Totally awesome article and is "right on". At differing times in our lives, our facts are added to and changed depending on our clarity of recollection of memories at that precise moment.
Voin CanpbellSeptember 22, 2014
My heart is soft toward Joseph and his endless difficulties because of his sacred personal experiences, which we was required to publish. I have rarely shared with anyone my most sacred personal witness of Christ, until many years later. When I first spoke of one particular experience, it was met with disbelief and anger, (partially because of my own obvious imperfections). Later, knowing I was accountable before God and man, I recorded them in my journal (which has since been destroyed by accident) but have seldom spoken in any detail about them. When I finally recorded them again, many years (about 50) has passed, it was difficult to remember some of the details, especially exact timelines and sequence of important related events. So, I recorded as best I could. These potential sequence errors, could, in the minds of some, raise credibility issues. I hope my posterity will kindly understand that. Though flawed, I have never denied what I knew to be true and have never wavered in that testimony, when the spirit required it of me. Please be kind toward the boy Prophet Joseph, who was required, even in his personal weaknesses, to bring about the Book of Mormon and the Restoration of the pure Gospel and Church of Jesus Christ, in these latter days. I believe him and love him for his faith and courage to do and say what he was required of the Lord to do.
John W RobertsonSeptember 21, 2014
The Joseph Smith history account is quite plain that there was more to it (verse 20).
Its no different than being asked by someone what happens in the temple endowment at 4 different times in your life. It is sacred. You can't say much about it. You throw out something you feel is a reasonable, but still veiled, response. Someone comparing your four answers might note that they don't describe the event coherently. Which they shouldn't. Because you are just giving a hint of what happened in a fairly long sacred experience.
If the endowment is sacred enough to keep to ourselves, the first vision is more so. One is divine instruction in his house. The other is instruction by him personally.
More happened than what he tells about. And rightly so.
Terry AndersonSeptember 18, 2014
I had a profound spiritual experience when I was 18, or was it 19, or maybe even 20? The only external event I can use to pin it down was a TV show on the Evolution of Man that was aired on TV that night. To be precise, I would have to go back through the TV schedule of 40-years ago. This doesn't make the event any less real. I actually recorded the experience in my first journal, somewhat inspired by Joseph Smith, but would be hard pressed to find it now. I'm sure if I told the event to 10-different people, I would say it 10-different ways, depending on the background of those I was addressing.
Ruth HansenSeptember 18, 2014
We can debate forever and a day, the so called discrepancies in the accounts of the first vision. However, the vision either happened or it didn't. I choose to believe that it did happen, and that Joseph saw the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. I also believe that the first account, which is the one found in the scriptures, is true, and any others....well, we don't worry about. We have to stop wasting time at nit-picking. Rather we ought to refer to Moroni 10:4&5, and stick by it!!
Maryjoy Bano-BelloSeptember 18, 2014
I don't mind learning about things that makes my religion looks amiss. In my heart and mind, I know the truth about Joseph's First Vision and anything that critics would say will not affect me!
DegSeptember 18, 2014
Even in the NT has discrepancies between the recorded gospels.
Warren PayneSeptember 18, 2014
I first became aware of this issue in the '60s so I'd have to say that there was no official cover-up. I've never had a "faith crisis"; the spiritual testimony of the need for and the reality of the Restoration is clear if we seek it. My "crisis" has only been with the "commandments of men"--those who try to make me and others follow their way of living the gospel---probably what B.R. McConkie called "gospel hobbies"--such as withholding a temple rec. because one drinks Coke.
vickieSeptember 18, 2014
I have to say I didnt know about any of this stuff and really it doesnt matter to me because my faith is strong...one thing to note though...when I was about 40yrs old I was in college and I was taking enlish lit and american history...and in I think the history class we discussed the american happening at that time and one of the things I clearly remember hearing by the way this subject brought that memory back was there was an anxious ferver about religion going on at that time and in all the areas as the united states was small at that time not as huge as it is now...but the people were talking and having those camp meetings and each minister was trying to preach his beliefs which caused confusion among the people..so I can see how joseph smith felt ..his parents were different religions...so in this very real confusion he did as anyone would do ..ask ..and he did and got an answer and I can imagine that at his age...it scared him to death...and he didnt know what to make of it...so over time with more visits he became stronger with accepting that the Lord was communicating with him and had something for him to do.
