Alleged Early References to the First Vision

Examining the evidence related to the official version of the First Vision where Joseph Smith claims to have seen the Father and Son. The articles below each address a separate issue related to the claims made by some Mormon apologists that there is evidence for a knowledge of Joseph Smith's First Vision of the Father and the Son in the sacred grove prior to 1838 when it was first given by Joseph. 

Summary of the First Vision Articles

A summary of Rob Bowman's articles on Joseph Smith's first vision, and the various arguments brought forth by LDS apologists. Includes links to the full articles on each topic. 

"Truly Manifested" - Does D&C 20:5 Refer to the First Vision?

Joseph spoke of having it manifested to him that his sins were forgiven in an address he gave to the newly formed Church of Christ in 1830. Are LDS apologists justified in saying this should be seen as an early reference to the First Vision?

The First Rumor: The 1831 Palmyra Reflector and the First Vision

Examining an early article's rumor, cited by LDS apologists in support of Joseph Smith's claim to have seen the Father and the Son. 

A Fredonia Censor 1832 Article and the First Vision

A look at FAIR's "early" evidence for the "Father and Son" First Vision account

Joseph Smith's Changing First Vision Accounts

A chronological look at the development of the stories Joseph and others told about how the Mormon religion got its start.  Some of the evidence may surprise you.

New Light on Joseph Smith's First Vision

This carefully documented article summarizes evidence uncovered by Mormon historians and others that there was no revival in 1820 in the Manchester/Palmyra, New York area, as related in the official First Vision account.

First Vision - Early Mormon Documents

Scans from early Mormon documents show discrepancies in Joseph Smith's account of his first vision. These scans can also be found in the book Where Does It Say That?

An 1829 Reference to the First Vision?

Rob Bowman examines the claims of Mormon apologists to have found an early reference to Joseph Smith's claim to have seen the Father and Son. A look at the original document exposes problems in their handling of the evidence and their conclusions.