Historical Challenges to the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision

First Vision > Historical Challenges to the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision

Historical Challenges to the Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision

Summary: This page gathers challenges to the reality of Joseph Smith's First Vision. Critics allege that there are anachronisms or other historical problems in the accounts that make the reality of the Vision unlikely.

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Smith Family Presence in Palmyra in 1820

Joseph Becoming Affiliated with Methodism After 1820

Oliver Cowdery’s Awareness of the First Vision in 1834-35

Oliver Cowdery Saying that Joseph Smith was Not Sure a Supreme Being Existed in 1823

Retellings of First Vision Prior to 1832

No Revival Activity in 1820

Joseph Joining Other Churches

Other Visionary Experiences in Joseph Smith’s Environment

Church Leaders’ Awareness of the First Vision

Oliver Cowdery

Brigham Young

John Taylor

Wilford Woodruff

George A. Smith

Orson Hyde

Heber C. Kimball