What Is It About The First Vision?

Most people who use (or will use) this site will agree with me that the 1838 account of the First Vision is a very compelling story. For almost all members of the Church, this story plays a significant role in our conversion to the Church and is a cornerstone of our personal testimony of the gospel. The story has become so familiar that many members of the Church can almost recite it from memory. The story binds together all members of the Church the world over.



But what is it that makes The First Vision so compelling? Joseph begins with a strong statement, prefacing his account almost like a legal brief and explaining that he wants to set the record straight about many false things that had been said about the Church. The story contains a lot of strong elements: the universal search for truth, the tension between conflict and peace, a battle between good and evil. Joseph tells a good story, using strong language and moving ideas.



But for me, there is one phrase that embodies why this story is so important and so powerful: "I was answered . . ." JS-Hist. 1:19. Joseph struggled with a question that was deeply troubling, but that he could not answer himself. He decided to do something he had never done before - - pose the question to God. He knelt to pray and asked his question. And he was answered. He did not have some metaphysical experience that he could not really explain or describe. He asked a question, and God answered it.

We see this pattern over and over in the D&C. Time and again, Joseph or one of his colleagues had a specific question, asked the Lord, and got an answer. And, I will venture that this pattern is an integral part of the belief system and personal testimony of almost all members of the Church. Think what it means to really know that you can verbalize a question to your Father in Heaven, and that he will answer you. Personally. Directly. You will not likely see a pillar of light or an angel. You will probably not have a face-to-face conversation with God. But if you ask, you will be answered.

What do you think? What makes The First Vision compelling to you?

The First Vision

First question: Do you address the multiple accounts of the First Vision? If you are unclear on the various accounts, their history, etc., you can check out the Wikipedia entry on the First Vision (There is an entry with a similar title about a Mariah Carey album, but I think you will be able to tell the difference). The accounts were recorded at various times over a long period. They are not entirely consistent in specific detail. The Pearl of Great Price account is the latest version, and the one the LDS Church has canonized.

On the one hand, I do not want to introduce controversy unnecessarily, or just for controversy’s sake, by discussing the various accounts. On the other hand, I am a big believer in the inoculation theory - - it is better to be exposed to controversial ideas in a safe, controlled setting, so that you can develop your defenses. That way, we can have a discussion preempting some of the things critics of the Church say, and students are not surprised and disillusioned about that later. I am inclined to be prepared to address the issue if it comes up, but not to raise it myself, but I think there are good arguments for discussing the different accounts. I would be interested to hear what you all think.