Fiction. Next question....
Penetrating expose (by a former Mormon charismatic) here: http://www.mazeministry.com/mormonism/mormonism.htm
Next question.
1) Those who think the Mormon Church is a bunch of bunk will continue to think so and nothing is going to change their minds.
2) Those who think the Mormon Church is true and follow its teachings will continue to think so and nothing is going to change their minds.
3) People on both sides of the issue will continue to post articles, argue and debate in a futile effort to change the minds of those on the other side.
OK - Let the “flaming” begin -—
There is no testimony in existence dated within the 50 year period, “1820 to 1870,” claiming the personages in the Vision of 1820 were God the Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ...This story came later as the leaders of the church became bolder.
Those with callused finger tips from pressing the “abuse” button will be along shortly.
Why, oh why, couldn’t Joseph Smith have stayed with seer seeking buried treasure? Oh, wait, he couldn’t find any, no matter how long he into the crystal lying in his white stove pipe hat and investors were getting a little antsy.
Fiction. Next question....
Note: Links at the bottom of the page take you to other articles listing dozens more issues with Joseph's vision.
I am still trying to figure out how Joe’s mom had an unpublished diary that is published.
You may accept the conclusion of this poster, or you can study it for yourself and make your own conclusion.
You do not want to be like me when I study about one of the posters here at FR. I already know what he is, and I only accept the information that backs it up. The rest of the information is bad.
It is teachings like you put forth here that caused me and others to research and study about The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
A long time ago, I found there was a lot of facts removed from their original surroundings, and then spoken about to make them look like what they were not, so they could be used to make the conclusions that the writer wanted from before the study was made.
I even find that on occasion there are writers that agree with what I have found to be true, but use the same bad method to put forth the ideas.
That's why I like to study things to there most original writing, and not rely on the summaries and conclusions given by others.
Even mine should be checked out.
Ask questions, be open to the idea that you have not yet found the correct answer, keep questioning.
And ask Father for help.
I only need to read the title to answer with a whole-hearted “FICTION!” Anything or anyone whose doctrine contradicts scripture (THE BIBLE) is fiction. Now, to make this statement one needs to believe that the Bible/Christianity is an absolute. For me it is, 100%, without a doubt. That wasn’t always the case, but once you truly and fully know Truth (the person of Christ) everything is measured up to Him. I won’t argue this topic because it’s a fact for me that was divinely imparted. I can’t do that for anyone else.
Wesley Walters is a well known anti-mormon hack.
http://www.shields-research.org/General/LDS_Leaders/1stPres/Joseph_Smith/1826%20Trial.PDF