Debunking Edson Rase and Eliza Lino Abaya: Issue on First Vision Different Accounts

Now here's one from an INC Friends, and it seems like this make a good discussion about the topic of restoration. The multiple vision or account was actually debunk a couple of times already in some apologist and this guys seems like he try to dig it out without knowing it was already thrown in a trash

Okay, so Edson Robis Rase Meme could be a good topic, but it seems he never knew anything at all on this topic alone.

So, let try to make it more constructive to help him out in his meme, so it'll make sense.

So what's with the 4 Account of First Vision?

The story of Joseph Smith’s First Vision is central to Latter-day Saint beliefs, and over the years, he provided several accounts of his experience. Each account, though slightly different in detail and emphasis, contributes to the overall understanding of that sacred event. Here’s a brief overview of four different accounts of the First Vision:

1. 1832 Account:

This is the earliest known account, written in Joseph Smith’s own hand. In this version, Joseph emphasized his quest for a remission of his sins and the personal struggle for spiritual enlightenment. He recounted that he saw the Lord, who forgave his sins and told him that the world had turned away from the gospel.

2. 1835 Account:

In this account, Joseph shared his experience with Robert Matthews (alias Matthias the Prophet). He mentioned that his prayer was interrupted by an evil force but was delivered by the appearance of a pillar of fire. He also described seeing two personages, with one introducing the other as his beloved Son. This account highlights the opposition faced while praying and provides details about the visitation.

3. 1838 Account (Official Church History):

This account was published in the Pearl of Great Price and is the most well-known version among Latter-day Saints. It emphasizes the confusion Joseph felt due to the conflicting doctrines of the various churches. The account details his reading of James 1:5, his decision to pray, and his subsequent vision where he saw two personages—God the Father and Jesus Christ. They told him to join none of the churches, as they were all wrong.

4. 1842 Account (Wentworth Letter):

This account was written in response to a request from John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat. Joseph summarised the First Vision succinctly, focusing on his desire to know which church was right. He mentioned that the Lord appeared to him and informed him that none of the existing denominations were correct and that he would be instrumental in restoring the true gospel.

Each of these accounts provides a unique perspective on Joseph Smith's experience. While details may vary, they collectively offer a richer understanding of the First Vision and its significance.

What were the differences?

So, let's dive deeper into the detailed differences among the four main accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision. Each account adds unique elements that enrich our understanding of this pivotal event in Church history.

• 1832 Account
• Authorship: Written by Joseph Smith in his own hand in a short unpublished manuscript.
• Key Themes: Personal forgiveness and early confusion.
• Details:
• Joseph was concerned about his sins and the state of mankind.
• He read and felt inspired by the Bible, particularly James 1:5.
• He saw a vision of the Lord, whom he identified as Jesus Christ.
• Emphasis on being forgiven of his sins and being told that the world had turned away from the truth.
• This account doesn’t explicitly mention seeing God the Father, focusing more on the visit from the Lord (Jesus Christ).
• 1835 Account
• Authorship: Recorded by Joseph’s scribe, Warren A. Cowdery.
• Key Themes: Satanic opposition, two personages, more conversational.
• Details:
• Joseph described a motive: seeking religious truth and a confrontation with an adversarial force (Satan).
• He experienced a vision where he saw two personages; one introduced the other.
• First mention of auditory experiences prior to the vision, describing hearing someone walking towards him prior to the vision.
• Emphasizes the immediate lifting of darkness upon the appearance of the divine light.
• This account is rather conversational, given he shared it during a meeting with a Jewish visitor.
• 1838 Account
• Authorship: Written by Joseph Smith and heavily edited by clerks, found in the Pearl of Great Price.
• Key Themes: Institutional apostasy, greater detail, and divine mandate.
• Details:
• Describes Joseph’s confusion about which church to join and his determination to seek answers directly from God.
• Details his reading of James 1:5 which prompted him to pray.
• Mentions a battle with darkness and the physical feeling of being bound.
• Describes an extended divine encounter where both God the Father and Jesus Christ appear, with the Father introducing the Son.
• Joseph was explicitly instructed to join none of the existing denominations because they were all wrong.
• This account was written for a broader publication and included in LDS scripture, making it the most well-known narrative.
• 1842 Account
• Authorship: Written by Joseph Smith in a letter to Chicago newspaper editor John Wentworth, known as the Wentworth Letter.
• Key Themes: Clear, concise, and written for a non-LDS audience.
• Details:
• Summarizes Joseph’s early quest for religious knowledge.
• Describes the appearance of two personages who provided an answer to his question about which church to join.
• The divine beings told Joseph that all existing churches were incorrect and he should join none of them.
• This version is shorter and focuses on the necessity and result of the vision rather than the detailed experience.
• Aimed at providing a straightforward account that would be accessible and understandable to those outside the LDS faith.

Each account reflects different focuses and circumstances in which they were given or recorded. The differences can help paint a fuller picture of Joseph Smith's experiences and the foundational period of the restoration.

Was the account has reconciliation as critics claims it's contradicting?

And about this Concern. let's see if Liza Lino Abaya could point out some good points of her claim. I also challenge Edson Robis Rase to help Eliza Lino Abaya in her research.

Paul and his Vision

Now Eliza Lino Abaya and Edson Robis Rase, let's talk about the accounts of Paul's vision that some might find contradictory. Paul's conversion experience on the road to Damascus is described in three places in the New Testament: Acts 9, Acts 22, and Acts 26. These accounts are consistent in depicting the fundamental elements of Paul's experience — seeing a light, being struck blind, and hearing the voice of Jesus. However, they differ in some details:

Who Fell to the Ground?

• In Acts 9:7, it states that the men traveling with Paul stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.
• In Acts 26:14, Paul mentions that all fell to the ground.

Who Heard the Voice?

• Acts 9:7 mentions that the men heard a voice but saw no one.
• However, Acts 22:9 indicates that the men saw the light but did not hear the voice that spoke to Paul.

These variations can be viewed as contradictions, or they could be seen as differences typical of multiple eyewitness accounts where different details are remembered and highlighted. These variations do not necessarily undermine the historicity or the spiritual significance of Paul's conversion experience, which fundamentally changed his life and had a profound impact on the spread of Christianity.

So what's your Opinion Eliza and Edson? I'll post mine after your responses if you have.