The Class Member Study Guide refers students to verses 5-10 and asks, “How was Joseph’s situation like that of people today who are searching to know the truth?” I am not sure what I think about this. Verse 5 talks about “an unusual excitement about religion”. It is hard for me to think about American society and “excitement about religion.” I guess there is some excitement between the evangelicals and the Mormons right now. Joseph Smith telling them that their creeds are an abomination haven't helped in that regard. And, there is certainly controversy between some religious and irreligious people. We can certainly hear echoes in these debates of the contention and controversy Joseph must have experienced.
Today, however, there seems to be more apathy about religion. No, apathy isn’t even the right word. There is just an overwhelming feeling of relativity. Not many people contend about whether their religious beliefs are the correct ones, because most operate from the premise that there is no absolute truth. What is true for you may not be true for me. No one is wrong. We all just have to choose our way.
It seems that there is a lot of tension and contention in the Joseph Smith story. Joseph expresses real discomfort with the battle that raged between the various religious groups in his community. The debate created a tension that got him asking questions. Who was right? How could he be saved? Which Church taught the correct way to God? Joseph fretted and struggled until he decided to ask God. I wonder if society today would have provided the tension Joseph needed to drive him the grove. Or would he have been comfortable thinking his way was good for him, and your way is nice, too?
It seems like the predominant question today is, “Is there a God or not?” Maybe that uncertainty would have led Joseph to seek God, but I have a hard time imaging a Joseph Smith in the USA in 2009 would ask which Church was true.
Showing posts with label Lesson 3. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lesson 3. Show all posts
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
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?
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?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
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.
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.
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