Why Are There Various Accounts of the First Vision?

My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to Joseph Smith – History 1:1-26 in a lesson titled “I Saw a Pillar of Light.” The lesson was introduced by the following information. 

You might say the Doctrine and Covenants is a book of answers to prayers: many of the sacred revelations in this book came in response to questions. The question that began it all—the one that sparked the latter-day outpouring of revelation—was asked by a 14-year-old boy. A “war of words and tumult of opinions” (Joseph Smith – History 1:10) had left Joseph Smith confused about religion and his relationship with God. Perhaps you can relate to that. We find many conflicting ideas and persuasive voices in our day. When we want to sort through these messages and find truth, we can do what Joseph did. We can ask questions, study the scriptures, ponder, and ultimately ask God. In response to Joseph’s prayer, a pillar of light descended from heaven. God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared and answered his questions. Joseph’s testimony of that miraculous experience boldly declares that anyone “who [lacks] wisdom might ask of God, and obtain” (Joseph Smith – History 1:26). We can all receive, if not a heavenly vision, at least a clearer vision, illuminated by heavenly light.

The scripture block for this week provided several principles, including the following: (1) Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration (JS-H 1:5-26), (2) How can I receive answers to my prayers? (JS-H 1:5-25), (3) Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ (JS-H 1:15-20), (4) Why are there various accounts of the First Vision? (JS-H 1:15-20), (5) I can remain true to what I know, even if others reject me (JS-H 1:15-20), and (6) I can remain true to what I know, even if others reject me (JS-H 1:21-26).

I have chosen to discuss the fourth principle listed, “Why are there various accounts of the First Vision? (Joseph Smith-History 1:15-20). The short answer is that Joseph Smith recorded his experience in the Sacred Grove at least four times and often used a scribe to do so. In addition, other people wrote several accounts after hearing Joseph speak about his vision.

Although the accounts differ in some details – depending on the author, audience, and setting, they are otherwise consistent. In addition, each account adds details that help us better understand the experience of Joseph Smith, which can be compared to the four New Testament Gospels helping us to better understand the ministry of the Savior.

I pondered the various accounts of the First Vision earlier today when I was recording one of my own spiritual experiences. I have shared my conversion story with my posterity numerous times, and I have used different wording each time. However, I always included the major points. Unless Joseph Smith had the previous accounts sitting in front of him and was quoting from it, it would be almost impossible for him to repeat the experience word for word. However, he always included the most essential point: Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared and spoke to him. The following information comes from thissite. 

The various accounts tell a consistent story, though naturally they differ in emphasis and detail. Some have mistakenly argued that any variation between the descriptions of the First Vision is evidence of fabrication. On the contrary, historians expect that when an individual retells an experience in multiple settings to different audiences over many years, each account will emphasize different aspects of the experience and contain unique details.

The major differences in Joseph Smith’s First Vision accounts are found in the earliest, which was written in 1832. It varies from the other accounts on a few points:

·         In the 1832 account, one of Joseph’s scribes inserted the phrase “in the 16th year of my age.” The other accounts report he was 14 years old. This was most likely the result of a scribal mistake.

·         In the earliest account, Joseph prayed seeking forgiveness for his sins. In the later accounts, he wanted to know which church to join. These two questions were probably very closely related in Joseph’s mind, and both reflected his desire to be saved.

·         The first account states, “The Lord opened the heavens upon me and I saw the Lord and he spake unto me.” In the scriptural account, Joseph explained that the Father introduced the Son, who then proceeded to converse with Joseph. Although the 1832 account does not include this detail, all the accounts emphasize the central role of Jesus Christ in the vision. He is the one who answered Joseph’s questions.

Joseph’s multiple accounts of the First Vision enable us to learn more about this remarkable event than we could if it were less well documented. Latter-day Saints who read them can gain an appreciation for the Prophet’s sincere testimony that God answered his prayer with a remarkable vision.

This morning, I watched a video of the First Vision that draws upon all the accounts. It is titled “Ask of God: Joseph Smith’s First Vision.” I highly recommend it to anyone who seeks to learn more about this vision.