Mormon Miscellaneous Worldwide Talk Show

 The Alleged Oath of Vengeance Beginning in 1847 the allegation was made that the Saints were required in the endowment ceremony in the Nauvoo Temple to take an oath to "use our influence to murder this nation" to avenge "for their killing the Prophet Joseph."A number of ex-Mormons wrote addition anti-Mormon exposes making similar claims regarding the ceremony performed in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City from 1855-1889. In sworn testimony in hearings in 1889, 1904-1906 a number of Mormons testified that no such Oath existed.They were joined by several ex-Mormons who also denied its existence. Other ex-Mormons testified that it was included in the endowment ceremony. Perhaps, for a number of reasons, the one most qualified to speak on the matter was Wilford Woodruff. As President of the Church in 1889 he gave an explanation that "avenging" and "prophets" were mentioned in the endowment ceremony in an instruction given to the Saints to pray for God to avenge the murder of prophets and saints. He stated that this was included in the endowment ceremony by Joseph Smith in 1842 based upon Revelation 6:9-10 and this had not been changed. He maintained that Joseph and Hyrum were not mentioned in the ceremony nor was the American Nation considered responsible for the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum and, therefore, was not specifically identified as the object of vengeance. From his explanation it would follow that those claiming the existence of an Oath of Vengeance for the Mormons to resort to murder to avenge the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum upon the American Nation was an extreme twisting of the endowment ceremony. Recently, several authors and historians have claimed that this alleged Oath of Vengeance played a major role in the Mountain Meadows Massacre. I discuss this topic presenting some of my research for a paper 20 years ago. I plan to make available some of my sources and reasoning in an article to be available in my eStore this coming week. Talk Show host: Van Hale, LDS Official website: http://www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/ Podcast address: http://www.mormonmisc.podbean.com/ Talk Show Blog: mormonmiscellaneous.com/radioprogramblog This is the 1 July 2007 episode of the Mormon Miscellaneous Worldwide Talk Show, now in its 28th year. To listen to future Talk Shows live, go to http://www.k-talk.com/ Sunday evenings 5:00 - 7:00 pm MST. If you have a question or comment, your participation is invited, regardless of your point of view. Your voice will be heard around the world. Click to visit my eStore Catalog of Digital Articles related to some of my Podcast Episodes To make a comment, click on "comment" below.

Bits and Pieces I presented follow-up comments on several recent episodes: Am I a Darwinist as frequently alleged by a caller, Art Bulla, who claims to be the Lord’s Anointed, the One Mighty and Strong? A caller on 17 June made absurd allegations about the origin of the text of the Book of Abraham. I asked for his sources. He gave two. I reported on my findings after checking out his claimed sources. I made a follow-up comment on two recent episodes covering Joseph Smith’s accounts of the First Vision. I mentioned a very good brief summary article on Mountain Meadows Massacre by noted historian, Rick Turley, to appear in the Church’s September issue of the Ensign. The Church has pre-released this article and has posted it on its website, http://lds.org/. I highly recommend it. I commented briefly on the alleged Oath of Vengeance. It has been claimed by several recent authors that a primary motive for the Mountain Meadows Massacre was to fulfill an oath taken by Mormons in the temple endowment ceremony to avenge the blood of Joseph and Hyrum through acts of murder. I did not present the material I had prepared for this episode, but have decided to dedicate a program in the next several weeks to this topic. Callers frequently ask or comment on my views regarding the Book of Mormon historicity issue. I read a brief summary of my view. Several callers participated. One, Art Bulla, called in making a false allegation about my procedure. As I tried to respond, he refused to allow it by interrupting and over-talking me with a name-calling attack and a challenge to a fist fight. I assume all this display is intended to demonstrate that he is the Lord’s Annointed - the One Mighty and Strong.   Talk Show host: Van Hale, LDSOfficial website: http://www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/ Podcast address: http://www.mormonmisc.podbean.com/  Talk Show Blog: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/radioprogramblog This is the 24 June 2007 episode of the Mormon Miscellaneous Worldwide Talk Show, now in its 28th year. To listen to future Talk Shows live, go to http://www.k-talk.com/ Sunday evenings 5:00 - 7:00 pm MST. If you have a question or comment, your participation is invited, regardless of your point of view. Your voice will be heard around the world. Check the right Sidebar for a Catalog of related Articles now available To make a comment, click on the "Comment" button below

