The First Vision of Joseph Smith
Many Mormon sources were consulted in the preparation of Millions of Mormons Can’t Be Wrong, Or Can They? Some are totally sympathetic to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while others — notably LDS scholars — have serious questions about Mormon history and doctrine.
Therefore: Be a Berean!
Recorded Accounts of The First Vision
Dennis A. Wright, DMin
The importance of the First Vision within the Latter Day Saint movement evolved over time. However there is little evidence that Smith discussed the First Vision publicly prior to 1830
New Light on Mormon Origins from Palmyra (N.Y.) Revival
Wesley P. Walters
Since 1838 when Joseph Smith set down the official account of his first vision, the story has continued to grow in importance in the eyes of Mormon leaders until it has come to be looked upon as the very foundation of their church.
The First Vision
Allen F. Harrod, DMin
Without question the “First Vision” of Joseph Smith stands as the chart and compass to the genuineness of all his subsequent revelations. If the first vision is a fabricated and evolving story, then the entire foundation of Mormonism is defective.
The First Vision
Jerald & Sandra Tanner
“On the morning of a beautiful spring day in 1820 there occurred one of the most important and momentous events in this world’s history. God, the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith and gave instructions concerning the establishment of the kingdom of God upon the earth in these latter days.” (Apostle LeGrand Richards)
The First Vision: 200 Years Later
Sandra Tanner
LDS President Russell M. Nelson started 2020 with a challenge to the church members to “immerse yourself” in the story of Joseph Smith’s First Vision and the restoration of the church in preparation for the 200th anniversary of Smith’s vision.
Joseph Smith's First Vision Stained Glass Window
Public Domain
This stained glass window was completed in 1913 by an unknown artist, and is presently displayed at the Museum of Church History and Art in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The Significance of Joseph Smith’s First Vision in Mormon Thought
James B. Allen
This singular story has achieved a position of unique importance in the traditions and official doctrine of the Mormon Church.
Finney’s Conversion to Christ
Charles Grandison Finney
On a Sabbath evening in the autumn of 1821, I made up my mind that I would settle the question of my soul’s salvation at once, that if it were possible I would make my peace with God.
Charles Finney’s Rochester Revival Timeline Event
The Association of Religion Data Archies
Excellent Research!
Charles Grandison Finney
Wikipedia
Factually accurate account of hte life of Charles Finney. Nevertheless: Be a Berean!
Comparison of Testimonies of Finney and Joseph Smith
Historical Records
Evidence that Joseph Smith’s First Vision account was cloned from Charles Finney’s conversion testimony!
The Burned Over District
Wikipedia
The term “burned-over district” refers to the western and parts of the central regions of New York State in the early 19th century, where religious revivals and the formation of new religious movements of the Second Great Awakening took place, to such a great extent that spiritual fervor seemed to set the area on fire!
Mormonism in the “Burned Over District”
Whitney R. Cross
During the quarter century following 1825 the portion of New York State west of the Catskills and the Adirondacks exhibited a variety of religious novelty unparalleled in American history.
The Rise of Mormonism in the Burned Over District: Another View
Marvin S. Hill
Was the Burned-over District unique or was it simply one section of an incubator of enthusiasms that stretched across the northern United States?
Awakenings in the Burned-Over District
Milton V. Backman, PhD
New Light on the Historical Setting of the First Vision!
Be a Berean!
Overview of Joseph Smith's First Vision Accounts
LDS Discussions
Gordon B. Hinckley famously declared, “Our whole strength rests on the validity of that [First] vision. It either occurred or it did not occur. If it did not, then this work is a fraud. If it did, then it is the most important and wonderful work under the heavens.” (The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith, Oct 2002)!
First Vision
Milton V. Backman, PhD
The First Vision of the Prophet Joseph Smith is the beginning point, the fountainhead, of the restoration of the gospel in this dispensation. This theophany occurred in a grove near Palmyra, New York, in the spring of 1820. Joseph’s narratives record that when he was in his twelfth year he began to sense the need for redemption and investigated several religious groups.
Verification of the 1838 Account of the First Vision
Milton V. Backman, PhD
A number of questions might be asked regarding the 1838 account of the theophany near Palmyra. Since Joseph Smith wrote or dictated four accounts of the First Vision, why was the 1838 one included in the Pearl of Great Price, rather than any of the other accounts? How is this 1838 version different from those? And what confirming evidence supports the reliability of the 1838 recital?
A Interesting Account of Several Remarkable Visions and of the Late Discovery of Ancient American Records
Orson Pratt
Be a Berean!!!
Official LDS Essay on First Vision Accounts, Annotated
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
This is the official LDS released essay entitled ”First Vision Accounts.” It was released by the church to help explain why Joseph Smith’s accounts of the First Vision differed from each other, and why it is not a problem for the history of the church that major details changed between Joseph Smith’s different retellings of the First Vision story. Text in black is the unedited essay from the church essay, with our comments in dark red.
The Cowdery Conundrum: Oliver's Aborted Attempt to Describe Joseph Smith's First Vision in 1834 and 1835.
Roger Nicholson
Very interesting account!
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