Keith J. Wilson, Brigham Young University faculty, and, Katy Pratt Sumsion, Brigham Young University student
Most observers of the beginnings of Mormonism view the First Vision which young Joseph Smith received in 1820 as the wellspring of this religious movement. However, up until the death of Joseph Smith, this event was seldom mentioned as the impetus for the Restoration. Historians have shown that it was not until the late 19th Century before the Vision became institutionalized in the LDS and the RLDS churches. Since then the Vision has at times dominated the narrative in both major branches of the Restoration. But in more recent times the trajectory has tapered off for the LDS and has bottomed out for the RLDS/Community of Christ. This presentation will chronicle the path of the First Vision in both the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the RLDS/Community of Christ and discuss the implications of these trajectories.
Join us the Library's Alice Louise Reynolds Auditorium on level 1.