The First Vision: A Harmonization of Ten Accounts from the Sacred Grove

by Matthew B. Christensen

Besides the account of the First Vision as told in Joseph Smith—History, Joseph Smith himself wrote or dictated at least three other accounts of the event. Matthew Christensen compiles Joseph’s accounts with those from his contemporaries into one narrative. Gain fresh insight into this most important of events with this beautifully designed and illustrated keepsake.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Lds, History

64 pages, Hardcover

First published October 12, 2014

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have known Matthew for many years and encouraged and anticipated the publication of his work with this harmony of the First Vision accounts. After finally having read the published version, I would tell anyone that it is well worth reading. You can read this in an hour or less and you really will feel that you are, as Matthew says, standing with the Prophet Joseph Smith through the whole experience and "looking over his shoulder." All of our experiences are multi-faceted and the First Vision is no exception. Reading this harmonized account gives a depth to this sacred experience that simply can't be obtained from reading all of the accounts separately. This is one of the best ways I know to help people see how the various accounts of the First Vision woven together create a symphonic masterpiece of this important theophany in the history of the world. I give this five stars (which I hardly ever do!) because I just can't imagine anyone doing a better job with this in such a simple way that allows the Prophet to just tell us what happened. Very well done and a great contribution to a faithful understanding of the Restoration.

[Michael Davenport · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book. The different accounts of the vision aren't really that different. I learned from it and agree that if we live right there is no power that can prevent us from receiving revelation.

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know the author personally, having worked with him for a number of years. Thankfully, learning there are multiple versions of Joseph's account has left me excited and grateful for this additional information, wishing there was even more. The invitation to know what was revealed to Joseph is powerful, as he was an inclusive leader and prophet. We too can become "personal and powerful witnesses of [Joseph's] experience."

I remember sitting in the Church History Museum viewing room several years ago. The video screen was 180 degrees and when this film started you could actually feel the sound of the birds and the leaves crackling as if you were actually present in the Sacred Grove.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/m...

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up a while back from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Church History Museum. I didn’t realize there were so many different accounts of Joseph Smith’s first vision. I liked that liked that the author combined all the accounts into one and color coded them by account. The different accounts of the vision aren't really that different just minor details.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I have read the 1838 account of the First Vision many times and several of the other accounts a couple of times, it was special to read them in harmony and see what can be learned from connecting them together.

[Chappyfamily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this and I’m so grateful to have this knowledge in my life. What peace it gives me.

[Tiffany Farnsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome short book combining all of the accounts of the First Vision. Very interesting and thought provoking.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Why hasn't anyone thought of this before?! Really smooths things out!

[Kevin Lemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very short but very informative and testimony strengthening.

[Clarko · Rating 5 out of 5]

My dad wrote this. I’m the book so yeah I’d give it five stars

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This careful pulling together of such an amazing story is fantastic! I instantly had to read it again. It's short enough to do that. :) I'm inspired to do more research into some of the other accounts. I hadn't realized there were so many. I love that the author almost seamlessly has integrated the 10 accounts and color coded them by account. There were moments I'd read something and instantly glance down because the line had struck me and I wondered if it was from Joseph's accounts or from someone's retelling of his story to them and each time I'd felt something powerful I was not surprised that it was from one of Joseph's accounts of his experience. This compilation brings in details that really bring you into that moment. Details that really help you feel and understand Joseph and maybe even relate to him in a greater way. I can honestly say my testimony has been strengthened. Thank you, Bro. Christensen for all of your hard work in this endeavor!

[Brett Folkman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A small book with large font, not really a book, more of a hard bound pamphlet!! I enjoyed reading the versions all put together, but personally found deeper insights reading the different versions separately many many years ago. Felt like a lot more could have been added about the First Vision, deeper insights, potential meanings of the different versions, more history and more doctrinal development of Joseph Smith over time from the different versions. Seemed pretty light weight to be called a book.

[Chrisanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

1st read: Slightly clumsy. But then again I try to avoid Cedar Fort. :) I thought the idea was nice and some of his points are important. But harmonizations are never my favorites.

2nd: Forgot I already read this. Would have preferred them all separated.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice book of the harmonization of various accounts of an important event. It was interesting to see the different accounts that were given at different times for different reasons. If Joseph were telling me his experiences, I wonder what he would emphasize for me.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful harmony of all of Joseph's accounts. I loved it.

[MBWatts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it

As a believer in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that Joseph Smith established, I found this book inspiring.

[Annamarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Matt for a great little book. I love to share it with my students.