S. AlexanderSeptember 18, 2014
Thank you. Those who are weak in the faith will find cardboard arguments to be stumblingblocks. Pray that this gives them food for thought.
JenniferSeptember 18, 2014
I can relate to something mentioned in the beginning of this article--the part about the knowledge of the discrepancies long before the internet revealed them to the masses. I was grateful that I first learned about the discrepancies between the first vision accounts in one of my classes at BYU before I encountered them in any anti-Mormon propaganda. When we first learn of these types of challenges in our history, it is so helpful to learn of them through a faith-based channel. I've had my faith shaken many times, but I've always appreciated knowing that although there is plenty for the critics to "pick on," the practice of "cover up" is not as real as many would have us believe. Individuals may not wish to disclose to everyone historical details that can be confusing, but when the spirit is right, it's great to discuss these things. Thank you for this article. I really enjoyed it.
Paul WalworthSeptember 18, 2014
Anyone how has lived long enough knows that we do not remember to speak about every detail in our conversations with others. This is why when police question witnesses about what they saw, that they keep going back over each event in the hopes that they will recall more of what they saw or experienced.
AngelaSeptember 18, 2014
Mt grandfather maintained for years that he enlisted in the army when he was just turned 15 shortly before WWI broke out. When we tracked down his military record we discovered that he had enlisted 6 months earlier and been 18 months older. He wasn't lying, it's just the way he remembered it in his old age. It's something I've done myself.
Wayne LutzowSeptember 17, 2014
Was listening to a talk show the other day and the Jewish commentator said he went to Israel where a tour guide took his group to Golgotha (in the middle of the transit system parking lot). He was incredulous that nobody kept really good track of actually where Golgotha was since such an important event occurred there. Hmmmmmm. Also found this comment on a Christian website.."The precise location where he was crucified, buried and resurrected has intrigued Christians for many centuries. Of course, the fact of that great event does not depend on locating the authentic site. But it is only natural that Christians would have an interest in knowing where their Savior died
Comments | Return to Story
Joyce Lee HigginsOctober 14, 2014
Totally awesome article and is "right on". At differing times in our lives, our facts are added to and changed depending on our clarity of recollection of memories at that precise moment.
Voin CanpbellSeptember 22, 2014
My heart is soft toward Joseph and his endless difficulties because of his sacred personal experiences, which we was required to publish. I have rarely shared with anyone my most sacred personal witness of Christ, until many years later. When I first spoke of one particular experience, it was met with disbelief and anger, (partially because of my own obvious imperfections). Later, knowing I was accountable before God and man, I recorded them in my journal (which has since been destroyed by accident) but have seldom spoken in any detail about them. When I finally recorded them again, many years (about 50) has passed, it was difficult to remember some of the details, especially exact timelines and sequence of important related events. So, I recorded as best I could. These potential sequence errors, could, in the minds of some, raise credibility issues. I hope my posterity will kindly understand that. Though flawed, I have never denied what I knew to be true and have never wavered in that testimony, when the spirit required it of me. Please be kind toward the boy Prophet Joseph, who was required, even in his personal weaknesses, to bring about the Book of Mormon and the Restoration of the pure Gospel and Church of Jesus Christ, in these latter days. I believe him and love him for his faith and courage to do and say what he was required of the Lord to do.
John W RobertsonSeptember 21, 2014
The Joseph Smith history account is quite plain that there was more to it (verse 20). Its no different than being asked by someone what happens in the temple endowment at 4 different times in your life. It is sacred. You can't say much about it. You throw out something you feel is a reasonable, but still veiled, response. Someone comparing your four answers might note that they don't describe the event coherently. Which they shouldn't. Because you are just giving a hint of what happened in a fairly long sacred experience. If the endowment is sacred enough to keep to ourselves, the first vision is more so. One is divine instruction in his house. The other is instruction by him personally. More happened than what he tells about. And rightly so.