Bits and Pieces I presented follow-up comments on several recent episodes: Am I a Darwinist as frequently alleged by a caller, Art Bulla, who claims to be the Lord’s Anointed, the One Mighty and Strong? A caller on 17 June made absurd allegations about the origin of the text of the Book of Abraham. I asked for his sources. He gave two. I reported on my findings after checking out his claimed sources. I made a follow-up comment on two recent episodes covering Joseph Smith’s accounts of the First Vision. I mentioned a very good brief summary article on Mountain Meadows Massacre by noted historian, Rick Turley, to appear in the Church’s September issue of the Ensign. The Church has pre-released this article and has posted it on its website, http://lds.org/. I highly recommend it. I commented briefly on the alleged Oath of Vengeance. It has been claimed by several recent authors that a primary motive for the Mountain Meadows Massacre was to fulfill an oath taken by Mormons in the temple endowment ceremony to avenge the blood of Joseph and Hyrum through acts of murder. I did not present the material I had prepared for this episode, but have decided to dedicate a program in the next several weeks to this topic. Callers frequently ask or comment on my views regarding the Book of Mormon historicity issue. I read a brief summary of my view. Several callers participated. One, Art Bulla, called in making a false allegation about my procedure. As I tried to respond, he refused to allow it by interrupting and over-talking me with a name-calling attack and a challenge to a fist fight. I assume all this display is intended to demonstrate that he is the Lord’s Annointed - the One Mighty and Strong.   Talk Show host: Van Hale, LDSOfficial website: http://www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/ Podcast address: http://www.mormonmisc.podbean.com/  Talk Show Blog: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/radioprogramblog This is the 24 June 2007 episode of the Mormon Miscellaneous Worldwide Talk Show, now in its 28th year. To listen to future Talk Shows live, go to http://www.k-talk.com/ Sunday evenings 5:00 - 7:00 pm MST. If you have a question or comment, your participation is invited, regardless of your point of view. Your voice will be heard around the world. Check the right Sidebar for a Catalog of related Articles now available To make a comment, click on the "Comment" button below

Bits and Pieces I presented follow-up comments on several recent episodes: Am I a Darwinist as frequently alleged by a caller, Art Bulla, who claims to be the Lord’s Anointed, the One Mighty and Strong? A caller on 17 June made absurd allegations about the origin of the text of the Book of Abraham. I asked for his sources. He gave two. I reported on my findings after checking out his claimed sources. I made a follow-up comment on two recent episodes covering Joseph Smith’s accounts of the First Vision. I mentioned a very good brief summary article on Mountain Meadows Massacre by noted historian, Rick Turley, to appear in the Church’s September issue of the Ensign. The Church has pre-released this article and has posted it on its website, http://lds.org/. I highly recommend it. I commented briefly on the alleged Oath of Vengeance. It has been claimed by several recent authors that a primary motive for the Mountain Meadows Massacre was to fulfill an oath taken by Mormons in the temple endowment ceremony to avenge the blood of Joseph and Hyrum through acts of murder. I did not present the material I had prepared for this episode, but have decided to dedicate a program in the next several weeks to this topic. Callers frequently ask or comment on my views regarding the Book of Mormon historicity issue. I read a brief summary of my view. Several callers participated. One, Art Bulla, called in making a false allegation about my procedure. As I tried to respond, he refused to allow it by interrupting and over-talking me with a name-calling attack and a challenge to a fist fight. I assume all this display is intended to demonstrate that he is the Lord’s Annointed - the One Mighty and Strong.   Talk Show host: Van Hale, LDSOfficial website: http://www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/ Podcast address: http://www.mormonmisc.podbean.com/  Talk Show Blog: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/radioprogramblog This is the 24 June 2007 episode of the Mormon Miscellaneous Worldwide Talk Show, now in its 28th year. To listen to future Talk Shows live, go to http://www.k-talk.com/ Sunday evenings 5:00 - 7:00 pm MST. If you have a question or comment, your participation is invited, regardless of your point of view. Your voice will be heard around the world. Check the right Sidebar for a Catalog of related Articles now available To make a comment, click on the "Comment" button below

