Definition of Prophecy

In preparation for a closer examination of some of the "failed prophecies" of Joseph Smith it is essential that we review the vocabulary we will be using. This post is designed to lay some of that groundwork.

Random House Webster's College Dictionary defines prophecy as follows:

prophecy n., pl. -cies. 1. the foretelling or prediction of what is to come. 2. something that is declared by a prophet, esp. a divinely inspired prediction, instruction, or exhortation. 3. any prediction or forecast. 4. the action, function, or faculty of a prophet.

LDS apologist Michael W. Fordham writes that "The term "prophesy" can be used in conjunction with false prophets as well as true prophets. So how do we tell the difference? A false prophet is not necessarily one who makes false prophecies. A prophet is a teacher. A false prophet is one who teaches false doctrine. A true prophet is one who teaches true doctrine. So how does Joseph Smith fit this description? Keeping the words of Christ in mind, when he said to his apostles concerning others who were casting out evil spirits, we find a clue in Mark 9:38-40.

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbade him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part.

'Anyone who has read the scriptures brought forth by and through Joseph Smith will readily see that he was not against Christ. Anyone who has read other, non-scriptural, writings and sermons of Joseph Smith will readily see that he was not against Christ. Anyone who has read the writings of those who personally knew Joseph Smith will readily see that he was not against Christ. Anyone who knows the historical fact that Joseph Smith gave his life for his belief in, and devotion to, the Savior knows that he was not against Christ. Since Joseph Smith was not against the Savior, then he was "on our part," as Christ said. So why then, are men … who proclaim themselves Christians, who claim to follow Christ, so eager to malign Joseph Smith?

So is Joseph Smith a false prophet of Jesus Christ? Certainly he was not against Christ, and Christ himself said that his disciples should "Forbid him not" unless he actively opposes Christ. So he passes our first test.

Did he teach false principles? While different denominations may disagree with his teachings, a fair examination of them cannot truthfully declare them false. Disagreement does not make something false. Honest brokers can acknowledge the legitimacy of a contrary view without accepting that view.

Therefore we are left with the definition of prophecy that concerns itself with inspired predictions of future events. Joseph Smith passes the first two tests of prophecy and so far we have shown many instances (1, 2, 3, 4) of his passing the third test - uttering inspired predictions of future events. Next we will cover how to correctly interpret prophecy before we examine the first of our "failed prophecies", the prophecy found in D&C 114 concerning David W. Patten.