This is the biography of a contested memory, how it was born, grew, changed the world, and was changed by it. It's the story of the story of how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began. Joseph Smith, the church's founder, remembered that his first audible prayer, uttered in spring of 1820 when he was about fourteen, was answered with a vision of heavenly beings. Appearing to the boy in the woods near his parents' home in western New York State, they told Smith that he was forgiven and warned him that Christianity had gone astray. Smith created a rich and controversial historical record by narrating and documenting this event repeatedly. In First Vision, Steven C. Harper shows how Latter-day Saints (beginning with Joseph Smith) and others have remembered this experience and rendered it meaningful. When and why and how did Joseph Smith's first vision, as saints know the event, become their seminal story? What challenges did it face along the way? What changes did it undergo as a result? Can it possibly hold its privileged position against the tides of doubt and disbelief, memory studies, and source criticism-all in the information age? Steven C. Harper tells the story of how Latter-day Saints forgot and then remembered accounts of Smith's experience and how Smith's 1838 account was redacted and canonized. He explores the dissonance many saints experienced after discovering multiple accounts of Smith's experience. He describes how, for many, the dissonance has been resolved by a reshaped collective memory.

Joseph Smith's First Vision of the Father and the Son in 1820 was the first of many visions the Prophet and early Church members experienced. This volume brings together some of the finest presentations from the 2020 BYU Church History Symposium honoring the bicentennial of the First Vision. Explore the influence of the First Vision, as well as teachings of other visionaries.

This is the biography of a contested memory, how it was born, grew, changed the world, and was changed by it. It's the story of the story of how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began. Joseph Smith, the church's founder, remembered that his first audible prayer, uttered in spring of 1820 when he was about fourteen, was answered with a vision of heavenly beings. Appearing to the boy in the woods near his parents' home in western New York State, they told Smith that he was forgiven and warned him that Christianity had gone astray. Smith created a rich and controversial historical record by narrating and documenting this event repeatedly. In First Vision, Steven C. Harper shows how Latter-day Saints (beginning with Joseph Smith) and others have remembered this experience and rendered it meaningful. When and why and how did Joseph Smith's first vision, as saints know the event, become their seminal story? What challenges did it face along the way? What changes did it undergo as a result? Can it possibly hold its privileged position against the tides of doubt and disbelief, memory studies, and source criticism-all in the information age? Steven C. Harper tells the story of how Latter-day Saints forgot and then remembered accounts of Smith's experience and how Smith's 1838 account was redacted and canonized. He explores the dissonance many saints experienced after discovering multiple accounts of Smith's experience. He describes how, for many, the dissonance has been resolved by a reshaped collective memory.

The Mormon Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) admits that it stands or falls on the validity or otherwise of Joseph Smith's claimed First Vision. This booklet examines each aspect of Smith's official account and compares it with historical evidence, including his own earlier versions of events, along with all Smith's other writings - to arrive at the only possible conclusion. Was the vision a first time, first hand, divine experience or was it made up as Smith went along and just part of an elaborate hoax? This work is made available in the interest of truth and integrity for those who want to know or share the truth which is supported by hard evidence. A PDF eBook version is also available (click on 'Author's Spotlight' for more details) which may be copied and shared (see copyright conditions). This booklet is also available to read free as an article at: www.themormondelusion.com. Click on 'The First Vision' tab on the side bar of the home page.

Step into the Sacred Grove as you open the pages of this fascinating history. And learn anew of Joseph's humility, diligence, and faith—and the miraculous answer to his simple prayer. This beautiful book contains color-coded excerpts from all ten accounts of the First Vision that were written or published during Joseph Smith's lifetime. These rare eyewitness records share unique insights into the boy Joseph. With a gorgeous design and stunning full-color photos, this book is sure to become a keepsake in your home for years to come.

This book is focused on Jesus's message to the seven churches. It's as relevant to us today as it was in John's day. In Revelation 1:3, Jesus says to keep the things which are written in it.Ask yourself, "What do you know about what Jesus Christ wants for you to do?" You may say, "I believe, I ask forgiveness of my sins, go to church, and that's it." Then you need to take a journey to discover what Jesus wants from us.It's easy to skim through a passage and say, "I got it," Just as I became engaged in researching and studying God's word. Hopefully, this results in a greater understanding of the passage. The key is the Bible itself; the Old and New Testaments are treasure troves of supporting verses. You will find the true meaning that God and Jesus Christ are telling you.In Matthew 7:7, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." I hope and pray that you will find this book helpful as you read through it and discover the true treasure.