 Approaches to the  Old Testament My guest was Val D. Greenwood, author of How Often Would I Have Gathered You: Stories from the Old Testament and Related Sources for Latter-day Saints. Val re-tells 229 Old Testament stories placing them in chronological order. He includes notes and sources specifically directed to an LDS audience. His re-telling is to simplify and clarify. Any such approach inevitably includes the author's interpretation. We discussed some of the differences in our two approachs to the Old Testament. Are such stories as the creation, Job, Jonah and others to be taken literally? Decisions must be made regarding theological positions which are contradictory within the Old Testament, or which are contradicted by the New Testament or by modern Mormon sources. We looked specifically at the cause of David's sin in 2 Samuel 24 in contrast to 1 Chronicles 21 and the wager between God and Satan over the degree of Job's faithfulness. Why use the King James Version which is much more difficult to understand in contrast to modern English Bibles, several of which, among other points, focus on simplicity and clarity for modern readers? Live callers and email were included in our discussion. For those interested in Greenwood's book, go to his website: http://newviewoldtestament.com/ Talk Show host: Van Hale, LDS Official website: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com Podcast address: www.mormonmisc.podbean.com Talk Show Blog: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/radioprogramblog This is the 17 June 2007 episode of the Mormon Miscellaneous Worldwide Talk Show, now in its 28th year. To listen to future Talk Shows live, go to www.k-talk.com Sunday evenings 5:00 - 7:00 pm MST. If you have a question or comment, your participation is invited, regardless of your point of view. Your voice will be heard around the world.

 Approaches to the  Old Testament My guest was Val D. Greenwood, author of How Often Would I Have Gathered You: Stories from the Old Testament and Related Sources for Latter-day Saints. Val re-tells 229 Old Testament stories placing them in chronological order. He includes notes and sources specifically directed to an LDS audience. His re-telling is to simplify and clarify. Any such approach inevitably includes the author's interpretation. We discussed some of the differences in our two approachs to the Old Testament. Are such stories as the creation, Job, Jonah and others to be taken literally? Decisions must be made regarding theological positions which are contradictory within the Old Testament, or which are contradicted by the New Testament or by modern Mormon sources. We looked specifically at the cause of David's sin in 2 Samuel 24 in contrast to 1 Chronicles 21 and the wager between God and Satan over the degree of Job's faithfulness. Why use the King James Version which is much more difficult to understand in contrast to modern English Bibles, several of which, among other points, focus on simplicity and clarity for modern readers? Live callers and email were included in our discussion. For those interested in Greenwood's book, go to his website: http://newviewoldtestament.com/ Talk Show host: Van Hale, LDS Official website: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com Podcast address: www.mormonmisc.podbean.com Talk Show Blog: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/radioprogramblog This is the 17 June 2007 episode of the Mormon Miscellaneous Worldwide Talk Show, now in its 28th year. To listen to future Talk Shows live, go to www.k-talk.com Sunday evenings 5:00 - 7:00 pm MST. If you have a question or comment, your participation is invited, regardless of your point of view. Your voice will be heard around the world.

 Approaches to the  Old Testament My guest was Val D. Greenwood, author of How Often Would I Have Gathered You: Stories from the Old Testament and Related Sources for Latter-day Saints. Val re-tells 229 Old Testament stories placing them in chronological order. He includes notes and sources specifically directed to an LDS audience. His re-telling is to simplify and clarify. Any such approach inevitably includes the author's interpretation. We discussed some of the differences in our two approachs to the Old Testament. Are such stories as the creation, Job, Jonah and others to be taken literally? Decisions must be made regarding theological positions which are contradictory within the Old Testament, or which are contradicted by the New Testament or by modern Mormon sources. We looked specifically at the cause of David's sin in 2 Samuel 24 in contrast to 1 Chronicles 21 and the wager between God and Satan over the degree of Job's faithfulness. Why use the King James Version which is much more difficult to understand in contrast to modern English Bibles, several of which, among other points, focus on simplicity and clarity for modern readers? Live callers and email were included in our discussion. For those interested in Greenwood's book, go to his website: http://newviewoldtestament.com/ Talk Show host: Van Hale, LDS Official website: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com Podcast address: www.mormonmisc.podbean.com Talk Show Blog: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/radioprogramblog This is the 17 June 2007 episode of the Mormon Miscellaneous Worldwide Talk Show, now in its 28th year. To listen to future Talk Shows live, go to www.k-talk.com Sunday evenings 5:00 - 7:00 pm MST. If you have a question or comment, your participation is invited, regardless of your point of view. Your voice will be heard around the world.

