DiscussMormonism.com

http://LDS.org/study/topics/accounts-of ... n+accounts

It's not often you see apologia on www.LDS.org. Is change in the air?

It's not quite what you would find on FAIR, but a nice, healthy shot in the arm.

"Like the vision of the Apostle Paul of the New Testament, Joseph Smith's vision was a profound experience. The New Testament gives three accounts of Paul's vision on the road to Damascus, each with a different emphasis and different details. Likewise, Joseph Smith emphasized different aspects of his vision according to the audience he was addressing and his understanding of the event."
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Did the three versions of Pauls conversion experience have changing beings appearing to him?

Does that Church explanation for varying First Vision accounts match anything currently in the FAIR database?

I see it as a positive sign that there is no denial going on regarding the nine different accounts having been given by Joseph Smith. However it has scientifically been determined that the 1838 account, rather earlier of later ones, has the most sticking power.

If that's apologetics the Church has been doing it for as long as I can remember in manuals throughout the church.

I don't know, Nehor. It seems a slight change in strategy to me.

Interestingly, this was pointed out to my wife and I by a leading member of the mormonstories podcast group. This person was pretty excited about the article as being a sign of change.

You've some articles from the 1980's and 90's. Doesn't sound like a very new approach to me. In fact, I'd say it's all apologetics.

bcspace wrote:You've some articles from the 1980's and 90's. Doesn't sound like a very new approach to me. In fact, I'd say it's all apologetics.

I hope it's not all apologetics. That would be a waste of a good religion.