Though the story of the First Vision was relatively absent from most of the recorded early Mormon discourses of the nineteenth century, the act of telling and receiving the story of the First Vision has become one of the main ways of building a new relationship with the faith.

Michael Vinson leads this discussion about contemporary and past Mormons’ relationships to the stories of Joseph Smith’s First Vision. A review of the various existing versions of the story leads to interactions between the different details of the various versions.

The class discusses whether or not it is possible to weave all the versions together into one coherent narrative–and what the meaning of each individual narrative might be.

For past episodes of the Sunstone Institute podcast, click here.

What does it mean to ‘know’ that the Book of Mormon is true? Is it necessary to always have a certain testimony? Is there scriptural or historical precedent for a practice of Mormonism where the foundation of belief is something other than certain knowledge?  Join us and listen in for discussion of these questions and more.

For past episodes of the Sunstone Institute podcast, click here.

A widely quoted Mormon maxim states that “faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other.” Yet lived experience suggests that faith may be more like a spectrum where belief and non-belief support and inform each other in a fluid relationship. By failing to acknowledge and affirm the many legitimate variations of faithfulness, we may be artificially constricting the bounds of our religious community and blocking people from the further spiritual growth and development that they would otherwise be able to enjoy within the community. Are the boundaries of “faithful” Mormon religiosity more expansive than what we tend to admit?  How can we create safe spaces in the Church for those who want to explore their doubts honestly while also retaining a healthy connection to their faith?

Michael Vinson explores these questions with a group of Sunstoners in this October 28 discussion. You may stream the audio using the media player below. Feel free to also download the audio for yourself at this link. The third episode of the podcast will be recorded on Sunday, November 25, at 6 pm in the Sunstone office. We will be discussing Moroni 10:4 in the Book of
Mormon and talking about what it really might mean to “know” whether or not the Church is true.

See also Episode 1: “What Would Jesus Actually Say? What Did Jesus Actually Say?” (3 Nephi 12-15). [powerpress image=”http://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/againiconofsunforitunes.jpg”]

Listen in to “Sunstone Institute,” a new, free podcast series where theologian Michael Vinson leads a rousing group discussion of Mormon scripture, experience and theology.  The podcast will be updated on a monthly basis.

Click here to download or stream the mp3 of the first episode, recorded in the Sunstone office on Sunday, September 30. You may also stream the audio directly on this page using the audio player that appears below. This episode features a discussion of 3 Nephi 12-15 in the Book of Mormon. The group worked to engage with the text of the Savior’s words directly without necessarily looking through the visor of the entrenched assumptions and expectations that may exist within Mormon culture.

The next meeting of the Sunstone Institute class will be held on Sunday, October 28, 2012, at 6 pm. The topic for discussion will be  Ether 12-13. All are invited to attend and join live in the discussion. The meeting will be held at the Sunstone office (343 N. 300 W., Salt Lake City, UT 84103). You are welcome to bring treats and/or drinks to share!