Summary of "Church History Matters" Podcast Episode 097: The First Vision - Come Follow Me - E3 - Jan 13-19

Podcast Information:

• Title: Church History Matters
• Host/Author: Scripture Central
• Description: The Church History Matters Podcast features in-depth conversations between Scott and Casey where they dive deep into both the challenges and beauty of Latter-day Saint Church History.
• Episode: 097 The First Vision - Come Follow Me - E3 - Jan 13-19
• Release Date: January 7, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 097 of Church History Matters, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths engage in a comprehensive discussion centered on Joseph Smith's First Vision, a foundational event in Latter-day Saint (LDS) history. This episode aligns with the "Come Follow Me" curriculum, systematically exploring each section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout 2025. The conversation delves into the context, content, controversies, and consequences surrounding the First Vision, providing listeners with a detailed understanding of its significance in the Restoration movement.

The Four Cs Framework

Scott introduces the framework for analyzing each section of the Doctrine and Covenants, which they apply consistently across episodes:

1. Context: Historical background and circumstances during which the revelation or event occurred.
2. Content: The specifics of the revelation or historical account.
3. Controversies: Debates, discrepancies, or challenges related to the text or history.
4. Consequences: Long-term impacts and lessons derived from the revelation or event.

This structured approach ensures a thorough examination of church history topics.

Context: Understanding the 1838 Landscape

Casey provides an overview of the multiple accounts of the First Vision, highlighting its controversial nature due to varying narratives. The earliest account dates back to 1832, unpublished and surfaced posthumously, emphasizing Joseph Smith's feelings, the appearance of the Lord, and the forgiveness of sins. Subsequent accounts, including the 1835 journal entry and the canonized 1838 narrative found in the Pearl of Great Price, offer differing details and emphases.

The 1838 account is particularly significant as it was written during a tumultuous period for the LDS Church. Joseph Smith, amid persecution and internal dissent following the failure of the Kirtland Safety Society, sought to present a clear and defensible history of the Church. Collaborating with Sidney Rigdon and George W. Robinson, Smith's 1838 narrative aimed to assert the divine foundation of the Restoration amidst widespread skepticism and opposition.

Scott elaborates on the defensive tone of the 1838 account, noting its purpose to "disabuse the public mind" and counteract negative portrayals by detractors ([01:33]). This context underscores the importance of the First Vision in legitimizing the LDS Church during its early years of adversity.

Notable Quote:

Scott Woodward (01:33): "I have been induced to write this history to disabuse the public mind and put all inquirers after truth in possession of the facts as they have transpired in relation both to myself and the Church so far as I have such facts in my possession."

Content: Exploring the First Vision

The discussion transitions to the detailed content of the First Vision as presented in the 1838 account. Joseph Smith recounts his spiritual quest initiated by the fervor of the Second Great Awakening in upstate New York, known as the "Burned Over District." At approximately 14-15 years old, amidst widespread religious revivalism, Smith sought divine guidance to discern the true church.

Key Points:

• Religious Excitement: The Smith family moved to Manchester, Ontario, during a period marked by intense religious activity among Methodists, Presbyterians, and Baptists ([05:53]).
• Spiritual Quest: Joseph's dissatisfaction with existing denominations led him to seek wisdom from God, inspired by James 1:5 ([11:59]).
• The Vision Experience: Overcoming a satanic attack through prayer, Smith was enveloped in a "pillar of light" and encountered two personages—interpreted as God the Father and Jesus Christ—who declared all existing creeds as abominations and instructed him to restore the true Church ([32:17]).

Casey emphasizes the narrative's depth, noting Smith's internal struggles with sin and his sincere desire for divine forgiveness, aspects more pronounced in earlier accounts than in the published 1838 version ([22:15]).

Notable Quotes:

Casey Griffiths (22:15): "He [Joseph] was an intense Christian trying to figure out what's true and what church he should join and how he gets forgiveness of sin, all those things."

Joseph Smith (35:11) as quoted by Scott Woodward: "I saw two personages whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name, and said, pointing to the other, this is my beloved Son. Hear him."

Controversies Surrounding the First Vision

The dialogue delves into several controversies related to the First Vision, primarily focusing on the existence of multiple accounts and inconsistencies among them.