Mountain Meadows Massacre 2: The Aftermath In this episode I continued discussion of the Mountain Meadows Massacre I began last week with author, Will Bagley. I discussed the list of proposed motives for the Massacre. I also referred to two articles on the subject published in the LDS Church News 2 June 2007 reporting the conclusions of Rick Turley, one of three professional historians writing a book to be published by Oxford University Press sometime in the next year. By phone, my guest Bob Crockett joined me and addressed the aftermath of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. He has written a lengthy review of Will Bagley's book Blood of the Prophets: Brigham Young and the Massacre at Mountain Meadows. His review was published in FARMS Review 15/2 (2003): 199–254. We discussed the two trials of John D. Lee, who was tried, convicted and executed for his role in the Massacre. There are a number of issues associated with this process: the hung jury in the first trial, the paneling of the jury for the second trial, allegations that the prosecuting attorney had made an illegal deal with the Church to end further prosecution if it would help him convict Lee, why others were not prosecuted, why the process took so long, legal disputes and others. Crockett presented a number of sources which have been unknown to, or overlooked by other authors; sources which help to answer several important questions. Several calls and email were included in the discussion. Talk Show host: Van Hale, LDSOfficial website: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com Podcast address: www.mormonmisc.podbean.com Talk Show Blog: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/radioprogramblogThis is the 10 June 2007 episode of the Mormon Miscellaneous Worldwide Talk Show, the first talk show of its 28th year.To listen to future Talk Shows live, go to www.k-talk.com Sunday evenings 5:00 - 7:00 pm MST. If you have a question or comment, your participation is invited, regardless of your point of view. This is the chance for your voice will be heard around the world.

Mountain Meadows Massacre 2: The Aftermath In this episode I continued discussion of the Mountain Meadows Massacre I began last week with author, Will Bagley. I discussed the list of proposed motives for the Massacre. I also referred to two articles on the subject published in the LDS Church News 2 June 2007 reporting the conclusions of Rick Turley, one of three professional historians writing a book to be published by Oxford University Press sometime in the next year. By phone, my guest Bob Crockett joined me and addressed the aftermath of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. He has written a lengthy review of Will Bagley's book Blood of the Prophets: Brigham Young and the Massacre at Mountain Meadows. His review was published in FARMS Review 15/2 (2003): 199–254. We discussed the two trials of John D. Lee, who was tried, convicted and executed for his role in the Massacre. There are a number of issues associated with this process: the hung jury in the first trial, the paneling of the jury for the second trial, allegations that the prosecuting attorney had made an illegal deal with the Church to end further prosecution if it would help him convict Lee, why others were not prosecuted, why the process took so long, legal disputes and others. Crockett presented a number of sources which have been unknown to, or overlooked by other authors; sources which help to answer several important questions. Several calls and email were included in the discussion. Talk Show host: Van Hale, LDSOfficial website: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com Podcast address: www.mormonmisc.podbean.com Talk Show Blog: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/radioprogramblogThis is the 10 June 2007 episode of the Mormon Miscellaneous Worldwide Talk Show, the first talk show of its 28th year.To listen to future Talk Shows live, go to www.k-talk.com Sunday evenings 5:00 - 7:00 pm MST. If you have a question or comment, your participation is invited, regardless of your point of view. This is the chance for your voice will be heard around the world.

Mountain Meadows Massacre 1  My guest was Will Bagley, independent historian and columnist. His book, Blood of the Prophets: Brigham Young and the Massacre at Mountain Meadows, covers a period of Mormon history, 1856-1858, laden with controversy: the Reformation, blood atonement, Utah War, murder of Parley Pratt, the Mountain Meadows Massacre and the trials and execution of John D. Lee (1874-1877). Historians and students are divided on some of the main issues and events of this era and many of the lesser ones. His book adds to the controversy. We discussed Bagley's view that Brigham Young directly ordered the Mountain Meadows Massacre as an act of vengeance precipitated by the murder of Parley Pratt. Bagley contends that Mormons were committed by a sacred oath in the temple ceremony - the alleged "oath of vengeance" - to avenge the blood of the prophets Joseph and Hyrum murdered in 1844, to which list would have been added the beloved Apostle, Parley Pratt, murdered in May 1857 in Arkansas. I reviewed some of the substantial evidence which demonstrates that there was no "oath of vengeance" administered in the temple ceremony, that this was a tale manufactured and spread by bitter ex-Mormons. Rather, the long established LDS position left all vengeance in the hands of the Lord. In the lecture portion of the ceremony, the Saints were instructed to pray that God avenge the blood of the prophets, based on Revelation 6:9-10, rather than that the Saints seek vengeance. We discussed several other points, but did not cover the subject sufficiently. I had hoped to have Bagley back on my next Talk Show to pursue this further, but he is too busy. I will probably have him back in the future, but I have decided to continue the subject without him next Sunday to summarize this historical event and consider some of the many controversial points. Talk Show host: Van Hale, LDS Official website: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com Podcast address: www.mormonmisc.podbean.com Talk Show Blog: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/radioprogramblog This is the 3 June 2007 episode of the Mormon Miscellaneous Worldwide Talk Show, now in its 27th year.To listen to future Talk Shows live, go to www.k-talk.com Sunday evenings 5:00 - 7:00 pm MST. If you have a question or comment, your participation is invited, regardless of your point of view. Your voice will be heard around the world.    