Terry AndersonSeptember 18, 2014
I had a profound spiritual experience when I was 18, or was it 19, or maybe even 20? The only external event I can use to pin it down was a TV show on the Evolution of Man that was aired on TV that night. To be precise, I would have to go back through the TV schedule of 40-years ago. This doesn't make the event any less real. I actually recorded the experience in my first journal, somewhat inspired by Joseph Smith, but would be hard pressed to find it now. I'm sure if I told the event to 10-different people, I would say it 10-different ways, depending on the background of those I was addressing.
Ruth HansenSeptember 18, 2014
We can debate forever and a day, the so called discrepancies in the accounts of the first vision. However, the vision either happened or it didn't. I choose to believe that it did happen, and that Joseph saw the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. I also believe that the first account, which is the one found in the scriptures, is true, and any others....well, we don't worry about. We have to stop wasting time at nit-picking. Rather we ought to refer to Moroni 10:4&5, and stick by it!!
Maryjoy Bano-BelloSeptember 18, 2014
I don't mind learning about things that makes my religion looks amiss. In my heart and mind, I know the truth about Joseph's First Vision and anything that critics would say will not affect me!
DegSeptember 18, 2014
Even in the NT has discrepancies between the recorded gospels.
Warren PayneSeptember 18, 2014
I first became aware of this issue in the '60s so I'd have to say that there was no official cover-up. I've never had a "faith crisis"; the spiritual testimony of the need for and the reality of the Restoration is clear if we seek it. My "crisis" has only been with the "commandments of men"--those who try to make me and others follow their way of living the gospel---probably what B.R. McConkie called "gospel hobbies"--such as withholding a temple rec. because one drinks Coke.
vickieSeptember 18, 2014
I have to say I didnt know about any of this stuff and really it doesnt matter to me because my faith is strong...one thing to note though...when I was about 40yrs old I was in college and I was taking enlish lit and american history...and in I think the history class we discussed the american happening at that time and one of the things I clearly remember hearing by the way this subject brought that memory back was there was an anxious ferver about religion going on at that time and in all the areas as the united states was small at that time not as huge as it is now...but the people were talking and having those camp meetings and each minister was trying to preach his beliefs which caused confusion among the people..so I can see how joseph smith felt ..his parents were different religions...so in this very real confusion he did as anyone would do ..ask ..and he did and got an answer and I can imagine that at his age...it scared him to death...and he didnt know what to make of it...so over time with more visits he became stronger with accepting that the Lord was communicating with him and had something for him to do.
S. AlexanderSeptember 18, 2014
Thank you. Those who are weak in the faith will find cardboard arguments to be stumblingblocks. Pray that this gives them food for thought.
JenniferSeptember 18, 2014
I can relate to something mentioned in the beginning of this article--the part about the knowledge of the discrepancies long before the internet revealed them to the masses. I was grateful that I first learned about the discrepancies between the first vision accounts in one of my classes at BYU before I encountered them in any anti-Mormon propaganda. When we first learn of these types of challenges in our history, it is so helpful to learn of them through a faith-based channel. I've had my faith shaken many times, but I've always appreciated knowing that although there is plenty for the critics to "pick on," the practice of "cover up" is not as real as many would have us believe. Individuals may not wish to disclose to everyone historical details that can be confusing, but when the spirit is right, it's great to discuss these things. Thank you for this article. I really enjoyed it.
Paul WalworthSeptember 18, 2014
Anyone how has lived long enough knows that we do not remember to speak about every detail in our conversations with others. This is why when police question witnesses about what they saw, that they keep going back over each event in the hopes that they will recall more of what they saw or experienced.
AngelaSeptember 18, 2014
Mt grandfather maintained for years that he enlisted in the army when he was just turned 15 shortly before WWI broke out. When we tracked down his military record we discovered that he had enlisted 6 months earlier and been 18 months older. He wasn't lying, it's just the way he remembered it in his old age. It's something I've done myself.
Wayne LutzowSeptember 17, 2014
Was listening to a talk show the other day and the Jewish commentator said he went to Israel where a tour guide took his group to Golgotha (in the middle of the transit system parking lot). He was incredulous that nobody kept really good track of actually where Golgotha was since such an important event occurred there. Hmmmmmm. Also found this comment on a Christian website.."The precise location where he was crucified, buried and resurrected has intrigued Christians for many centuries. Of course, the fact of that great event does not depend on locating the authentic site. But it is only natural that Christians would have an interest in knowing where their Savior died
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