Study of the First Vision

Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“Vi una columna de luz”

This was the first phrase I memorized in the MTC. It was fitting it was the first, as I repeated these words thousands of times as I shared the First Vision with the people of Peru. Each time I shared this sacred account, my testimony of its veracity grew—even when I felt I had a strong testimony to begin with!

Starting a few years before my mission, I fell in love with studying church history. So much so that my friends gifted me a replica of Joseph Smith’s wedding ring when I left for my mission.

As you can imagine, I couldn’t be more excited for our prophet’s invitation to study the First Vision in preparation for the 200-year anniversary to be commemorated at this April’s General Conference. https://www.facebook.com/russell.m.nelson/

Here are a few resources I’ve loved reading that you might enjoy as you prepare:

The original is still the best: Joseph Smith – History https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1?lang=eng

I particularly enjoyed the most recent history compiled by the church here: Saints: Volume One https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/media-library/ebook-pdf/Saints-v1-English-PD60001624.pdf?lang=eng (also on Gospel Library app)

Have questions about the different accounts of the First Vision? Read the Gospel Essay here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/first-vision-accounts?lang=eng

Or if you prefer to listen to the experts, try out this podcast: The First Vision:  A Joseph Smith Papers Podcast https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/latter-day-saints-channel/listen/series/the-first-vision-a-joseph-smith-papers-podcast?lang=eng

If you have a lot of time and want to search what different prophets, apostles, and professors have said about Joseph Smith at BYU Devotional, browse this curated collection: BYU Speeches Collection https://speeches.byu.edu/topics/joseph-smith/

For a longer read, but very exhaustive, this is my second favorite biography: Joseph Smith: A Biography https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/592733.Joseph_Smith

And saving the best for last, my favorite biography: Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling https://deseretbook.com/p/joseph-smith-rough-stone-rolling-richard-l-bushman-5351?variant_id=104298-paperback

Have a great week!