Mountain Meadows Massacre 1  My guest was Will Bagley, independent historian and columnist. His book, Blood of the Prophets: Brigham Young and the Massacre at Mountain Meadows, covers a period of Mormon history, 1856-1858, laden with controversy: the Reformation, blood atonement, Utah War, murder of Parley Pratt, the Mountain Meadows Massacre and the trials and execution of John D. Lee (1874-1877). Historians and students are divided on some of the main issues and events of this era and many of the lesser ones. His book adds to the controversy. We discussed Bagley's view that Brigham Young directly ordered the Mountain Meadows Massacre as an act of vengeance precipitated by the murder of Parley Pratt. Bagley contends that Mormons were committed by a sacred oath in the temple ceremony - the alleged "oath of vengeance" - to avenge the blood of the prophets Joseph and Hyrum murdered in 1844, to which list would have been added the beloved Apostle, Parley Pratt, murdered in May 1857 in Arkansas. I reviewed some of the substantial evidence which demonstrates that there was no "oath of vengeance" administered in the temple ceremony, that this was a tale manufactured and spread by bitter ex-Mormons. Rather, the long established LDS position left all vengeance in the hands of the Lord. In the lecture portion of the ceremony, the Saints were instructed to pray that God avenge the blood of the prophets, based on Revelation 6:9-10, rather than that the Saints seek vengeance. We discussed several other points, but did not cover the subject sufficiently. I had hoped to have Bagley back on my next Talk Show to pursue this further, but he is too busy. I will probably have him back in the future, but I have decided to continue the subject without him next Sunday to summarize this historical event and consider some of the many controversial points. Talk Show host: Van Hale, LDS Official website: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com Podcast address: www.mormonmisc.podbean.com Talk Show Blog: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/radioprogramblog This is the 3 June 2007 episode of the Mormon Miscellaneous Worldwide Talk Show, now in its 27th year.To listen to future Talk Shows live, go to www.k-talk.com Sunday evenings 5:00 - 7:00 pm MST. If you have a question or comment, your participation is invited, regardless of your point of view. Your voice will be heard around the world.    

First Vision Accounts 2 I continued the subject from last week, specifically assessing the argument that Joseph Smith changed his story of the First Vision to fit his developing view of the Godhead.This argument claims that in 1832, the year of the first written account, Joseph Smith believed that there is only one person who is God, who manifests himself as the Father at times, and as the Son at other times. Jesus is thus, the Father and the Son, and so according to his 1832 theology, there is only one Divine person, not two. This argument insists that his theology evolved to a belief in two Divine beings.As a result, subsequent accounts of his First Vision fit this new view of God and nine of the other ten accounts, from 1832-1844 declare the appearance of two persons.I presented and discussed several relevant sources dating to 1830-1832 which have been overlooked by those who promote this view. These sources support the position that, prior to 1832, Joseph Smith believed that God has appeared on occasion, that He appears to introduce his Son and that Jesus has a Father who is a separate, distinct personage, concepts consistent with that found in his 1838 account, the one printed in the Pearl of Great Price.Several listeners joined in the discussion, while others took the discussion down another path. Talk Show host: Van Hale, LDS Official website: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com Podcast address: www.mormonmisc.podbean.com   Talk Show Blog: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/radioprogramblog This is the 27 May 2007 episode of the Mormon Miscellaneous Worldwide Talk Show, now in its 27th year. To listen to future Talk Shows live, go to www.k-talk.com Sunday evenings 5:00 - 7:00 pm MST. If you have a question or comment, your participation is invited, regardless of your point of view. Your voice will be heard around the world.

