Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions

Just as the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christianity, the visions of Joseph Smith are the foundation of Mormonism. Latter-day Saints often argue that if Christians can believe Paul’s claim to have seen the risen Jesus, they should also be able to believe Joseph’s claim. Ironically, skeptics are now using the argument in reverse: They argue that if Christians don’t believe Joseph’s story, they shouldn’t believe Paul’s, either. In Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions, Robert Bowman addresses these arguments head on. He compares the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection with the evidence for Joseph’s visions. The historical data confirm the truth of Jesus’ resurrection and his appearances to the disciples and later to Paul. By contrast, the historical data show that the accounts of Joseph Smith’s visions—especially the official account in LDS scripture—are historically lacking in both reliability and credibility. For Mormons who have doubts about their religion, this study will help them find a more reliable basis for faith in Christ. For Christians, this study provides a fresh angle on the historical evidence for the truth of Christianity.

“Robert Bowman has done a wonderful service for anyone interested in the foundations of traditional Christianity and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With fairness, and yet historical rigor, he examines the central events that lie at the heart of both Christianity and Mormonism. Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions is a must-read for scholars and lay people who are open to considering the historical credibility of the respective religions.”