not actually rare.

Some guy's comment about how the confrontation happened: http://www.beliefnet.com/boards/message_list.asp?pageID=18&discussionID=559915&messages_per_page=4

Contents
The book discussed the differences between revelation, inspiration, and personal opinion of church leaders.

Contemporary prophecy is rarer, or more subdued, than in the early church? Book supposedly held back because members weren't ready for its information?

Seemed to advocate that Biblical prophets were separate from church leaders, and sometimes not even members of the church. Their purpose was to speak for God, not his church. They may have held higher priesthood than the church, though membership may not have known it.

Further material

 * zoominfo profile
 * Speech: daughter's death from leukemia led to interest in life after death
 * League of Utah Writers speech
 * http://www.ldswm.org/index.php?page=DA&file=/var/www/www.ldswm.com/files/databases/aut/1183132073-768629688468529a904a634.90278654-ACKMX.db