Item Detail
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22559
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3
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0
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English
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A Seeker's Guide to the Historical Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision
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Religious Educator
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2011
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12
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1
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Provo, UT
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Religious Studies Center, BYU
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"Joseph Smith's First Vision may be the best documented theophany, or vision of God, in history. The known historical record includes five different accounts in eight statements (three of the statements are nearly identical) of the vision in Joseph's papers, and a few other hearsay accounts in the paper of people who heard him tell of it. Critics contend that the multiple accounts of Joseph Smith's vision are inconsistent with each other or with historical facts and find in them an evolving story that becomes more elaborate over time. The very same evidence sustains a more faithful view that finds Joseph's vision well and richly documented. The multiple accounts do not compel one to disbelieve Joseph Smith. For some the richly documented First Vision is a good reason to believe him." [From author's introduction]