First Vision Accounts (LDS Gospel Topics) | Unveiling Mormonism

Bryan, Bo and KD talk about the multiple accounts of the First Vision and the article in the Gospel Topics series. <br />
--<br />
The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. <br />
Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism (pursuegod.org/mormonism).<br />
Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series (www.pursuegod.org/pursuit-lds/).<br />
Click here (www.pursuegod.org/about/) to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.<br />
Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.<br />
Donate Now (unveiling-mormonism.captivate.fm/donate) <br />
--<br />
Find the article here (www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/first-vision-accounts). <br />
The First Vision is one of the most pivotal events in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), regarded as the moment when Joseph Smith, the founder of the church, received a divine visitation from God the Father and Jesus Christ. This vision, which Smith claimed to have experienced in 1820 in the woods near his home in Palmyra, New York, is foundational to LDS theology, marking the beginning of the Restoration of the gospel and the establishment of the LDS Church. As such, the account of this vision is central to the faith of millions of Latter-day Saints.<br />
In an effort to address the complexities surrounding the multiple accounts of the First Vision, the LDS Church published an article titled "The First Vision Accounts" in its Gospel Topics series. The article is part of the Church's broader effort to engage with historical scholarship, acknowledging that there are discrepancies between the various accounts Joseph Smith gave of his vision over the years. While the article seeks to harmonize these differences and present the vision as a consistent and inspired event, a closer critical examination reveals several concerns, particularly regarding its treatment of historical context, the inconsistencies between accounts, and the theological implications of these discrepancies.<br />
1. Acknowledging Multiple Accounts The article begins by acknowledging that Joseph Smith gave several accounts of the First Vision over the years, each with varying details. This is a notable step in the Church's public engagement with historical criticism, as it is an issue that has long been raised by scholars and critics alike. The article lists the key versions of the First Vision: the 1832 account, the 1835 account (given to a man named Joshua, later written down by a scribe), the 1838 account (which is the version published in the History of the Church), and later retellings in the 1840s.<br />
The acknowledgment of multiple accounts is an important admission, especially given that some critics have argued that the differing versions undermine the credibility of Joseph Smith’s vision. The article explains that these differences are not contradictions, but rather reflections of Joseph Smith's evolving understanding of the experience, the audience he was addressing, and his desire to emphasize certain aspects of the vision depending on the context.<br />
While this approach offers a plausible defense for the differing accounts, the article could be seen as somewhat dismissive of the deeper implications of these discrepancies. A more robust engagement with the question of why Joseph Smith's retellings varied so widely, both in terms of content and theological emphasis, would provide a more...<br />
<br />
Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/24649599?utm_source=youtube