Joseph's experiences seem to parallel those he "translated" in the Book of Mormon, perhaps indicating a deeper spiritual-mystical allegory and myth.
Tag: scriptures
Early Secondhand Details about Joseph Smith’s First Vision in 1830-1833?
A late thirdhand account of the First Vision from John Alger in 1893 may be corroborated by some early secondhand (esoteric) references in some songs and hymns recorded in 1833, which may also have connections to a recorded revelation in 1830.
An Introduction to the BHT Translation of Joseph Smith’s First Vision
I introduce a new translation of Joseph Smith's First Vision, giving some background to this interpretation of his mystical experience, the nature of translation, its pseudepigraphal nature, how it was done, and more.
Continual Reinterpretation of Sacred Texts is Imperative
Is the meaning of scripture fixed, or can it be given new fresh meaning? I think it is much more of the latter than the former.
The Value of the Written Word for Good, for Love in Action?
What good is the written or spoken word for uplifting lives and awakening? Is it a means through which we can actively express Love and help bring others to Love?
“I Did Not Write This”: the Mysticism of Spiritual Writing
How could I write something that I did not write? Great question. I'm trying to figure that out too.
Did the Ancient Prophets write Literally or Metaphorically?
Some have argued, including myself, that the ancient prophets wrote symbolically, metaphorically, and not literally. But is that really the case?
Yet another “First Vision” Account from St. Symeon the New Theologian
St. Symeon the New Theologian (949-1022 AD) was a Byzantine Christian monk and poet, and was canonized as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox church. He wrote much about Christian mysticism, including his own experiences.
Luke 4:18-19, 21 BHT, That Day Has Come
An addition to the BHT, where it is announced that the Anointing is here, that the Good News is here, that all those who suffer may be Healed now, that Liberation has come to one and all. It is today, it is now!
Rabindranath Tagore’s “First Vision” Account
Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) was a Bengali author, poet, essayist, playwright, novelist, composer, and painter. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, the first non-European to do so. He recounted the following experience that he had while in Calcutta, India.