Exploring the First Vision

by Steven C. Harper, Samuel Alonzo Doge

The writing of history does not occur in a vacuum. The scholarship that went before set the stage for the debates of the present. This is particularly evident as one studies the historiography of Joseph Smith's First Vision. Toward the middle of the twentieth century, Latter-day Saint historians came to understand that they could use research from scholars with opposing viewpoints as a catalyst to propel their own work forward and strive for a more accurate depiction of the past. This disciplinary shift influenced Mormon historical studies of the First Vision.

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[David Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harper gathers scholarship of the First Vision of the last 40 years in one volume. The papers include the works of Dean C. Jessee, James B. Allen, Richard L. Anderson, Richard L. Bushman, Larry Porter, and Steven C. Harper. Most of the papers have been previously published. In addition included are updates to the original papers and interviews with each of the contributing scholars. Since all of the scholars are the First Vision there is quite a bit of repetition but given the type of work, this is it is to be expected.

For me, now in my 60th year, I find the so-called inconsistencies that have been leveled against Joseph's claims as not only not troubling but to certain degree evidence of originality and humanity. Any reader will gain a greater appreciation for Joseph Smith, his confusion and struggle to find the true faith, and his personal reflections on his experience in that Sacred Grove in 1820.

The critics of Joseph have produced very little in new evidence to challenge Joseph's original story in the last 150 years and what they have produced are minor rants on largely irrelevant issues. Those looking for perfection and complete consistency in their religious leaders will be disappointed in Joseph Smith and any other religious leader throughout history. What strikes me is the humanity and sincerity of Joseph, an almost boyish quality in those early years that makes the story and testimony so compelling.

This is a valuable resource for every Latter-day Saint and anyone else interested in Mormon origins and history.

[Jeff Crosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Builds on Backman’s work. A byproduct of the Joseph Smith papers. In many ways, reading this book was like visiting with old friends. I had read--and own paper copies--of all, but three of these essays. I appreciate having this material in ebook form. I have known and taken classes from many of these scholars. this is a valuable collection for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the historical stage of the first vision.