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With Joseph apparently having written or told various versions of the First Vision, when did LDS missionaries actually begin teaching the Father and Son appearing version? Now it is a major deal with the emphasis on the answer as to what the character of the Godhead really is. Three separate but one in purpose.

When was this great truth actually taught?

Very good question, which I believe would tell a lot about the development of LDS as the religion it is today.

I have started a new thread in the middle kingdom so it will see more traffic and hopefully get an answer.

I would say from the very start. This belief is one of the main beliefs that sets us apart from most every other religion. I would like to say that it is hard to say, outside of journals of missionaries saying what they taught on their missions.

haleray wrote:I would say from the very start. This belief is one of the main beliefs that sets us apart from most every other religion. I would like to say that it is hard to say, outside of journals of missionaries saying what they taught on their missions.

Logical assumption, Haleray.

It does not exist in anyone's journals or in published articles until about the time of the Wentworth letter. And even then, it was a story in progress.

I would challenge anyone to locate this priceless tale from any journal/article previous to the Wentworth letter (parallelling the official and accepted version of course).

When it is found it will no doubt be fastened upon the end of Moroni's trumpet.

Is there any reason to assume that at least one of the versions of the first vision was not discussed by missionaries?

moksha wrote:Is there any reason to assume that at least one of the versions of the first vision was not discussed by missionaries?

I would assume it would be the whopper about the angel moroni appearing to tell mr. smith about his dad's book. No doubt, that's what started the "let's make another church" mess.

Where should we find even a vaguely accurate first vision story (prior to the Wentworth letter)?

1) Journal of the preacher that Smith told following the vision.
2) Journals of any number of parishoners the preacher told.
3) Journals of the preachers that Smith's preacher told.
4) Journals of the Smith family, the Hales and other relations.
5) Journals of converts and even investigators (there should be a wealth of documentation here).
6) Study guides for the church's missionaries
7) Recorded sermons

It should be noted that Smith testified that his relating his first vision story to a preacher was the beginning of the persecution rained down upon him as a young boy.


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