Joseph Smith's First Vision: A Guide to the Historical Accounts

We moved to Rochester, NY in 1987, 30 mins. from Smith Farm and Sacred Grove in Palmyra, NY. I have visited Sacred Grove innumerable times in every season of the year. I began a fairly detailed study of the early history of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the life of Joseph Smith. I’ve read most of the scholarly biographies of Joseph Smith. Early in my study I became aware of the various accounts of the First Vision. Harper’s book is a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the various accounts of the founding event of the Latter-day Saint movement. The book presents a clear and objective examination of the historical evidence surrounding Joseph Smith's vision.<br /><br />Harper's book explores the different versions of the First Vision that Joseph Smith gave throughout his life and provides a detailed analysis of each account. He meticulously compares and contrasts the various versions, highlighting the similarities and differences between them. By doing so, Harper provides a nuanced understanding of the evolution of Joseph Smith's beliefs and the development of the Latter-day Saint movement.<br /><br />One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Harper's willingness to tackle difficult questions head-on. He addresses controversial issues surrounding the First Vision, such as the timing of the vision, the number of beings that appeared to Joseph Smith, and the nature of God and Jesus Christ. Harper's careful examination of the evidence allows readers to come to their conclusions based on the facts, rather than relying on hearsay or speculation.<br /><br />The book also provides important insights into the historical context surrounding Joseph Smith's vision. Harper places the First Vision in the broader context of religious revivalism in America during the early 19th century and shows how Joseph Smith's experience fit within this larger religious landscape generally and the “Burned Over District”, as Western NY was referred to, due to the revivalism of the era. He also examines the impact of the First Vision on the Latter-day Saint movement and the importance of the vision in shaping the beliefs and practices of the Church.<br /><br />Harper’s book is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of the Latter-day Saint movement. Harper's thorough analysis of the historical evidence provides readers with a nuanced understanding of Joseph Smith's vision and its significance to the development of the Church. His clear and accessible writing style makes this book an excellent resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the history of religion in America.

At Pres. Nelson’s invitation to study the First Vision in preparation for the April 2020 General Conference, I chose to read Joseph Smith’s First Vision: A Guide to the Historical Accounts by Steven C. Harper. This book is an excellent compilation of the First Vision accounts. Dr. Harper succinctly provides the relevant historical background that helps the reader identify additional insights that can only be appreciated with the context in which each account was written. Dr. Harper directly addresses the arguments of critics, but he does it in a way that leaves space for you to make the final call. This book is written for faithful searchers who Dr. Harper calls seekers. This book is a great resource to help seekers find their own answers as they consider Joseph Smith’s vision and other spiritual matters.

Back when such things were allowed, our stake hosted a BYU professor's fireside about various accounts of Joseph Smith's first vision. It was very interesting, and I wanted to read the accounts for myself. Yes, they're all available online, but I still prefer paper. This book has Joseph's personal accounts, with photos and transcriptions, and several contemporary secondary tellings. Each is a little different, and adds to a more complete picture of this amazing event. The chapter containing all these accounts is the longest in the book, but still not very long. The rest of the book is a discussion of how to learn "by study and also by faith," and how to avoid assumptions and really think about things. Some of that gets a little repetitive, but it is also valuable, and I'm glad I read it.

This short and readable book gives historical context to the First Vision. Harper includes both facsimiles and transcripts of each of the historical accounts, both Joseph's five and the four secondary accounts. Harper then analyzes each, differences among them and possible reasons for those differences. Harper's focus is as both believer and researcher well positioned to inform anyone interested in this pivotal basis for Church of Jesus Christ members' beliefs.

Enlightening ... The prayers of a boy were answered in such a marvelous way as to bless millions.

I was predisposed to like this book since the cover depicts the stained glass window in the Brigham City 3rd Ward where I went to church as a child. I looked at this picture every Sunday as I sat in the pews. I grew up knowing about Joseph’s First Vision—assuming I knew all about it—but I learned so much more reading this book. I also learned a lot about the historical method and realizing there is a difference between fact and how we interpret it. It’s as important to be self-aware of our assumptions and desires as it is to examine the facts. You also need to be aware of the problems inherent in trying to communicate experiences. Then compound that with the effect of time/growth and circumstances/audience on memory when repeating an event. I especially love the fact that Steven Harper is not only insightful but also kind, avoiding vituperation and criticism of those who are themselves critical and maliciously mean. I trust his scholarship and spent as much time examining his footnotes as the text. He lumps himself in with other LDS scholars as having a hermeneutic of trust, a description coined by historian Richard L. Bushman. I want to join the ranks!

I really enjoyed this quick read. Its short and quick, but also very rich and thorough in detailing all the known first-hand accounts of the first vision of The Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. I really enjoyed reading the accounts I was unfamiliar with and getting a sense for the young man Joseph. His earnest effort to describe his experience despite his weakness in writing adds a spirit to the first account which penetrated my heart the way only The Spirit of God can do. I highly recommend this read to anyone interested in historical accounts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

What a great read that clearly distinguishes the importance of historical facts vs interpretation. We must all challenge our assumptions, be a seeker, and seek learning by study and by faith and do so in humility to God who knows all. It is a fact that Joseph Smith had a vision in that grove. It is up to us to decipher what that means for our souls.

I enjoyed reading this book that helped me understand on a more intellectual way why we can trust that Joseph Smith’s account of his First Vision is true. It also points out the fallacies of many of those individuals who have dismissed his account as made up or impossible. I also loved that it spoke about being a seeker of truth and also relying on the inspiration of God.

Professor Harper helped me scratch some itches that I didn’t know I had. Very insightful read. VERY objective approach to the historical record. Very respectful to both sides of a rather controversial subject matter, and a rather eloquent expression of his own view throughout. Great read!