First Vision Accounts 2 I continued the subject from last week, specifically assessing the argument that Joseph Smith changed his story of the First Vision to fit his developing view of the Godhead.This argument claims that in 1832, the year of the first written account, Joseph Smith believed that there is only one person who is God, who manifests himself as the Father at times, and as the Son at other times. Jesus is thus, the Father and the Son, and so according to his 1832 theology, there is only one Divine person, not two. This argument insists that his theology evolved to a belief in two Divine beings.As a result, subsequent accounts of his First Vision fit this new view of God and nine of the other ten accounts, from 1832-1844 declare the appearance of two persons.I presented and discussed several relevant sources dating to 1830-1832 which have been overlooked by those who promote this view. These sources support the position that, prior to 1832, Joseph Smith believed that God has appeared on occasion, that He appears to introduce his Son and that Jesus has a Father who is a separate, distinct personage, concepts consistent with that found in his 1838 account, the one printed in the Pearl of Great Price.Several listeners joined in the discussion, while others took the discussion down another path. Talk Show host: Van Hale, LDS Official website: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com Podcast address: www.mormonmisc.podbean.com   Talk Show Blog: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/radioprogramblog This is the 27 May 2007 episode of the Mormon Miscellaneous Worldwide Talk Show, now in its 27th year. To listen to future Talk Shows live, go to www.k-talk.com Sunday evenings 5:00 - 7:00 pm MST. If you have a question or comment, your participation is invited, regardless of your point of view. Your voice will be heard around the world.

First Vision Accounts In this talk show I discuss the early accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision - those recorded during his lifetime, 1830 to 1844. One was written by Joseph Smith in 1832, two others were dictated by him in 1835 and 1838, and another was written by him for publication in 1842. The other six are second hand accounts. Five of the accounts had not been published until after 1969. I am specifically interested in the allegation that an examination of these accounts demonstrates that Joseph Smith fabricated the First Vision and changed it to fit new circumstances and his developing views about God. I approach the topic by resorting to common sense and comparing some variations in the several accounts. I discuss the publication history of several of the accounts and the remarkable fact that it seems Joseph Smith was reluctant to publish an account of his First Vision until 1842. I responded to several callers and email on the topic, and to one caller, who would not affirm or deny that he is an American, but who startlingly encourages that Mormons be wiped of the earth by any means possible. I did not get to the main point I wanted to discuss, but will pursue it next week or the week following. I believe early documents, 1830-1832, persuasively support my argument that Joseph Smith's theological views during those two years are consistent with his claim to have seen the Father and the Son. Talk Show host: Van Hale, LDS Official website: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com Podcast address: www.mormonmisc.podbean.com Talk Show Blog: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/radioprogramblog This is the 20 May 2007 episode of the Mormon Miscellaneous Worldwide Talk Show, now in its 27th year. To listen to future Talk Shows live, go to www.k-talk.com Sunday evenings 5:00 - 7:00 pm MST. If you have a question or comment, your participation is invited, regardless of your point of view. Your voice will be heard around the world. 

First Vision Accounts In this talk show I discuss the early accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision - those recorded during his lifetime, 1830 to 1844. One was written by Joseph Smith in 1832, two others were dictated by him in 1835 and 1838, and another was written by him for publication in 1842. The other six are second hand accounts. Five of the accounts had not been published until after 1969. I am specifically interested in the allegation that an examination of these accounts demonstrates that Joseph Smith fabricated the First Vision and changed it to fit new circumstances and his developing views about God. I approach the topic by resorting to common sense and comparing some variations in the several accounts. I discuss the publication history of several of the accounts and the remarkable fact that it seems Joseph Smith was reluctant to publish an account of his First Vision until 1842. I responded to several callers and email on the topic, and to one caller, who would not affirm or deny that he is an American, but who startlingly encourages that Mormons be wiped of the earth by any means possible. I did not get to the main point I wanted to discuss, but will pursue it next week or the week following. I believe early documents, 1830-1832, persuasively support my argument that Joseph Smith's theological views during those two years are consistent with his claim to have seen the Father and the Son. Talk Show host: Van Hale, LDS Official website: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com Podcast address: www.mormonmisc.podbean.com Talk Show Blog: www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/radioprogramblog This is the 20 May 2007 episode of the Mormon Miscellaneous Worldwide Talk Show, now in its 27th year. To listen to future Talk Shows live, go to www.k-talk.com Sunday evenings 5:00 - 7:00 pm MST. If you have a question or comment, your participation is invited, regardless of your point of view. Your voice will be heard around the world.