Alleged Contradictions in the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision

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Alleged Contradictions in the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision

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Summary: Critics have routinely asserted that Joseph Smith's account of the First Vision contain contradictions. This page gathers all the alleged "contradictions" and clarifies each, showing that Joseph Smith's accounts can easily be harmonized. Critics have challenged the First Vision on other grounds. They argue that there are embellishments and that there are historical anachronisms in the accounts. If you do not find what you're looking for on this page, be sure to visit those two pages that address embellishments or historical anachronisms.

• One or Two Personages?
• Fire or Light?
• The Lord or an Angel?
• Joseph’s Age at the Time of First Vision
• Joseph’s Motivation for Seeking Guidance from God
  • Forgiveness of Sins
  • Finding True Church
  • 1832 Account Not Mentioning a “New Dispensation”
• Knowing if God Existed
• Were All the Churches False or Not?
• Forbidden or Not Forbidden from Joining Other Churches

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