1. Multiple Accounts: There are four primary accounts from Joseph Smith—1832, 1835, 1838, and 1842—each varying in detail and emphasis. For instance, the 1832 account was written privately and highlights Joseph's feelings of sin and forgiveness, whereas the 1838 account is more public and fact-based, omitting some personal reflections.

2. Age Discrepancies: Critics question inconsistencies in Joseph's reported age during the vision, though Scott presents evidence suggesting the 1838 account accurately reflects Smith's age as 14-15 ([72:26]).

3. Number of Personages: The 1832 account mentions only one personage, leading some to speculate about Joseph's early theological understanding. However, later accounts consistently reference two distinct personages, aligning with revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants that articulate the Father and Son as separate beings.

4. Concealment of Accounts: Accusations of the LDS Church hiding certain accounts are addressed. Casey explains that the additional accounts were published posthumously and eventually made accessible, indicating no deliberate concealment ([75:41]).

5. Similarity to Contemporary Visions: The First Vision shares similarities with other religious experiences of the time, particularly Methodist conversion narratives, leading to debates about originality versus cultural influence ([79:41]).

Notable Quotes:

Scott Woodward (65:37): "The differences in the accounts are because of different contexts and different audiences. ... a present day analogy would be like the way church members bear their testimonies. We often share our testimonies where we use the same phrases or we'll use similar patterns that are used by others."

Casey Griffiths (65:11): "If you can survive this gauntlet, you know the first vision pretty well."

Consequences and Significance of the First Vision

The First Vision holds profound implications for the LDS Church, serving as the cornerstone of its restoration narrative. The episode underscores how this event has evolved in importance over time, becoming central to church teachings and identity.

Key Consequences:

• Foundation of the Restoration: The vision is viewed as the initiation of the Restoration of the Gospel, reestablishing priesthood authority, ordinances, and the everlasting covenant.
• Protocol for Testimony: Joseph Smith's personal quest and direct revelation model a template for individual seekers to engage with scripture, pray for guidance, and receive divine confirmation.
• Institutional Emphasis: Over the years, the LDS Church has increasingly highlighted the First Vision, celebrating its bicentennial in 2020 and integrating it into official proclamations as a pivotal theophany ([86:25]).
• Theological Implications: The vision challenges existing Christian doctrines, positioning the LDS Church as the true continuation of Christ's original church, free from the "abomination" of erroneous creeds.

Notable Quotes:

Scott Woodward (89:07): "Our entire case as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rests on the validity of this glorious first vision."

Casey Griffiths (87:38): "The first vision has only grown in importance. Some would say we didn't really emphasize it till the 20th century, but there's no doubt in my mind today that it's really central to what we teach and believe."

Conclusion

Episode 097 of Church History Matters offers an exhaustive exploration of Joseph Smith's First Vision, employing the Four Cs framework to dissect its historical context, narrative content, related controversies, and enduring consequences. Through meticulous analysis and the integration of multiple First Vision accounts, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of this pivotal event in LDS history. The episode reinforces the First Vision's role as the bedrock of the Restoration movement, highlighting its theological significance and continued relevance in guiding believers' spiritual journeys.

Notable Quotes Compilation:

1. Scott Woodward (01:33):

   "I have been induced to write this history to disabuse the public mind and put all inquirers after truth in possession of the facts as they have transpired in relation both to myself and the Church so far as I have such facts in my possession."

2. Casey Griffiths (22:15):

   "He [Joseph] was an intense Christian trying to figure out what's true and what church he should join and how he gets forgiveness of sin, all those things."

3. Joseph Smith (35:11) as quoted by Scott Woodward:

   "I saw two personages whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name, and said, pointing to the other, this is my beloved Son. Hear him."

4. Scott Woodward (65:37):

   "The differences in the accounts are because of different contexts and different audiences. ... a present day analogy would be like the way church members bear their testimonies. We often share our testimonies where we use the same phrases or we'll use similar patterns that are used by others."

5. Scott Woodward (89:07):

   "Our entire case as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rests on the validity of this glorious first vision."

Credits:

• Produced by: Scott Woodward
• Edited by: Daniel Sorenson
• Show Notes and Transcript by: Gabe Davis

Church History Matters is a podcast of Scripture Central, a nonprofit dedicated to building enduring faith in Jesus Christ by making LDS Scripture and church history accessible, comprehensible, and defensible to people everywhere. For more resources, visit scripturecentral.org.