How Important Is Joseph Smith's First Vision?
Does it appear that the historians are clearly stating that Joseph Smith’s first vision of the Lord appearing to him was not considered ‘foundational’ to the organizing and building of the Church? Does it appear Whitmer was unaware of any revelation given to Joseph Smith regarding the appearance of either God the Father or Jesus Christ personally appearing to Joseph Smith at any time? What records predating 1832 “hint” at Joseph Smith earliest manifestation? And why do they only hint at this?
They even suggest that John Whitmer perhaps was not even aware of Joseph Smith’s first vision. If this is true, how important can this first vision of Joseph Smith really be? Has it not been suggested by others that the main doctrine of the church …show more content…
Yet Hinckley, McKay and Brown say exactly the opposite about the importance of the first vision.
Which line of belief are we to follow? Was the first vision foundational or not? Why would John Whitmer, the official church historian, not be aware of this claim of Joseph Smith’s first vision?
Gordon B. Hinckley places the importance of the first vision above anything else the church teaches. Wouldn’t this include the teaching of the Book of Mormon? Wouldn’t this include temple work and the wearing of special undergarments? Yet would the historians have us believe the story of the first vision was perhaps not well known and the Book of Mormon was perhaps the most important belief of the Church when it was founded?
Does it not appear that we need some very substantial clarification on this disagreement between Prophets of the Church and the Historians accurate confirmation of the ignorance of the first vision? As already pointed out, the Joseph Smith Papers certainly appears to be an official publication of the current Mormon Church and would therefore be their official position on everything published
They even suggest that John Whitmer perhaps was not even aware of Joseph Smith’s first vision. If this is true, how important can this first vision of Joseph Smith really be? Has it not been suggested by others that the main doctrine of the church …show more content…
Yet Hinckley, McKay and Brown say exactly the opposite about the importance of the first vision.
Which line of belief are we to follow? Was the first vision foundational or not? Why would John Whitmer, the official church historian, not be aware of this claim of Joseph Smith’s first vision?
Gordon B. Hinckley places the importance of the first vision above anything else the church teaches. Wouldn’t this include the teaching of the Book of Mormon? Wouldn’t this include temple work and the wearing of special undergarments? Yet would the historians have us believe the story of the first vision was perhaps not well known and the Book of Mormon was perhaps the most important belief of the Church when it was founded?
Does it not appear that we need some very substantial clarification on this disagreement between Prophets of the Church and the Historians accurate confirmation of the ignorance of the first vision? As already pointed out, the Joseph Smith Papers certainly appears to be an official publication of the current Mormon Church and would therefore be their official position on everything published